Welcome to Your New Library Website!

Salem Public Library provides numerous services for the residents of the City of Salem and Dent County. Those living within the city limits pay a library tax and may obtain membership for no additional charge by presenting proof of residency. For either a semi-annual or an annual fee, the non-city residents of Dent County may purchase a membership which gives them full access to all the library benefits enjoyed by the taxpayers, with the exception of serving on the Board of Directors.

Not only does the library offer books for all ages, it also provides a wide variety of magazines for adults and children, large print items, and reference materials. Members may also choose non-print items such as audiobooks on CD, DVDs, Blu-Rays and e-books. Many patrons utilize the interlibrary loan service for items unavailable at our facility. An online catalog allows patrons to search from the comfort of their own homes. Items may be put on hold or renewed from home as well. Patrons are also able to stay abreast of current events at the library through the library’s Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Perhaps you are interested in one of the library’s specialized areas. You can spend hours viewing birth, death, and marriage records on microfilm and books in the genealogy section. A Missouri area gives instant access to books on birds, plants, industry, authors, and other topics within our state. Membership is not needed to utilize our paperback trade section. Each paperback in decent condition that is brought in can be traded for a different paperback from this section only. There is no charge for trades. Barcoded titles in the library’s circulation system are not part of the trade area.

Programs offer opportunities for sharing, learning, and social interaction. Salem Public Library’s programs are open to the public and rarely involve any cost to participants. Age is not a consideration for taking part in our Book Talk sessions. All you need is a willingness to read and discuss the month’s title chosen by the group’s participants. A preschool program is held on the second Tuesday of each month. Children and their parents or caretakers are invited to partake in a fun session of stories and activities centered around a theme.

The summer reading program is developed in conjunction with the Missouri State Library’s annual theme. Summer reading program activities are scheduled for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. A photography contest and other creative programs are open for teens. The library also provides volunteer readers to all classes from kindergarten through third grade each month. Books on the Run is a special program/service offered to home-bound city patrons as well as to residents of local nursing homes and care centers.

Come and explore! 

We have books, magazines, and videos available in print and online.

Find puzzles, toys, computers, or a comfortable spot to read.

Learn about our events for people of all ages.

We hope to see you soon!