Cold, wet, whatever, the Eugene Public Library has dozens of things to do during January

(Posted by Anne-Allegra Bennett)

Eugene Public Library locations

Downtown: 100 West 10^th Ave.

Bethel Branch: 1990 Echo Hollow Road

Sheldon Branch: 1566 Coburg Road

Information: 541-682-5450 or eugene-or.gov/library

Free admission to all events

ON THE JANUARY CALENDAR

Art Displays at the Downtown Library

“We Are Neighbors” Photo Exhibit — On the walls of the 2^nd floor Magazines and Newspapers room in January and February. “We Are Neighbors” is a photo exhibit created by CALC (Community Alliance of Lane County), featuring photographs of local community members who came to this country as immigrants. Created in 1996 and updated in 2017, the exhibit celebrates the inspirational life stories of these individuals and families. According to CALC, “The exhibit’s intention is to engage and inspire people to recognize how all of us are connected, wherever we are from, and to celebrate the contributions those of us who are immigrants have made to our shared community.”

Eugene Ballet: The Firebird — In the displaycases in the 2^nd floor Magazines and Newspapers room in January and February. Eugene Ballet displays costume headpieces and photos from two productions of Igor Stravinski’s The Firebird. One case will hold pieces from the first ballet the company performed at the Hult Center in 1982. The other case will preview the new, re-imagined pieces for their production coming up in April 2019.

In the Children’s Center on the 1st floor in January — An exhibit about Pacific Northwest Rail History by Glenn Jones plus art and displays by Teacher Annie’s Early Learning Preschool, Lane County Audubon Society, Eugene Waldorf School, Family School, and Adventure! Children’s Museum.

Classes and events

Family STEAM — 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays in January, Sheldon Branch; 4:00 p.m. on Thursdays in January, Bethel Branch.  Kids and family share hands-on fun and learning together! STEAM activities feature science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

Winter Teen Team — 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Tuesdays, January 29-March 19, downtown library. Teens volunteer together to help staff prepare items for check out, set up crafts projects for kids’ programs, create displays, clean and organize books, and more. Apply at the Teen Desk of the downtown library.

Play with Lego Blocks  — 10:15 a.m. every Saturday, Bethel and Sheldon branches. Kids can build, play, and explore with Eugene Public Library’s big and varied collection of Legos. For ages 5-12 years.

Family Music Time — 10:15 a.m. every Saturday, downtown library. Kids and family sing and dance their way into the weekend with a different performer every week. On January 5, sing, move, and play with Kris Olsen. Bryan Reed makes learning rock on January 12. On January 19, Michael Bradley brings live music, puppetry, and interactive storytelling.Music educator Jodie St. Clair of Eugene Suzuki Music Academy leads the fun on January 26.

 “Komedy 4 da Kidz” — 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 2, downtown library; 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 3, Bethel branch; 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 3, Sheldon branch. Kids and family can warm up during winter break with Angel Ocasio’s zany physical comedy show filled with jokes, juggling, magic, and more. Pick up free tickets starting 30 minutes before each show.  

 Nature Kids: Stones & Cones — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 3, downtown library. Ages 6-12 years enjoy nature tales and create “earth art” with natural treasures including stones, pine cones, shells, seeds, driftwood, and more. Led by Nearby Nature.

Concert: Joe Manis Trio — 6:00 p.m. on First Friday, January 4, downtown library. Start the weekend with a stellar jazz concert by the Joe Manis Trio, featuring Joe Manis (tenor saxophone), Phil Baker (bass), and Charlie Doggett (drums).

Dog Tale Time — 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, Sheldon and Bethel branches; 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 12, 19 and 26, downtown library. Pre-register for individual short appointments at 541-682-8316. Kids have fun and build skills in short one-on-one sessions reading to trained dogs. Dogs and handlers courtesy of PAAWS (Project Canine and Pet Partner teams). Sign up for the next week starting each Saturday.

Teens: Mario Kart Tournament — 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, Sheldon branch; 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, Bethel branch. Play Mario Kart with Nintendo Switch.

Print an Ornament in 3D— 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 6, downtown library. Learn how to create patterns with Tinkercad software, then 3D-print them. The Spirograph-like objects can be used as decorative window hangers, phone bling, zipper pulls, key rings, and more. For adults and teens. No experience needed. All supplies provided. Eugene Public Library card required.

Family Fun: Yoga — 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 6, downtown library. Kids and family can try yoga with Caye Harrison. Have fun and learn easy ways to relax together, including breathing and relaxation techniques.

Library Downloads and Streaming: 1-on-1 Help — Pre-register for individual sessions between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 7 at the Sheldon branch, and Monday, January 14 at the Bethel branch. Learn how to save money by getting downloadable and streaming eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, music, movies, and TV shows free with your Eugene Public Library card. Tens of thousands of titles are available to enjoy at home or on the road. Call 541-682-5450 to sign up for a 20-minute one-on-one session. Library staff will help you, using your own device.

Try It: Virtual Reality — 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8, downtown library. Experience virtual reality (VR) and learn to use the Oculus Rift headset available in the Media Lab at the Downtown Library. For adults and teens. Eugene Public Library card required.

Money Matters for Beginners — 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8 at the Sheldon branch, and Tuesday, January 15 at the Bethel branch. Money matters affect everyone every day, but not everyone knows that there are some basic rules that lead to financial stability and success. In this workshop, Mark Brauer outlines these rules and helps participants to apply them to improve their financial outlook. Learn about savings, budgeting, cash flow, debt management, and how to adopt financial strategies that lead to positive long-term outcomes. This event is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library, Prosperity Program of Goodwill Industries of Lane and South Coast Counties, and United Way of Lane County. 

Make Your Next Plate Great: Building Healthy Meals — 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 9, downtown library. Learn the basics of healthy meal building, from protein to fiber and everything in between, with Yaakov Levine, NTP, Nutritional Health Coach at Natural Grocers.

Teens Cook with Mason Jars — 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 9, downtown library. Learn how to make tasty meals and treats using Mason jars, and get a free jar to keep.

Licensing a New Food Business — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 10, downtown library. Learn the process for licensing a new food business, including manufacturing and restaurant operations. The workshop will provide a brief overview of state regulations, construction requirements, plan review, and license fee costs. Plus, get expert answers to questions specific to your food business idea. Jeff Green is a Food Safety Specialist with the Oregon Department of Agriculture. He spends most of his time traveling around Lane County inspecting 470 food-related businesses. This workshop is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business.

Podcast Marketing and Distribution — 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 10, downtown library. Once a podcast is completed, how does it find an audience? Learn strategies to market and distribute a podcast series for commercial or non-commercial purposes, including mass marketing through social media and targeted distribution through legacy media outlets. For adults and teens. Eugene Public Library card required. Danny Ledonne is the owner/operator of Emberwilde Productions and has taught widely, including at Lane Community College. His documentaries and new media projects have been shown worldwide at film festivals, academic and industry events, and through non-profit and commercial distribution.

Kids: Try 3D Printing — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 10 or 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, downtown library. Kids ages 9-12 years will learn about 3D modeling and how to use the Library’s 3D printer. The 3D printer is available to use at drop-in Open Labs in the Maker Hub at the Downtown Library.

Oregon Battle of the Books: Test Your Knowledge — 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 11 and January 25, Bethel branch; 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 14 and January 28, Sheldon branch; 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16 and January 30, downtown library. Getting ready for the Oregon Battle of the Books for kids in the Grades 3-5 division; come test your knowledge with a quiz game at Eugene Public Library. Call 541-682-8316 to sign up in advance; sign up begins one week before each session.

eBooks and More — Drop-in 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 12, downtown library. Have fun and save money by learning how to get downloadable and streaming eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, music, movies, and TV shows free with your Eugene Public Library card. Tens of thousands of titles are available to enjoy at home or on the road. See demonstrations of online services using devices including Kindle, Android tablet, iPad, and laptops. Bring your own device, or just your curiosity.

Yarn & Thread — Drop-in anytime 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 12 or January 26, Bethel and Sheldon branches. Get together to knit, crochet, embroider, cross stitch, or hand sew — and share tips and ideas. Bring your current project or try something new with the library’s needles, hooks, hoops, loom, and more.

Love Factually for Single Parents (& Those Dating Them) — 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 12, downtown library. Marriages may come and go, but parenthood is forever. Sometimes single parents wonder: Is it possible to have both a great family life and a happy lifetime love? Learn practical steps to find the right partner for you and your family at this talk by relationship science expert and author Dr. Duana Welch. Most dating books are written as if the world is child-free, and as though the only guidance available is opinion-based. By contrast, Welch’s work is informed by research. Her books include Love Factually: 10 Proven Steps from I Wish to I Do and her newest work, Love Factually for Single Parents (& Those Dating Them. She addresses single parents, covering topics including getting over exes, making time to date, finding a partner, and blending families. She also writes widely, including for Psychology Today, has taught at a number of universities, and works with individual clients.

Program Your World with Arduino — 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 13, downtown library. Beginners get a hands-on introduction to Arduino, an easy-to-learn open-source electronics platform to create interactive projects, including home security, robotics, and more. In this workshop, learn how to design a light sensor, then modify its code to change its actions. For adults and teens. Eugene Public Library card required. No experience needed. All supplies provided. Arduino is also available to use at drop-in Open Labs in the Maker Hub at the Downtown Library.

Family Fun: Rainbow Royalty — 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 13, downtown library. Kids and family can share a sparkling story time with guest drag performers of the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Emerald Empire.

Preschool STEAM — 10:15 a.m. on Monday, January 14, Bethel branch. Hands-on exploring, learning, and fun for ages 3-5 years old. STEAM activities feature science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

Teen Fandom Club — Drop-in 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15, downtown library. Enjoy “Steven Universe” episodes, gem crafts, snacks, and singing.

Family Night Fairytales — 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15 at the Sheldon branch, and Tuesday, January 22 at the Bethel branch. In January, the Family Night theme is “Fairytales.” Hear stories, sing songs, and make a crown to wear home.

Windfall Reading Series — 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15, downtown library. This month’s Windfall Reading will feature writers Craig Lesley and Anita Sullivan. Northwest writer Lesley writes about rural people and places of this region, particularly working-class people who are rarely the focus of modern fiction. His novels include “Storm Riders,” “The Sky Fisherman,” “River Song,” and “Winter Kills,” as well as a memoir. He has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize twice and has been honored with three Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Awards, the Western Writers of America Golden Spur Award for Best Novel, and an Oregon Book Award. Sullivan will read from her recent book “The Bird That Swallowed the Music Box,” inspired by her interests in music, the natural world, and language.  She has also published two poetry chapbooks, a novel, two essay collections, and many book reviews and anthologized works.The Windfall Reading Series is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and Lane Literary Guild. Refreshments served at intermission.

Talk Time: Conversational English — 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16, downtown library. Learning English? Come meet other learners and practice conversational English together. Talk Time is an opportunity to build listening and speaking skills at a friendly, casual gathering. This month, Talk Time will begin meeting on Wednesday, January 16, and will repeat on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays (except for the Dr. Martin Luther King holiday on Monday, January 21). Talk Time is provided in partnership by Eugene Public Library and Lane Community College.

The Science of Landscape: Art and Nature in the 19th Century — 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16, downtown library. This illustrated talk will explore intersections between art and natural science during the 19th century, with a focus on landscape painting. Topics will include how artists responded to developments in geology, meteorology, botany, and ecology. Presenter Nina Amstutz is assistant professor of History of Art and Architecture at the University of Oregon.

Stuck in the Middle Book Club — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 17, downtown library. This month’s title is the graphic novel “Illegal” by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin, and Giovanni Rigano. Get together to talk about the book with University of Oregon teachers-in-training, in connection with the UO Common Read project. “Illegal” tells the story of Ebo, a Ghanaian orphan facing a brutal and dangerous journey as he tries to immigrate to Europe to find safety and his older brother. Pre-register and pick up the book at the Downtown Library’s Teen Center. For ages 11-14 years.

Is Technology Outpacing Humanity? — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 17, downtown library. Join Manuel Padilla for a community conversation about technology’s interrelationships with and effects on humanity. Sometimes seen as a cure-all to modern challenges, technology also raises concerns that its progress has outstripped people’s ability to make moral decisions about it. From automation to smartphones to gene editing, how does technology shape our ethical reasoning and our interactions with each other? Padilla is the executive director of Portland Meet Portland, a teacher, and a consultant in the areas of dialogue, conflict transformation, social change, and international aid and development. His professional skills and passion for nurturing civil society are reflected in his peace building and human rights work in the U.S. and internationally. This program is co-sponsored by Eugene Public Library and the Oregon Humanities’ Conversation Project. Oregon Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and a partner of the Oregon Cultural Trust.

Yarn & Thread — Anytime from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, downtown library. Get together to knit, crochet, embroider, cross stitch, or hand sew — and share tips and ideas. Bring your current project or try something new with the needles, hooks, hoops, loom, and more available to use in the Library’s Maker Hub. For adults and teens. Eugene Public Library card required.

Creating Collage class for teens — Noon on Saturday, January 19, downtown library. Mix and match images and textures to create a collage. Snacks and art supplies provided.

Josephine Faulk — 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, downtown library.  Josephine Faulk talks about her book and workbook, “Worthy: A Personal Guide for Healing Your Childhood Trauma.” Faulk begins with the premise that survivors of abuse “are not broken, defective, nor unworthy of love, especially self-love. They are, instead, harboring one or more of their wounded child selves sequestered deep within their heart and mind.” Her focus is on providing hope and practical help in a warm, kind, yet no-nonsense manner. She discusses common effects and manifestations of childhood trauma on adults, including brain chemistry, triggers, dissociation, and how current relationships may continue to reflect negative dynamics from the past. She offers guidance for choosing a trauma therapist and other suggestions for healing treatment and maintaining well-being and shares insights into her personal recovery story of challenges and triumphs. Faulk holds a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) with a research focus on childhood trauma recovery in adulthood.

Escape Room: The Game with VR — 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 19 or 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 24, Sheldon branch; 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29, Bethel branch. Sign up for a spot to play Escape Room: The Game, a tabletop virtual reality (VR) adventure. Choose from “Submarine” or “Behind Enemy Lines.” Intended for adults and teens 16 years or older. Pre-register for limited spaces by calling 541-682-5450.

Lego Fun for Families — 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 20, downtown library. Play, build, and invent with the library’s enormous and varied Lego collection. Try challenges or create from imagination.

Intro to Game Development — 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 20, downtown library. Adults and teens can learn about developing video games with Brian Schmidt and a panel of local professionals. Topics include design, modeling, coding, game engines, and more. Learn the answers to questions such as “Why does Mario collect coins?,” “What’s the difference between an rpg and an fps?,” and “Do I need to know how to code or have an expensive computer to create games?” Schmidt answers that last question, “Nope!”

Easy Intro to Computer Basics — 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 22, downtown library. Get a friendly, relaxed introduction to the basics of using a computer, with answers to questions including “What does this button do?” and “How do I get back to that other screen?” No experience needed.

Tween Scene — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 24, downtown library. This month’s book “Inside Out and Back Again” by Thanhha Lai. Get together to talk about the book with teachers-in-training at the University of Oregon, in connection with the UO Common Read project. The book is a fictionalized version of the author’s own life, in which a girl and her family flee war-torn Vietnam as refugees to the U.S. Pre-register and pick up the book at the Downtown Library’s Children’s Center. For ages 9-12 years.

Teen Book Group — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 24, downtown library. This month’s title is the graphic novel “The Best We Could Do” by Thi Bui. Get together to talk about the book and share pizza with teachers-in-training studying at the University of Oregon. This moving book explores the author’s life in the U.S. since her family came as refugees from war-torn South Vietnam when she was three. “The Best We Could Do” is this year’s choice for the University of Oregon Common Read, the book all first-year UO students read and discuss. Visit the Downtown Teen Desk to pre-register and pick up the book.

City of Eugene Business Loans — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 24, downtown library. The City of Eugene offers four loan products to assist Eugene businesses with projects such as start-up working capital, the purchase of machinery and equipment, new construction or renovation, and assistance to artists, art organizations, or for the incorporation of artistic elements into a business. Learn more about these opportunities with Aaron Doreen, Business Loan Analyst for City of Eugene. Doreen began his career as a traditional corporate lender in early 2001. He worked for Wells Fargo, GMAC, and Chase before joining the City of Eugene. This event presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business.

Teens: Ani-Manga Club — 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 25, downtown library. Get together to watch anime and enjoy snacks!

Donate Blood — Drop-in 10:00 from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, Bethel branch. Donate blood – save a life! Meet up with the Bloodworks Northwest. Must be age 16 or older and show photo ID. Donors receive a free soft drink at Abby’s Pizza.

Intro to Digitizing Vinyl and Audio Cassettes — 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, downtown library. Learn how to convert analog vinyl and audio cassette recordings to digital files saved to disc or flash drive. Topics include how to prepare recordings to achieve the best possible sound quality and how to use the EZ Vinyl Converter software and other equipment in the Downtown Library’s Media Lab. For adults and teens. Eugene Public Library card required.

The Power of Play: A Workshop for Preschool Teachers and Childcare Providers — 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, downtown library. Preschool teachers and childcare providers: come to a free training on “The Power of Play” with Megan Barella. Hear about research on how play engages young children and motivates learning. Try hands-on activities and educational play methods to share with students. Find everyday ways to replace stress with fun and increase joy in your classroom. Additionally, Rachael Perry, Eugene Public Library’s Early Literacy Coordinator, will recommend books and other resources. Barella is a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator and Master Trainer with a 20-year background in education. She teaches widely and blogs about positive parenting and mindfulness tools at www.meganbarella.com. Admission is free. No pre-registration is required. To receive Set 2 Community Training Hours for the Office of Child Care licensing, call Quality Care Connections in advance at 541-463-3000. Free childcare is available during the training if reserved in advance; contact Eugene Public Library at 541-682-8316.

Orientation to the Media Lab — Sign up for individual appointments between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 27, downtown library. Beginners are invited to sign up for a one-on-one introduction to the Downtown Library’s Media Lab. Learn about the audio recording and digitizing tools available to use free with your library card. For adults and teens. A Eugene Public Library card and pre-registration are required for each 30-minute session. Starting January 10, call 541-682-5450 to sign up.

Family Fun with Hula — 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 27, downtown library. Kids and families may join Akiko Colton to watch and learn Hawaiian Hula. 

Intro to Microsoft Word — 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29, downtown library. Learn how to create, edit, and save a document with Microsoft Word. You’ll learn basic formatting options like how to bold, italicize, and underline text, adjust line spacing and font size.  Basic computer skills needed. 

How to Pay for College — 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 30, downtown library. Interested in going to college but not sure how to pay for it? Join Mira Mason-Reader and Stacey Yates to learn about financial aid, scholarships, and local opportunities to help you pay for your education. Mira Mason-Reader is Admissions and Recruitment Specialist at Lane Community College. Stacey Yates is Youth Asset Building Specialist at NEDCO.

Make It: Sew a Bookmark — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 31, downtown library. Kids ages 9-12 years learn to make a fun bookmark with felt or other fabrics. Hand sew or use the Library’s sewing machines. No experience needed. All supplies provided.

Weekly Storytimes

Talkers Storytime — 10:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays, downtown library. For toddlers who are starting to string words together, with their caregivers.

Pajama Storytime — 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, downtown library. For young children with their caregivers.

Preschool Storytime — 10:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, downtown library. For preschoolers with their caregivers.

Walkers Storytime — 10:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Thursdays, downtown library. For babies up on their feet, with their caregivers.

Baby Storytime — 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. on Fridays, downtown library. For babies from birth to first steps, with their caregivers.

Family Storytime — 10:15 a.m. on Fridays, Sheldon and Bethel branches. For kids of all ages, with their caregivers.

Family Music Time — 10:15 a.m. on Saturdays, downtown library. Live music for kids of all ages, with their caregivers.