Salem, OR — The future of Salem’s public library is at risk as proposed budget cuts threaten to drastically reduce services that many in the community rely on. At a recent city budget meeting, library workers warned that the deep cuts would effectively shut down the library, eliminating or severely reducing critical programs for children, cutting back on outreach efforts, and slashing nearly half of the library’s open hours.
City library staff voiced their concerns about the potentially devastating effects on the community. Among the most concerning aspects of the proposed cuts are the elimination of popular reading and literacy programs aimed at young children. These programs have long been a vital resource for fostering early literacy skills in a city where many families depend on the library as an affordable and accessible educational tool. Additionally, outreach work—an essential part of the library’s mission to serve all segments of the community—would be significantly reduced, leaving vulnerable populations with fewer resources.
“The proposed reductions would make it difficult for us to fulfill our role in supporting the community,” said a library worker, who asked to remain anonymous. “We provide more than just books—we offer programs that promote literacy, learning, and inclusion, and these cuts would take that away from our residents, particularly those who need it most.”
In response to the budget proposal, concerned citizens and community groups have begun to rally in support of the library. Several community leaders have spoken out, stressing the library’s importance not just as a place to borrow books, but as a critical hub for educational programs, public access to technology, and a safe space for families.
“Without the library, many kids in Salem would lose access to the resources they need to succeed in school,” said Maria Hernandez, a local parent and outspoken advocate for the library. “The library has been an integral part of our lives, and we can’t afford to let these cuts go through.”
The proposed cuts come at a time when public libraries across the country are increasingly seen as essential centers for community learning and engagement. In Salem, the library serves as a vital resource for both children and adults, offering everything from homework help and after-school activities to job search assistance and free access to the internet.
Local officials have yet to make any final decisions on the budget cuts, but the outpouring of community support has been palpable. Public hearings are scheduled for the coming weeks, where residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions and advocate for the preservation of library services.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the Salem community values its library, and many are determined to ensure that it remains a vital part of the city’s cultural and educational landscape.
