Salem Public Library
🏢 City of Salem Public Library · Salem, Virginia
Salem Public Library
Serving the independent city of Salem since 1937, Salem Public Library sits in the heart of downtown on East Main Street and offers a collection of more than 93,000 items alongside standout services including notary, a seed library, and a Book a Librarian research appointment.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 28 E. Main St., Salem, VA 24153
Phone: 540-375-3089
Website: salemva.gov
Plus Code: 869X7WVV+42 (Salem, VA)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Salem Public Library
Salem Public Library was founded in 1937 to serve the independent city of Salem, Virginia, nestled in the Roanoke Valley between the Blue Ridge and Alleghany mountains. The library underwent a major expansion and renovation in 1990–91, more than doubling its footprint on E. Main Street. Today the collection holds over 93,000 volumes and circulates materials to city residents, who receive free borrowing privileges with a Salem card. The library is a designated participant in Find It Virginia, the Library of Virginia's statewide gateway to free research databases, ebooks, and digital newspapers — available to every Virginia resident with a public library card. Salem's downtown location — just steps from the Salem Civic Center and the Red Sox AAA affiliate ballpark — makes it a frequent community gathering point, and the Friends of Salem Library group actively supports expanded programming and collections throughout the year.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded 1937, renovated and expanded 1990–91 on historic E. Main Street
- 93,000+ item collection serving the independent City of Salem
- Notary public service available at the library
- Seed library — check out vegetable and flower seeds each season
- Book a Librarian: free one-on-one research and technology appointments
- Two individual study rooms reservable for up to 2 hours per day; large meeting room for nonprofits
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Your Salem card unlocks Virginia's statewide digital resources at no cost:
📚 Services
- Free library cards for Salem city residents and non-resident cards available
- Notary public service (no fee for residents)
- Seed library — seasonal vegetable & flower seed checkout
- Book a Librarian — one-on-one research or technology help appointments
- Two individual study rooms (reserve up to 2 hrs/day)
- Large meeting room for nonprofit organizations
- Free Wi-Fi throughout building and grounds
- Public computers and printing
- Tax forms available in season
- Interlibrary loan (ILL)
🎸 Programs
- Summer Reading Program for all ages
- Children's storytimes and STEAM programming
- Community-building events and cultural programs
- Adult classes including technology and lifelong learning
- Friends of Salem Library book sales and community events
📍 Nearby Libraries in the Roanoke Valley
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Salem Public Library offer notary services?
Yes. The library provides free notary public service to patrons. Bring a valid photo ID and any documents that need to be notarized; it is a good idea to call ahead at 540-375-3089 to confirm notary availability on the day you plan to visit.
What is the Book a Librarian service at Salem Public Library?
Book a Librarian lets you schedule a free one-on-one appointment with a staff librarian for help with research projects, genealogy searches, job applications, or technology questions. Contact the library at 540-375-3089 or stop by the reference desk to schedule.
Can I reserve a study room at Salem Public Library?
Yes. The library has two individual study rooms that can be reserved for up to two hours per day. Reserve through the library's online calendar at salemva.libcal.com or by calling during open hours.
What digital resources does Salem Public Library provide?
Salem cardholders have free access to Find It Virginia — the Library of Virginia's statewide portal for ebooks, audiobooks, academic databases, and digital newspapers. You can also borrow ebooks and audiobooks through Libby (libbyapp.com) with your Salem card.
📋 This library offers notary services. See what a library notary can do — what to bring, fees and appointments — and find other libraries with a notary notary services by state.
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