What draws people to the library? Everything! From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.
National Library Week, April 6-12, 2025, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning.
Library Events for National Library Week
Author Event with Salem’s own retired Director of Administrative Services for Salem City Schools, Forest Jones: Monday, April 7, 6pm. Forest I. Jones, Ed. D., will be discussing his new book Good Trouble: The Selma, Alabama and Derry, Northern Ireland Connection1963-1972. The first 20 attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the book! (Note: I confused the speaker for this event with his father, Forest Jones, a former City Manager of Salem, in last week’s column in my haste at the publication deadline).
Pet food drive to benefit Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection (RCACP) continues until the adoption event held at the Salem Library on Saturday, April 5, from 2-4pm. Drop your donations by anytime before then.
It’s all about dogs at the Salem Public Library on Saturday, April 5th, with events for all ages. Star City Canine Training Club at 10:30am will present an action-packed demo showcasing four of their canine members and humans demonstrating a wide variety of skills ranging from obedience campaigns, tricks, carting (sport in which dogs pull carts), body work, and scent training. Trainers will also offer advice for dog owners to maximize your best friend’s health and safety as well as information on local dog events and competitions. More about the club is available on their website: https://starcityk9training.com Register at salemva.libcal.com
Saturday afternoon, 2-4pm, the Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection (RCACP) will hold a Pet Adoption Event at the library. Come see the adoptees and find your new best friend! See more information about the organization and adopting on their website: https://www.rcacp.org/
National Library Week Children’s Events:
Tuesday, April 8, 3:30pm, Grades 2-5. Painting Squiggles: Explore the odd world of Abstract Art with scribbles, squiggles, and watercolor paint. Register at salemva.libcal.com
Wednesday, April 9, 3:15pm. Grades 1-5, at least 6 years old. Barks & Books. Come read 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
National Library Week Events for T(w)eens
Friday, April 4, 3:30pm, Middle and High school students in need of volunteer hours? Come make Do It Yourself (DIY) toys for the shelter dogs and cats at Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection (RCACP). Animals from the shelter will be at the library on Saturday, April 5, for a Pet Adoption Event.
Friday, April 11, 3:30pm, Middle School Graphic Novel Club: Participants will discuss the book, Wingborn, by Margaret Liu. Register at salemva.libcal.com
Additional National Library Week Events for Adults
Tuesday, April 8, 6:30pm, True Crime Book Club: Reader’s Choice: Virginia Cold Cases.
Thursday, April 10, 6:00pm, Roanoke Silent Book Club will meet at the Salem Library. Bring whatever you are reading and hang out with book-minded folks!
At Salem Public Library, we invite the community to join the celebration! Whether you are a long-time patron or haven’t visited in a while, now is the time to explore all the exciting and unique services the library has to offer for all ages. In person programming includes story times for ages 0-5 years of age, summer reading programs, afterschool book clubs and craft times for elementary ages, tweens and teens encourage the development of literacy skills in children. Book clubs for adults meet monthly. Special arts and crafts programs are geared towards older adults as well as programming and books on the topics of healthy aging and caregiving. Many free to the public digital resources.
