Salem Public Library

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!

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.

My childhood library. Enough said.

I’m not so sure why people have been so harsh in their reviews of this library. It works great for what it does and there’s a great selection of books DVDs and audiobooks.
Contrary to what several other reviews have said, it’s not dark, it doesn’t feel creepy and it’s not dirty.
There are several private rooms that you can go into if you’re just looking to be quiet and by yourself and get some work done.
There are only two reasons I won’t give it five stars:
1.) because this is the only library in the United States that I have been to that actually charges for parking.
I’ve lived in several different states and been all over the country and have never come across a library that has meters at every parking space.
2.) They’re closed on Mondays. Who closes on Mondays?
Anyway it’s still my favorite place in Salem to go whenever I need to get work done and be by myself.

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.

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.

I always get the feeling, when walking into the this library, of being dirty. From the décor 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.

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!

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.