Library · Salem
Libraries in Salem
Salem Public Library serves Salem’s 182,726 residents from 2 locations. Last year it logged 361,529 visits, about 2.0 for every resident, and lent 1.3M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Salem Public Library
585 Liberty St. SE, Salem 97301
44 hrsopen a week
96,000sq ft
276Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
Auto-renews loansBooks renew on their own if no one’s waiting
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#30
#30 of 36 · Most-used libraries in OR →Among OR towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#16 · Most library borrowing →#16 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
362K
visits
2.0 per resident
1.3M
loans, print + digital
7.1 per resident
602
programs & events
18K attended
62K
library cards
34% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 100,000+ people
Per-resident numbers, compared only with libraries of a similar size across the country, because a tiny town’s library always looks busier per person.
Visits per resident
2.0 visits · typical 2.1
A little below typical (45th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
7.1 print items · typical 3.2
Higher than 85% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
3.5 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 83% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.1 attendees · typical 0.2
Lower than most similar-size libraries (11th percentile)
Cardholders
34% of residents
A little below typical (35th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
1.3M loans last year
Books & media (adults)51%Kids’ books & media49%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
602 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$25 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $4.6M.
Local 96%State 0%Gifts & other 3%
Locations
Other libraries in Salem
About these numbers
How to read this page
Hours are an averageThe survey reports a building’s public hours for the whole year. We divide by the weeks it was open, so check the library’s own site for today’s hours.
Compared by size“Similar-size” means libraries serving about as many people, nationwide. Per-resident numbers always flatter the smallest towns, so they’re never compared with big cities.
One year, the library’s own countLibraries report their own visits, loans and programs for fiscal year 2024. A library that didn’t respond keeps its address and hours here, with no numbers.
Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services, Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024. Distances are straight-line from the town center.