Salem City Council will consider putting a five-year operating levy to fund the public library, parks and Center 50+ to voters in the May election.
The move comes as the city is facing a $17.7-million budget shortfall.
Failure to generate more revenue will result in closed fire stations, layoffs, shuttered libraries and reduced services, city leaders said.
More than a 100 people submitted testimony or spoke at the Nov. 13 budget meeting urging leaders to keep the library open.
“I am very concerned and dismayed that the Salem Public Library is once again on the chopping block!” Lois Stark said in her testimony. “As you all know: Libraries are a pillar of democracy. They are a community resource. The library educates children, teens, and adults. The library exposes us to knowledge.”
She detailed different library programs like classes teaching English and pointed out the library serves as a warming center during extreme weather and is a safe place for children, teens and unhoused adults.