Satellite libraries to open in parks

By D.a. Wilkinson

SALEM — Outdoor learning will get a new meaning thanks to the staff at the Salem Pubic Library.

As part of the library’s new Page 2 Program, two satellite libraries will be set up this summer at Waterworth Memorial Park and Centennial Park.

Park visitors can pick up a CD, DVD or book. Children will be able to take part in various programs .

Teresa Rhodes, the library’s marketing and outreach coordinator, said: “We’re turning a new page. It’s a new way of doing things.”

This summer, people can do almost everything they do at the library in the parks. The program is set to start Tuesday.

Bradley K. Stephens, the library director, said the idea was simple.

“We’re trying to reach out to people,” he said Monday.

One of the most innovative touches of Page 2 is that the temporary libraries in each park will be in industrial containers.

The tan 10-by-8-foot containers from Jacobson Mobile Mini each weigh 6,000 to 7,000 pounds. Shelf brackets are attached to the inside walls to provide shelves. A computer will connect the temporary libraries with the main library on East State Street for checkouts.

People won’t be able to access the Internet from the two summer libraries, however.

Stephens said a canopy will be extended from the front of each temporary library to make a more attractive facade.

Cheryl Kelly, the children’s librarian, will present a series of programs for kids. They will include songs, stories, crafts and speakers.

When the temporary branches are closed for the day, containers will be locked, and valuable items will be taken to the main library.

Steve Faber, the head of the Salem Parks Department, was tremendously supportive of the plan, Stephens said.

The library was able to finance the program with a $14,000 grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, which was awarded through the State Library of Ohio.

State and local officials will be at Centennial Park at 11 a.m. Friday to kick off the project.

Library hours at Centennial Park will be 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and 3 to 6 p.m. Thursdays. The satellite library hours at Waterworth Memorial Park will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sundays and 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

The one-hour story times for kids will be at 6:30 p.m. June 23, 30 and July 7, 14, 21 and 28. The first 40 children to register will receive free books and school supplies. The satellite branches in the parks will close Aug. 27.