*The Salem Public Library will be closed Friday, July 3-Monday, July 6 in observance of the 4th of July holiday. *
July children’s activities
Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29; 11am. Ages 0-5. Story Explorers. Create lifelong readers! Join us for stories, songs, and boisterous fun as we share our love of books with your child. Register at salemva.libcal.com
Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29; 3:15-4:15pm. 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
Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30; 10:15am. Book Babies. Special Storytime designed especially for infants and crawlers. Register at salemva.libcal.com
Thursday, July 9, 16, 23, 30; 11am. Ages 0-5. Story Explorers. Create lifelong readers! Join us for stories, songs, and boisterous fun as we share our love of books with your child. Register at salemva.libcal.com
Tuesday, July 14, 2-3pm; Open to grade K-6. Adopt a Rock: Join us at the library for our adoption event for the ultimate low-maintenance pet: a rock! Decorate both your new pet and its new digs, as well as receive an official certificate of adoption.
July adult programs
Thursday, July 9, 2pm, Ages 18+; Afternoon Games for Adults. Come drop in for a fun afternoon of board games, card games, and jigsaw puzzles. Refreshments will be provided.
Monday, July 13, 10:30am: Friends of Salem Library meeting. Members will discuss advocacy and support initiatives, book sales, and more!
Tuesday, July 14, 6:30pm: True Crime Book Club. A book club to discuss cold cases and old crimes. This month we are reading “The Carpool Detectives” by Chuck Hogan, a true crime story of four suburban moms who investigate a double homicide cold case in their hometown.
Tuesday, July 14, 7pm. Virtual Speaker Event: Small Towns and Big Secrets: In Conversation with Bestselling Author Karin Slaughter. Register at to watch at home. Register ahead of time to take part in the live discussion, and for an exclusive sneak peek of The Secrets We Hide, coming out August 11, 2026!
Wednesday, July 15, 2:00pm: Solo Aging Book Club. Are you a solo ager looking for a thoughtful, supportive space to read and talk about books on aging? Join us for the launch of the Solo Aging Book Club, a readerguided group exploring the many dimensions of growing older. At our first meeting, participants may choose from selected titles or bring a book of their own interest related to aging. A solo ager is any older adult living alone without supportive family or other help nearby. Register at salemva.libcal.com or call the Salem Library at 540-375-3089.
