Salem Public Library’s year-end “2025 Wrapped” recap shows steady demand for library services, with hundreds of thousands of visits, more than a million checkouts and a busy schedule of public programs.
The library reported 336,565 visits in 2025 and 33,781 active cardholders. Patrons borrowed about 1.5 million items during the year, ranging from books and audiobooks to DVDs and other materials.
Library programs drew consistent participation. Salem Public Library said it offered 732 programs in 2025, with 25,977 total attendees. Programs included storytimes, workshops and community events held at both locations. The library’s summer reading effort recorded 4,185 participants.
The figures arrive as the library continues operating on expanded hours that began in late 2025. The City of Salem increased open hours at both library locations starting Nov. 10, adding evening and weekend access at the Main Library and adding more days and longer hours at the West Salem Branch.
Under the expanded schedule, the Main Library, 585 Liberty St. SE, is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The West Salem Branch, 395 Glen Creek Rd. NW, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. City officials said the change increased weekly open hours to 48 hours at the Main Library and 21 hours at the branch.
City officials said services were reduced in 2024 amid a gap in the city’s general fund tied to rising costs and statewide limits on property taxes. The city said the May 2025 Salem Livability Levy helped restore hours by supporting staffing, including the addition of three positions and the filling of vacancies. The levy also supports parks and Center 50+ services, according to the city.
Library staff encourage residents to see the library as more than a place to check out books. Alongside traditional collections, the library offers public computers and Wi-Fi, study and meeting rooms, youth spaces and help with technology questions. The library’s “Library of Things” includes practical items meant to be borrowed for occasional use or to try before buying, and the library also provides cultural passes and other specialty collections.
Looking ahead, the library is preparing for its annual community reading project, Salem Reads: One Book, One Community, set for February 2026. The city has announced “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt as the 2026 selection, with related programs planned around the book. The City of Salem has also announced a free public appearance by the author on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, as part of the 2026 Salem Reads events.
Salem Public Library’s “2025 Wrapped” totals reflect the scale of daily use at both locations, from borrowing and research to public programming and family activities. More information about services, hours and events is available through the City of Salem’s library webpages or by contacting the library at 503-588-6315.
