“The National Literacy Trust says that children who go to a library are twice as likely, as those who don’t, to read well. It is not just picking up a book. It is the social experience of reading, talking about the books, browsing, comparing what you have read with family and friends. Librarians are gate keepers in that process. They open doors to new worlds, new possibilities. They ask library visitors to evaluate the information on offer. Most importantly, they give access to narratives. Children and adults do not just need information to thrive as thinking beings, but stories. Libraries are the temple of story."

The Salem Public Library Foundation Board strives to fund library improvement in Salem.
We understand the importance of space for people to gather to learn, enjoy, and share.

Past Renovation Projects

The Foundation Board has supported past renovation of the Library’s Anderson meeting rooms, the main floor open areas, and the popular "Teen Scene." Andersen Room renovations included installation of up-to-date sound and video equipment which has enhanced the usability and popularity of the space.  Comfortable seating was added to the main level open-area, so as to create “little living rooms” throughout the Library in an effort to create a welcoming environment for all visitors. Planned by (and for) area youth, the "Teen Scene" opened in 2011  and is dedicated to of middle and high school age readers. Since the space opened, the Library has experienced a 25% increase in the number of books checked out by this age group.

New Renovation Projects

In honor and memory of Barb Cornell Gehlar, Paul Gehlar and the Salem Public Library Foundation have completed plans to repurpose a portion of the main floor to create an inviting, comfortable, beautifully designed reading room. It will invite the Salem community to feel welcome in a pleasing, comfortable space. The Salem Public Library Foundation is grateful to be the recipient of Paul Gehlar’s generous gift to cover the cost of a majority of the project in Barb’s name. We are thankful to the City Librarian, Julie Sowles, for making this important project a priority for the Library. Construction should be completed by early spring 2017.

A great supporter of the Salem Public Library, Barb Cornell Gehlar passed away on September 6, 2013. She was educated as an Interior Architect and had a sharp eye for excellent design which she practiced in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. After her return to Oregon, she became the interior designer for the major renovation and expansion of the Salem Public Library completed in 1991. During the planning she met Paul Gehlar and they quickly fell in love and married in May of 1992. Paul’s efforts now preserve part of Barb’s memory in the very building that meant so much to her, and to the Salem community.