Salem Reads returns in February 2025 with a month-long series of events and activities that explore the themes of Why Didn’t You Tell Me? by Carmen Rita Wong.
All events are free, first-come, first-seated, and take place at the Salem Public Library (SPL), 585 Liberty St SE, except where listed. Where noted, events require registration at cityofsalem.net/library
- Salem Reads Art Exhibit: View the work of local artists inspired by the book and curated by Salem Art Association, Jan 28-Mar 1 in the Art Hall at SPL
- Submit your story for I Survived DNA Testing: The Stories. Selected stories will be told by local actors at an event on Feb 27. Entries accepted Dec 15-Jan 15 at cityofsalem.net/library
- Writing Contest: Exploring Identity — First, second, and third-place stories will be published through Press Play Salem. Entries accepted Jan 2-Feb 4 at cityofsalem.net/library
- View and add to the Salem Reads Interactive Display exploring community identity and connection, Feb 1-28 at SPL
- Take in a high-octane performance with Pachanga Latin band, 2-3:30 p.m. Feb 1 in Loucks Auditorium at SPL
- Meet with other adults at the Brown Bag Book Discussion for conversations about Why Didn't You Tell Me?, 12-1 p.m. Feb 4 in the Collaboration Studio at SPL
- During Empowered Choices, local financial planner Brenna Baucum will teach you how to create a personalized strategy to build and maintain your financial independence, 11 a.m. Feb 5 in Anderson Rooms A&B at SPL
- Join Why Didn’t You Tell Me? author Carmen Rita Wong for a virtual discussion. 11 a.m. Feb 7 in Anderson Rooms A&B at SPL and on Zoom. Sign up to receive Zoom link by email.
- Preserving Our Culture and Traditions: An Oregon Humanities Conversation explores the importance of cultural heritage and its preservation. 11 a.m. Feb 8 (Spanish); 2 p.m. Feb 8 (English) in Anderson Rooms A&B at SPL
- Enjoy Dominican-style appetizers and a lively discussion of the book Why Didn’t You Tell Me? by Carmen Rita Wong. Snacks provided; buy your own drinks. 7-8 p.m. Feb 12 at Xicha Brewing Norte, 2195 Hyacinth St NE #162
- Pet Party for Kids: A Thinking Money Activity will teach kids in grades 3-5 about financial literacy. Space is limited. Advance sign-up needed. 4-5:30 p.m. Feb 13 in Story Rooms A&B at SPL
- Make family history more colorful at Genealogy and Genograms, a drop-in style crafting program. 2-4 p.m. Feb 15 in the Collaboration Studio at SPL
- Learn about Rafael Trujillo and the Dictatorships of the Caribbean, 4 p.m. Feb 20 in Loucks Auditorium at SPL
- Gasp at the eye-opening discoveries experienced by those who have participated in DNA testing during I Survived DNA Testing: The Stories, 7 p.m. Feb 27 in Loucks Auditorium at SPL
- Finding Home in a New Culture and Country with Salem for Refugees at Salem City Club. 11:30 a.m. Feb 28. Info: salemcityclub.com
NEED A BOOK?
Pick up a free copy of Why Didn't You Tell Me? by Carmen Rita Wong, at the Salem Reads Book Giveaway 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec 4 at Salem Public Library. Limit: One per visitor while supply lasts.
Additionally, multiple copies of the eBook and eAudiobook are available to download and enjoy on the cloudLibrary and Libby apps. The book can also be purchased at Friends Bookstore, The Book Bin, and Reader’s Guide.