What’s so special about February? We’re glad you asked! The answer is plenty. It’s American Heart Month, American History Month, Black History Month, Children’s Dental Health Month, National Embroidery Month, and Library Lovers Month. Even better, Salem Public Library has materials to help you explore any and all of these subjects!
If you’re feeling a bit daring, check out something from the annual Blind Date with a Book display, just in time for Valentine’s Day! Simply select a wrapped book based on its profile. You might discover a new favorite! Don’t unwrap the book until you get home. If it’s not the book for you, you can always return it and try again. No awkward lulls in conversation or hurt feelings. If you hit it off, introduce the book to your friends! You can even rate your date by filling out a “Blind Date with a Book” bookmark.
Cabin fever may have set in by now. If that’s the case, make plans to attend the Batty for Bats program 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 until about noon in the library’s lower level meeting space. Naturalists from Montauk State Park are eager to help you fall in love with the wonderfully weird world of bats! Discover why these misunderstood mammals are actually incredible nighttime superheroes. There will be fun facts, surprising science, and a whole lot of batty charm. A craft will be included! This program is intended for adults and families. There is no charge to attend, and no library card is required.
The possibility of being snowed in for extended periods of time might make the library’s paperback trade program highly appealing for some folks. The paperback trade program is open to everyone, no library card necessary. Pocket-sized paperback books (about 7-8 inches tall) may be exchanged evenly, one for one. Simply drop off the books that you bring to trade at the circulation desk. Librarians will direct you to the trade shelves and answer any questions. Books do need to be clean and in good condition. Also, books should not have words marked out since censorship is against library policy.
The Hibernation Reading Challenge continues through Feb. 28. This fun program is for all ages. Stop by the circulation desk to pick up a paper log for tracking your reading. Be sure to return that log no later than the last Saturday of the month. The more minutes you read, the more tickets you’ll earn toward the prize drawings! Prizes are on display at the front of the library.
Cold winter weather took a while to arrive this season and as Punxsutawney Phil forecasted, there’s more likely to come. Salem Public Library is a safe space where everyone is welcome to warm up. There are plenty of cozy spots to spend a while. The library is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Hours on Saturday are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please bear in mind that the library may close if winter weather makes it unsafe for staff to get there. Closures will be posted on the library’s social media accounts and announced on local radio station KSMO 1340 AM/95.7 FM.
Your public library is located at 403 N. Jackson Street. We look forward to seeing you soon!
