Fond memories of taking my child to story time every week. She loved it. The parking is free and plentiful and there are some really good meeting rooms to reserve. The staff are super kind and helpful. You can also reserve books using the online platform and then just get them off the reserved shelf and check them out. This feature is so helpful if you want an in/out experience. The library is what makes this City right. They are doing an excellent job!! The books are super awesome - you can find so many great ones, and they pull from other Oregon libraries so you really aren't limited to the books at this location. A fat thumbs up to this library and everything it has to offer. Also - don't forget the cultural pass you can reserve. It was a great way to take your children to local attractions without paying an entry fee. What a great educational opportunity!!!! read more

I take my son here 2-3x a month and it is a wonderful library! There are several things for toddlers and young children. Upstairs is the child area. The printing is a great deal as well. My favorite thing about this library though is the Friends of the library store to the right when you first walk in. You can donate books there and they sell them for very cheap as well. I just got two books on my wish list for $3 each and they appeared to be brand new! My mom said they used to have a cafe and she misses that part- but I wasn't here during that time. read more

After years of living in Salem, I finally started going to the main branch of the Salem Library and, my god, I can't believe I never utilized this incredible place before. The building is huge, three stories, with plenty of conference rooms and even quiet side rooms that you can reserve for your own use. The sections are clearly marked and offer a little bit of everything. There's even a selection of audio books that you can look through. Upstairs on the second floor is the "Teen Zone." This room has video games, board, games, comfortable chairs and tables, and is a nice place where, I assume, teens can do their homework in a quiet, safe, warm, comfortable area. I often times take my kids here when we're looking for something to do, or in between times when we're meeting their mom to swap off our time together, and we'll play the various games they have available like Munchkin and Ticket to Ride, or Jenga or other traditional games. I love the science-fiction section and, because the library offers two electric vehicle charging stations at a lower price per kilowatt hour than some other locations, I'll often stop by here to charge my vehicle. I can easily pass the time by reading a book in one of the many, many comfortable seating locations around the library while my car charges. One thing that I finally found, that a friend pointed out, is something I'm almost hesitant to write about. However, if more people know about and request these things, maybe there's the opportunity to have more. I'm speaking of, of course, the Cultural Passes. Salem Library offers passes that are free for admission to many, many amazing locations around the Salem and Portland area. Each pass allows free entry for two people and are available for: Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum Gilbert House Children's Museum Hallie Ford Museum of Art Lan Su Chinese Garden Oregon Garden Oregon State Parks (all locations!) Pittock Mansion Portland Japanese Garden Willamette Heritage Center The passes are available for seven days and are non-renewable. Most people seem good about getting them in (although it appears that one person is almost two weeks late returning their pass, which is just plain rude and hopefully they will not be allowed to rent any more cultural passes) on time. You can look online at the website to see what passes are currently available at any time. There is also a section in the middle of the main floor of the library where you can borrow cooking and baking equipment, electronic equipment, games, and other miscellaneous items. Really, this library has so many incredible things available, it's really one of the greatest resources in the area. I hope the city council continues funding this incredible place because it's one of the greatest benefits our community has. read more

Helpful people who work there. Have been using the library more regularly. The best part is you can order books that they get from nearby towns. read more

I've patronized this library for 25 years, so have seen it change. I personally like the automation, which is nearly infallible. I have never been challenged for not returning a book, which happened at least twice before. In the past, there were employees which I avoided, and this is no longer the case. I think the inventory is vetted electronically and if a book is not checked out regularly it is discarded. This results in classics disappearing. The lecture hall gets interesting speakers and events. I am a senior and do not make use of the manifold electronic services. There used to be a cafe in the basement and a big table for patrons to bring discards of magazines, etc., which made the library more of a community center, but the librarians have, probably rightly, confined the library to strict professionalism. There are biennial book sales which are economical and interesting, with large displays. Parking is now free. read more

I love this library - it has everything you could hope for from a library, from a wide selection of books and other media to fun programs for all ages. There's even a library of things there where you can check out useful items you might only need for a short while like a pressure washer or cake decorating kit. One of my favorite things to do is pick a topic and just go get lost in the stacks doing a deep dive with whatever books they have on that topic. Plus, they recently went fee-free! read more

Great library with a cute little play area! This is my first time here, great customer service from the staff. Very clean, bathrooms maintained. Lots of great books to choose from. Also dvds, cd's and computer access. Great spot to learn and bring the toddler or kids to have some fun. read more

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The Public Library is a classic fixture in Salem's downtown area. The library has quite a selection of books, especially for a place that doesn't seem that big. However, it still attracts plenty of Salem locals who seek to read and seek to relax in the quietest area of downtown. Lots of students will flock here to study and research, I had come here on occasion for the same. Computer terminals are more available now, but they do have a time limit for internet use. There aren't a lot of people here during the winter but the place is flocking with readers during the summer. During the summer time, a favorite spot for many is the courtyard water fountain, where children tend to come and play. The library card system is pretty extensive. If you haven't had a card for awhile (at least 2 years), then you'll have to reapply again. The most ideal card is the full service card, which costs $85 a year. Out of state residents can get a limited use card which has is slightly cheaper. I believe the limit of checked out items is as much as 50 books with a maximum of 5 in a any given subject area. 5 DVDs and 6 magazines are the maximum allowed at any given time. Everyone fears fees and in the old days, library fees were the worst. The longer the book goes unreturned, the higher fees are. Renting new books can be found here and are only available for a fee. Speaking of fees, the parking fees are likely here since the library is right next to City Hall where Salem's finest have nothing better to do than issue citations. If you can, try to get dropped off here. Killing time at Salem Public Library can sometimes be easier than the Salem Centre. read more

I love this library! Artwork is on most walls. Lots of comfortable places to sit. Excellent amount of parking. Really nice helpful people. You can hold and check out books from many other libraries. I look forward to going here often and finding a new book to read. read more

I wanted to use the computer lab today - Black Friday 11.23.2018 but the library was closed. The staff is very smart and helpful. A fantastic resource for my community and superb book collection. I love this place. *****TEN STARS****** read more

Disclaimer, I don't have a library card so I might not even be "qualified" to rate the library. But here's what I have decided: A free place to take the kids on a rainy day, out of the house encouraging reading and imaginative play with puppets and books? YUS. I have two 4 year olds at different levels of reading (one is JUST recognizing words and reading them, the other is working on sounds of letters), a 7 year old and a 9 year old who are breezing through chapter books series like its going out of style. My son has a library card and its perfect for him. He polishes off a book from a series in DAYS and why pay 13-20 bucks for a book he may not ready again? I haven't even ventured into most of this library; I am mostly just emotionally attached to the kids section. I love instilling a love of reading and books and also imaginative play. It's a great place to bring coffee, the kids, and pick out some books and teach them respect and quiet. It's actually a really great place to go. I'm sad it took me so long! I hear the activities at the library change often and thats so great to keep kids involved! love this! read more

I have been to quite a few libraries & this one is the best one I have been to. It is huge, there are multiple floors, a small used bookstore, and a computer area. The employees are really helpful & friendly. There is a parking garage that always has plenty of parking. read more

I can't even begin to say how much help this Library has been to me. What a wonderful resource for the Salem Community! Did you know you can scan for FREE?!!! Transfer to USB...then also copy USB to USB? I met a guy here who was copying VHS tapes to DVD FREE!!!! Who woulda thought?! Office Depot wanted .25 cents PER PAGE to scan! I had 300-400 pages to scan and with Sara's help I not only learned how....I got the job done FREE! Sara treats everyone with respect and divine patience! Even us technologically challenged folks! She turns a job I'm getting anxiety from to an easy success! I even feel better about myself for "getting it done on my own!" (Not really. Couldn't have done it without Sara!!!) This Library is a sanctuary for the city of Salem and Sara is their superstar! Thank you so much Sara. Yours, Theresa read more

Ridiculously helpful and friendly staff! I really needed wifi and a place to plug in my computer to finish up some homework. They were very helpful to help me find a spot to do my work and made sure I didn't get lost finding the area recommended. Wifi worked well and a fantastic view of a tree beginning to transition into Fall. Being from California this was a fantastic treat for my time at this library. I'll return in the future! Thank you Salem Public Library! Oh, and the bathrooms are very nice and super clean! read more

Salem Public Library - Beautiful view of a tree transitioning into Fall as I study this rainy day. :-) - Libraries Near Me - Salem, Oregon

Great summer reading program for the children. With presenters scheduled throughout the year, we love bringing our children to the library!

I only go to libraries for the kids section & this one has it all! From iPads, to a huge selection of books, magazines & audio books to a play area for infants and a discovery room plus a nice huge fish tank! We can be there for hours and my kids just never want to leave. Ohh & the wonderful staff is all very friendly and helpful! read more

The library of my youth. You could never convince me it's not the greatest library on the planet (as far as strange cities like Salem goes). It holds millions of memories. Just walking in and the smell takes me back to holding my mother's hand as she led me around when I was six. The scary art installation above the stairs always scared the beejesus out of me. It was like walking down to hell and these scary black ghosts right above. It's just great seeing it now. Wonderful. The doll house in the children's section. Forget about it. They just don't make em like this anymore. In high school, I used to hold up in the corner for an entire weekend. Practically lived there. Ok, it needs to be severely updated. I hope they don't update too much. I love the 70s architecture and the vintage feel. I'm a sucker for nostalgia, though. read more

I love the library. I typically read 1-4 books a week, so I would be hard pressed to buy that many. The library is the perfect solution! A library card is free if you are a Salem resident, as library services are included in your property taxes. If you live outside of Salem, there are yearly fees associated. I happen to live in Salem, so I don't have to worry about them. =) Go libraries! read more

For the funding it gets, this place it pretty amazing. So many wonderful activities and outreach for Salem's children. If you have a problem you should put your money/time where you mouth is. read more

I always get the feeling, when walking into the this library, of being dirty. From the decor and fixtures -- things just look old and used. The layout is not easy to navigate. There are not enough plug-ins for laptops. The furniture is not comfortable. Basically, this place could use a big renovation -- but of course, this isn't the libraries fault -- as it needs public funding. For a real good library, I usually travel to Monmouth to Western U's newer library. But I graduated there, so I'm used to it. read more

We go to this library about once a month. It's the only joint in town pretty much and it's really run down. However I love love love the kids section of the library. They have this great play room with lots of activities that they change all the time. I think the thing that makes it the coolest is that it has a lot of unique touches. There's artifacts of Salem all over it hand-painted. We enjoy it. read more

This public library is so depressing. The books seem older than dirt, the clientel tend to be creepy. I just don't feel like this libary is a place for me and my family to come and look for books to borrow. They really need a newer selection, brighter colors, and a happier kids section. read more

This place could use a better ventilation system, it's humid inside and the air commingles with the odor of grease from the restaurant downstairs. It's a shame because it really is an otherwise respectable library. It has interesting architecture & a bevy of classic texts. It would be nice to see a few new additions in the racks though. read more