Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Literacy Resources in Our Community
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At Salem-Keizer Public Schools, we know that reading is at the heart of learning. That’s why literacy is central to our strategic plan, Climbing Together, which places students at the center and prioritizes strong reading skills as the foundation for lifelong success.
The number one tool families can use to support their child’s literacy skills is to read with them each and every day. Families across our community also have access to additional literacy resources that can spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students of all ages grow in their love of reading, alongside their work in our classrooms.
Salem Public Library
The Salem Public Library offers free access to books, e-books, and audiobooks with a library card. Families can explore stories in English, Spanish, Russian, and more, opening doors to new cultures and experiences.
In addition to borrowing materials, the library hosts free weekly events:
- Storytime sessions in English, Spanish, and Russian
- Read to a Pet, where children can practice reading in a relaxed, supportive environment with a furry friend
Keizer Community Library
The Keizer Community Library provides another welcoming space for families to connect with literacy. With a free library card, community members can access books, resources, and technology.
Programs and services include:
- Preschool Storytime to spark early literacy skills
- Bilingual Storytime in Spanish
- Read to a Dog, giving children a comfortable way to practice reading aloud
- Public computer access to support research, homework, and digital literacy
Marion-Polk Early Learning Hub
Marion-Polk Early Learning Hub is an excellent partner who has developed a library of resources that can help build the basic foundation of reading, math, language, communication, and social skills—critical to preparing children for kindergarten and life.
Salem/Keizer Coalition for Equality
Parents are their children’s first teachers. Parent-led literacy programs help Spanish-speaking parents build their children’s literacy skills with vocabulary, reading, and writing practice so students succeed at the same levels as their peers.
Reading Programs (In Partnership With Oregon State University)
The Institute of Reading Development, in partnership with Oregon State University’s Precollege Programs, offers engaging, skill-building reading programs for students from pre-K through high school.
Program Details
- One-hour class each week for six weeks
- Live, online sessions offered year-round
- Tuition: $279 + $39 materials (subject to change)
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Free Books For Children Birth To Age 5
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five. Through funding shared by Dolly Parton and local community partners, families can build their own home libraries at no cost.
Little Free Libraries
Little Free Libraries are small, cabinet-sized libraries where everyone is welcome to take or leave a book. They are located throughout many neighborhoods and provide an easy way to exchange books within the community.