Borrow a Pressure Washer Starting Today at the Library

Salem, OR · May 14, 2026

The morning mist is lifting just in time for the library doors to swing open with a brand-new inventory of power tools and tech for checkout. It is a busy Thursday for those looking to check off a few home projects before the weekend.

📰 The Lead

The Salem Public Library officially launches its expanded "Library of Things" this morning at the main branch on Liberty Street. While the program previously focused on smaller household items and hobby kits, today’s rollout introduces high-value equipment like thermal leak detectors, power tools, and professional-grade telescopes.

This expansion aims to reduce waste and help residents tackle home maintenance without the steep cost of purchasing specialized gear. The project was funded in part by a community grant intended to bridge the gap for DIY enthusiasts and students. Staff will be on hand throughout the day to demonstrate how to reserve these items through the digital catalog and explain the specific checkout durations for the new hardware.

🏙️ Local Pulse

  • State Street Lane Shifts — Crews are finishing new striping near 12th Street today, so expect minor delays during the afternoon commute.

  • School Budget Public Forum — The Salem-Keizer School District holds a community session at 6:00 PM to discuss next year's funding priorities.

🌦️ Today's Outlook

  • High 64°F · Low 50°F — Drizzle
    • Keep a light shell handy for those damp walks between downtown shops this afternoon.

📅 What's On Around Town

  • Salem Night Market — Riverfront Park, 4:00–8:00 PM Local makers and food trucks kick off the mid-month seasonal pop-up.

  • Spring Garden Workshop — Marion County Extension, 10:00 AM Learn which native plants thrive in our specific clay-heavy soil.

  • Independence: Trivia Night — Arena Sports Bar, 6:30 PM A quick drive south for competitive rounds and local craft brews.

  • Live Jazz Thursday — The Grand Hotel, 7:00 PM Smooth sets in the lounge with no cover charge and local wine.

📸 Spotlight & Story

  • The Elsinore Theatre
    • Originally opened in 1926 as a silent movie house, this Tudor Gothic gem features stained glass designed by the same studio that worked on the National Cathedral. The 1,290-seat venue still houses its original, massive Wurlitzer pipe organ.

Salem Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

Sent with care by MailerDot — your city, every morning.

More Salem editions → · Subscribe →