Salem's 2022 most checked-out books for kids, teens and adults

The Salem Public Library has seen a steady increase in returning visitors since reopening following COVID-19 closures, according to librarian Kim Carroll. And the use of the digital collection that took off during the pandemic also continues to grow.But there's more in the works.The library recently eliminated fines and increased the number of events for all ages, including storytimes, performers and book groups. The library renovation included the addition of study and meeting rooms open to the public."We will soon be launching a pilot program with book lockers at the Main Library," Carroll said in an email to the Statesman Journal.

"Patrons will be able to put items on hold and pick them up 24/7 from the book locker."A new Library of Things collection is expected to fully launch in March. Patrons will be able to check out WiFi-enabled Chromebooks, metal detectors, video projectors, ice cream makers, outdoor games and other equipment.Carroll also said there hasn't been an increase in the number of challenges of controversial books at the Salem library, but other libraries have seen challenges particularly to books addressing racism, people of color and the LGBTQ community."The Salem Public Library is committed to centering, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging for all members of our community," Carroll said. "One powerful way we do this is by providing a wide variety of stories that explore the human experience."She said literature is intended to act as a mirror, a window and a sliding-glass door."A mirror is where we see ourselves in the characters and experience.

For me, a cisgender white female with four sisters, I can see myself mirrored in the experience of Jo from Little Women.A window allows the individual to view someone's else experience. For some, that can be anything from Trevor Noah's Born a Crime, which recounts his experience as a young boy growing up in South Africa under apartheid,d to Maia Kobabe's journey through gender identity in the autobiographical graphic novel Gender Queer."A sliding glass door expands on the concept of windows," Carroll said. "Sliding glass doors create empathy and understanding by impacting one's perspective in a profound way.

For me, Trevor Noah's and Maia Kobabe's work offer a doorway into someone's life experience that I can share even though it is different from my own.  I care about their experience and this caring is what creates meaningful connections. This is the power of literature."Carroll said these are the books Salem residents checked out most in 2022.Most checked-out titlesDog Man by Dave Pilkey (juvenile graphic novel)Rescue on the Oregon Trail by Kate Messner (juvenile fiction, Oregon Battle of the Books)           Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah (This year's Salem Reads selection)Dog Man: Fetch-22 by Dav Pilkey (juvenile graphic novel)The Match by Harlan Coben (fiction, thriller)Top fiction for adultsThe Match by Harlan CobenRun, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James PattersonDream Town by David BaldacciThe Maid by Nita ProseThe Paris Apartment by Lucy FoleyTop non-fiction for adultsBorn a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor NoahCrying in H Mart: A Memoir by Michelle ZaunerAtomic Habits: Tiny changes, Remarkable Results: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James ClearThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van der KolkThe Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity by David GraeberTop teen fictionThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne CollinsA Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah MaasShadow and Bone by Leigh BardugoKeeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon MessengerA Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah MaasTop teen non-fictionBorn a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor NoahAll Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. JohnsonThe 57 Bus by Dashka SlaterAin't Burned All the Bright by Jason ReynoldsDungeon Master's Guide by Mike MearlsTop children's fictionDog Man by Dav PilkeyRescue on the Oregon Trail by Kate MessnerRowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories by Jeff KinneyThe Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T.

SutherlandDiary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway by Jeff KinneyTop children's non-fictionGuinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2020Unofficial Minecraft STEM Lab for Kids: Family-friendly projects for exploring concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math by John MillerThe Unofficial Minecrafters Master Builder Workshop by Megan MillerStar Wars: The Secret Life of Droids by Jason FryStar Wars, The Force Awakens: The Visual Dictionary by Pablo HidalgoTop children's picture booksPete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party by Kimberly and James DeanDon't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! by Mo WillemsThe Pigeon Needs a Bath! by Mo WillemsPete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes by Kimberly and James DeanThe Pigeon Has to Go to School! by Mo WillemsAlia Beard Rau is the senior news editor at the Salem Statesman Journal. Reach her at EMAIL.