After years of living in Salem, I finally started going to the main branch of the Salem Library…read moreand, 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.
