An initiative of the American Library Association, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September since 1987 to mark the beginning of the school year, combat illiteracy, and encourage communities everywhere to explore all the offerings that having a library card unlocks. Today, thousands of public libraries and schools nationwide participate in the month-long celebration each fall.
Programming for every age group is one important feature the Salem Public Library provides. The Youth Services department now has two full-time Librarians and two part-time Librarian Assistants, all of whom have had extensive training and experience working with children of all ages. Since the beginning of the summer, Youth programs at the Salem Public Library have visibly ramped up. It is exciting for the staff to be able to offer this additional programming, and we hope the public is excited as well.
Programming for adults of all ages is also important to the staff of the Salem Public Library. Since the pandemic, staff at the library have created robust free program offerings to provide entertainment, socialization, and educational information for the aging population.
This includes popular game and humor programs, educational seminars about issues aging seniors face, art programs, and the new Solo Aging Book Club and Solo Aging Café programs. The mastermind behind the programming for the aging population, staff member Theresa Baga, also creates a monthly newsletter, “The Resilient Library Newsletter” with invaluable information for the aging population.
Four additional book clubs for adults meet monthly at the Salem Public Library.
September Children’s Events
Wednesdays (September 2, 16, 23, 30) 11 am and Thursdays (September 3, 17, 24) 11 am: Story Explorers: Create lifelong readers! Join us for stories, songs, and boisterous fun as we share our love of books with your child. Open to children ages 0-5 and their families. Register at salemva.libcal.com
Thursdays (September 3, 17, 24) 10:15 am: Book Babies: Did you know? Literacy development begins at birth! Create lifelong readers with us at this special story time designed especially for infants and crawlers.
Wednesdays (September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30): Barks & Books. Grades 1-5; must be 6 years old to attend. Read with a therapy dog! These mellow dogs love books and can’t wait to listen to you read. Everyone who signs up gets at least 10 minutes to read with a dog. You can bring your own book or pick one out when you arrive! Register at salemva.libcal.com
