Visit Salem-area Gardens!

Go "Garden-Hopping" this Spring!

Visiting parks and gardens is a wonderful way to explore nature with your little one. Salem has a lovely variety of parks and gardens, many located in every day folks' front yards! Travel Salem has gathered a list of almost 20 gardens on display for exploration by the whole family!

Garden-Hopping in Salem and Surrounding areas!

Image of my own tiny backyard garden

Take a Virtual Tour of Salem Public Library!

 Salem Public Library Salem, Oregon

Libraries are great places to find all the books! But they offer so much more!

Some Awesome Things Libraries Provide:

• ACCESS - Information and resources are available for everyone at no cost regardless of income, race, or socioeconomic status. Most also offer a plethora of eResources, for people who can't visit the physical library.
• Community - In an increasingly isolated and isolating society, libraries offer programs and activities that bring people together, helping to build stronger, more cohesive communities.
• Literacy and education - A place for children and adults to build literacy skills, through storytimes, early literacy programs, books, activities, and guidance, helping to prepare young children for kindergarten.
• Safe Space - A safe space to relax, learn, exchange ideas, and socialize
• Connection - A place for community members to connect from different cultures, races, socioeconomic situations, and backgrounds.
• Personal Growth - A place to explore self-education, self-improvement, self-expression, develop hobbies, interests, and lifelong learning.
• Welcoming - A 3rd space where all are welcome.
• Technology - Services that many need for job-finding, including Wi-fi, internet access, faxing, photocopying, printing, scanning, computers, and staff with the skills to help get started on the process.
• Equity - Provides equitable access to a high-quality collection of materials and services  in a variety of formats, reflective of the diversity of the community.

Oregon Libraries Serve the Underserved

Libraries of Oregon Website is designed to provide three main things to ALL Oregonians regardless of taxing district: access to federally funded (LSTA) online databases that are purchased for the whole state by the State Library; a library locator for those Oregonians who don’t know where their nearest local library is located; and general information available via the web, including outstanding websites, ask-a-librarian service, and other online information sources.

The Libraries of Oregon is a joint effort by the Oregon State Library and the Oregon State University Libraries to connect Oregonians with library resources around the state and beyond. All Oregon residents have access to a wide range of digital resources provided by the State Library of Oregon. The Libraries of Oregon's mission is to enable easier access to these state-wide resources and help the citizens of Oregon connect with their home libraries.

2013 1st Grade Bookmobile Program.....Coming to a First Grade Near You!

Every winter, here in Salem, Oregon, the Salem Public Library and the Assistance League of Salem co-sponsor the 1st Grade Bookmobile R.E.A.D. program.  During this remarkable program, the Bookmobile visits first graders at every school in the Salem-Keizer school district, issuing library cards and giving each child the opportunity to check out a book from the Bookmobile's collection.  What better way to get young children excited about reading!

The Salem Library Bookmobile

The Salem Library and Assistance League of Salem have been co-sponsoring this program since 1984.

Reading for All Holiday Book Drive

Support our future....Give Children Books!

Why: Because Reading is the foundation skill that makes all other learning possible.
Who: Marion County Children and Families Commission, Statesman Journal and Marion Polk Food Share

What: The purpose is to generate donations of new or gently used children’s books to distribute to children, youth and families in need in Marion County.

When: December 1 to 12, 2010

Where: Marion County and Beyond!How: Find out more at http://www.reading4all.com/entries/view/1