In November 1930, the Salem Public Library opened its initial location with a total of 200 books. This first location, which was known as the old community building, was relatively small and all circulation and administration tasks were done by hand.
By 1936, the library had grown and advanced significantly. It needed more room. That year, it moved to its second location at 102 North Jackson Street. This location was the site of a former Episcopal church and offered an abounding history, in addition to greater space.
The library’s progression didn’t end there, however. In September 2015, the Salem Public Library opened its doors at its current location, 403 North Jackson. Although just down the road from its prior location, the former bank facility offers superior accommodations and resources, including a prime spot on one of Salem’s main streets.
“We miss the old historic church, but now we have room to continue growing,” says Glenda Wofford, library director.
This continued pattern of growth is made possible by the library’s status as a municipal library district - residents within Salem city limits voted to impose a tax to fund library services – and generous donors.
Friends of the Library, a nonprofit organization, provides financial support for equipment purchases, publicity funding and volunteer activities, as well as useful donations of tapes, videos, books and reference material. Unnamed donors who value the library’s unique programs also make up the support system.
“There isn’t just one thing that makes the library important to our patrons and donors,” Wofford says. “The library as a whole offers great resources and opportunities for connecting and learning.”
This idea is reflected in the library’s mission statement. The mission, according to the library’s website, is to “serve as a reliable resource center and an advocate of intellectual freedom for the community by providing free and equal access to information, materials, services and programs. It acquires, organizes and circulates books, non-print materials and services that help educate, enrich, entertain and inform individuals of all ages.”
Whether eight years old or 80, it’s true that the library offers something for everyone.
On the first Tuesday and Thursday of each month, the library has preschool story hours for preschools and private families. Wofford reports that average attendance for the activity is 100 preschoolers each month. Every summer, there is a summer reading program that coincides with the Missouri State Library’s annual theme. The summer program serves youth from kindergarten to high school and works to encourage a love of reading. The “Book Talk” is a book club for adults who are interested in gathering with others to discuss new reads provided by the library. For homebound adults, the library offers the “Books on the Run” program in partnership with the Enrichment Services of Dent County, Inc. For readers who are unable to visit the library, books are delivered to them and then picked up.
In addition to programs, the library is fully stocked in all genres and formats. It also boasts physical areas for learning, including literacy stations for children and a media center with computers, educational software and free wireless Internet. Copying, faxing, lamination and notary services are available as well.
“There are so many options for patrons,” Wofford says. “The library is a place of enjoyment where they can come browse and check out a variety of reads. If they don’t have Internet or a computer at home they can access that for free. Parents love the programs for their children because of the learning that takes place. We just have so much to offer and love when people take advantage of that.”
Wofford, who will celebrate 41 years at the library in July, is a prime example of someone who has done just that.
“I started out when we had a simple card catalog,” she says. “I was there when we got our first computer and the automated system. I was there when we received computers for the public. I’ve seen a lot of growth – additions to the old building and the big move to the new building. This place is a great passion of mine. The library is in my soul.”
