Good morning, Salem.

Salem Public Library reported 1.5 million checkouts in 2025—a rise from about 1 million in 2024—while residents favored “Remarkably Bright Creatures” as the top book.

The library restored Sunday and evening hours in November after voters approved a property tax increase last May.

In 2025, Salem welcomed several new businesses as Liberty Plaza transformed into The Forge with Clink! restaurant and others, and venues like Finders Keepers Unique Boutique and Statesman Storage opened.

Precious Pizza relocated to serve downtown customers plus a new Grocery Outlet began in south Salem.

This year, Salem saw new leadership with Mayor Julie Hoy and a new city manager take charge while downtown redevelopment and extra school funding reshaped public services after a property tax approval (restoring libraries and community amenities).

USPS operates with regular hours today while FedEx runs limited services and most UPS locations remain closed on New Year's Eve; residents are advised to check with local offices for specific schedules.

Salem Health and PacificSource reached a new contract that will keep Oregon Health Plan patients in network for 2026 (ensuring access to care at all Salem Health facilities), preventing service disruption for around 140,000 Medicaid users in Marion and Polk counties.

Energize & Elevate

10 AM – 2 PM — The Reed — Check website for costs — Discover balance and wellness strategies aimed at busy professionals and entrepreneurs.

Cascade Creatives Grand Opening

12-3 p.m. — LAP Studio — Free entry — Celebrate the opening of a new design studio with giveaways, tacos, and community connection.

First Taste Oregon

January 23-24 — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Admission info available — Celebrate Oregon's finest offerings in art, brew, food, music, and more.

Tales the Winds Remember

3-5 p.m. — Rose Auditorium — Free entry — Experience a musical journey through stories and legends with the Salem Symphonic Winds.

January Paint & Sip at Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge

6-8 p.m. — Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge — Food and beverages available for purchase — Unwind with a creative night of painting an adorable Winter Scene.

Genealogy Workshop: Ancestry & FamilySearch

4:30-5:45 p.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Explore genealogy resources with hands-on assistance from experts.

Hybrid Apprenticeship Workshop at WorkSource Salem

2-3:30 p.m. — WorkSource Oregon - Salem Center — Free entry — Discover hands-on training opportunities in various apprenticeship programs to kickstart your career.

English as a Second Language Beginner Class

3 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Enhance your English skills with a supportive, multilingual atmosphere.