Who We Are
We are a gathering place for readers and writers and the curious — everyone is invited to join.
An athenaeum (ath-uh-NEE-um or ath-uh-NAY-um) is a library. As one of the nation’s earliest independent libraries, we support the pursuit of knowledge and building a better world.
We rely entirely on dues, donations, a modest endowment, and the occasional grant. With no government support, we only answer to ourselves and our members.
We assess authors on the quality of their work (no book bans here). We’re home to 50,000 books including circulating and research collections documenting the intellectual history of the Greater Salem area since the colonial period.
Our full schedule of lectures, concerts, workshops & the Salem Literary Festival provides ample opportunities for social and intellectual growth for all.
Our Values & Commitment
Salem Athenaeum Values Statement
Working together with friends and neighbors throughout the North Shore of Massachusetts and beyond, the Salem Athenaeum is committed to the pursuit of knowledge through life-long learning, self-discovery, and association.
Foster Community: The Athenaeum warmly welcomes all individuals, creating a safe space for social contact and connection and embracing people irrespective of race, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
Promote Education: Our historic collection is a departure point for a journey of mind and body, where education is as much about passion as it is about accomplishment. Through program offerings as diverse as the community we serve, members and guests are encouraged to be inquisitive, learn in unconventional ways, and discover new interests.
Embrace the Future as Stewards of the Past: An independent membership library for over 200 years, the Athenaeum has been able to curate a collection that is as extraordinary as it is timeless. By increasing the relevance and visibility of this incredible asset and improving access to the historic structure that houses it, we honor and extend our rich legacy by encouraging current and future generations to make their mark.
Athenaeum Videos
Membership Libraries
Before there were public libraries, there were membership libraries – associations of dues-paying members who pooled their resources to buy books, secure space, and employ librarians to manage the collection. While many membership libraries became publicly funded with the advent of the public library movement in the 19th century, a few still exist today and maintain their independence. We encourage our members to visit our sister institutions.
For more information, see America’s Membership Libraries, edited by Richard Wendorf and published by Oak Knoll Press. Members may borrow our circulating copy, or you can purchase your own copy.