Salem Public Library is on the move – again. As we enter the final stages of moving back to the renovated Main Library, here are key dates you need to know:
Library staff is excited to welcome the community back to the Main Library following an 18-month seismic and safety upgrade approved by Salem’s voters in 2017. The renovation has given the library a whole new look, with:
“The community investment in our Main Library building has created a strong, well-planned library ready to serve Salem readers for many years to come,” said Sarah Strahl, City Librarian. Frequently Asked Questions: Will all services resume on Wednesday, September 1? Due to the combined impact of the move and COVID-19, some library services will continue to be suspended for now, including: meeting room and auditorium scheduling and use; most in-person events and programming including children’s storytimes; the Discovery Room; and Interlibrary Loan. What if I have holds available, but don’t pick them up by August 17? Holds pickup will not be available during the two-week closure from August 18-31. Any holds still at SPL at Broadway will be moved to the renovated Main Library and available for pickup there beginning Wednesday, September 1. When can I start picking up my holds at the West Salem Branch, if that is my preferred location? Only holds pulled and filled after September 1 will be available to pick up at the West Salem Branch. Will the book drops be open so I can return books during library closure from August 18-31? Book drops will be closed and returns will not be accepted at Salem Public Library locations from August 18-31. What if I have books that are due while the Salem libraries are closed for move-back? Books checked out at Salem Public Library will typically not have due dates between August 18-31. If books were checked out at other libraries in the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library System, due dates may fall within those dates. Items can be returned directly to those libraries or held and returned to Salem Public Library beginning September 1. All items returned to Salem Public Library locations are being checked in fine-free and will continue to be checked in fine-free until further notice. Can I download eBooks and eAudiobooks, use online databases, and stream movies with Kanopy while the libraries are closed for move-back? Yes! All virtual library services will continue to be available 24/7 through the library’s website, www.cityofsalem.net/library. Will I be able to reach staff by phone, email, and chat? Phone, email, and chat will all be closed as part of the move-back closure from August 18-31 while staff focuses all energy and time on preparing the Main Library and the West Salem Branch for service beginning September 1. Messages left by phone and email will be returned beginning September 1. Will the Salem Public Library at Broadway be permanently closed? SPL at Broadway was a temporary location only during the renovation. It will be closed permanently beginning Wednesday, August 18. Is there free parking at the new Main Library? Visitors now have three hours of free parking each day in the library lot. Additional time is .75 cents/hour from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; free after 6 p.m. and Sundays. Traffic is one-way through the renovated parking garage – with entry only from Liberty Street and exit only onto Leslie Street. |
Renovated Main Salem Library to Reopen September 1
