(Posted by Anne-Allegra Bennett)
Eugene Public Library locations
Downtown: 100 West 10th 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
Art exhibits
Paintings by Stephen Hermansen — On the walls of the 2nd floor Magazines and Newspapers room in November and December. “Light and perspective are the two most common themes in my paintings. The elusive nature of light in particular can transform a landscape. I seek to capture a single moment in time with vividness and clarity. My current collection includes local places I have lived or explored, particularly Eugene and Cottage Grove. I like to paint streets and scenes that I find appealing. They can be ordinary or iconic places, they just have to interest me. I am hoping that the viewer will be drawn in, like I am.”
Sculptures by Linda Dyer — In the cases in the 2nd floor Magazines and Newspapers room in November and December. Linda Dyer exhibits sculptures of “Old Friends,” many of them animals. An award-winning artist, Dyer studied under R. Estebanez, the official sculptor for Cuban President Batista. Her pieces are formed in water-based clay, hollowed out, fired, sealed, stained with a handmade patina, then mounted on a hard-wood base. Each piece is handmade and one of a kind.
Classes and events
Kids and Legos — 10:15 a.m. every Saturday in November, Bethel and Sheldon branches. Bring the kids to build, play, and explore with the Eugene Public Library’s big and varied collection of Legos. For ages 5-12 years.
Dog Tale Time — 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Saturday in November, downtown library. Pre-register for individual short appointments at 541-682-8316. Kids have fun and build skills in short one-on-one sessions as they read to trained dogs. Dogs and handlers courtesy of PAAWS (Project Canine and Pet Partner teams). Sign up for the following week starting each Saturday.
Talk Time: Conversational English — 4:00 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays in November, 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. All Mondays and Wednesdays except for Monday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 21. Talk Time is provided in partnership by Eugene Public Library and Lane Community College.
Kids and Minecrafters — 4:00 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, downtown library. Kids play together, share tips, and get creative with building challenges with Minecraft on Eugene Public Library’s computers. For ages 6-12 years. Space is limited, so pre-registration is required. Sign up for the next week starting each Monday at 541-682-8316.
Family STEAM — 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, Sheldon branch; 4:00 p.m. on Thursdays, Bethel branch. Kids and family enjoy hands-on fun and learning together. STEAM activities feature science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
NaNoWriMo: Come Write In — 5:30-7:30 p.m. every Wednesday in November, downtown library. Ever thought about writing a novel? National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) provides a unique and fun way to make it happen. Eugene Public Library and Wordcrafters in Eugene will host drop-in “Come Write In” sessions. In 2017, more than 400,000 people participated in NaNoWriMo. “Wrimos” start writing on November 1st with the goal of completing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 p.m. on November 30. Try it and discover the power of community, guidance, enthusiasm, determination — and a deadline. Information online at nanowrimo.org.
Nature Kids: Sensational Seeds — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, downtown library. Children ages 6-12 years learn about seeds close up with a magnifying glass and get a fun seed collector to keep exploring on their own.
Tim Berry: The Business Plan You’ll Really Use — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, downtown library. Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs will hear Palo Alto Software founder Tim Berry, creator of Business Plan Pro, talk about the crucial topic of business planning. Berry will deliver nuts-and-bolts explanations and steps to follow, from strategies to schedules to sales projections. Berry is founder and chairman of Palo Alto Software, founder of bplans.com, and a co-founder of Borland International and a writer of books software and online websites. This event presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business.
Jack the Ripper: His Life and Crimes in Popular Entertainment … 130 Years Later — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, downtown library. Patrick Lucanio will give an illustrated talk about the many versions of the notorious British serial killer Jack the Ripper that have appeared in literature, film, TV, and radio. The presentation is based on his acclaimed book, “Jack the Ripper: His Life and Crimes in Popular Entertainment,” co-authored by historian Gary Coville. Patrick Lucanio is well-known locally for his pre-show talks at Radio Redux productions. He has taught film studies, production, and scriptwriting at the University of Oregon, Western Oregon University, and Lane Community College. Additionally, his articles on film and broadcasting are widely published, and he serves as editor for Radiogram. With Gary Coville, Lucanio has co-authored three works on genre history: “American Science Fiction Television Series of the 1950s”; “Jack the Ripper: His Life and Crimes in Popular Entertainment”; and “Smokin’ Rockets: The Romance of Technology in Film, Radio and Television in the 1950s.” This talk is co-sponsored by Eugene Public Library and Radio Redux.
Make a Fairy Lantern — 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 2, Sheldon branch; 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 9, Bethel branch. Adults and teens can handcraft a fairy or dragon lantern using a mason jar, tissue paper, glitter, and floral decorations. No experience needed. All supplies provided.
Concert: Marist Jazz and Concert Band — 6:00 p.m. on First Friday, November 2, downtown library. The band plays classic jazz and funk, a medley from “Lord of the Rings,” and more. The Downtown Library stays open until 8:00 on the First Friday of each month.
Radical Mycology: A Treatise on Seeing and Working with Fungi — 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 3, downtown library. Fungi pervade all environments and fulfill critical roles that maintain vitality throughout the natural world. Mushrooms and other fungi have also played critical roles in human cultures since pre-history, influencing a wide range of customs and cuisines. Peter McCoy gives an illustrated talk about the many important influences fungi have held throughout time and how to join the modern worldwide mycological movement. He is the author of “Radical Mycology: A Treatise on Seeing and Working with Fungi.”
Intro to Online Genealogy — 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 4, downtown library; 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 5, Bethel branch; 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 19, Sheldon branch. Start exploring your family tree at this introduction to user-friendly online tools available free through Eugene Public Library, including Ancestry, HeritageQuest, Fold3 military records, and the Info Hub at the Library’s website. Also learn about 40+ recommended Internet sites including USGenweb, Rootsweb, Family Search, and Cyndi’s List. Internet skills required.
Family Fun: Interactive Theater — 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 4, downtown library. Jump into wintry folktales and fairy tales with interactive theater, led by Upstart Crow Studios and their Stage Door youth troupe.
Orientation to the Media Lab — Sign up for individual appointments between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 6, downtown library. Beginners will have 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.
Teens: Welcome to D&D — 3:00 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7 and November 21, downtown library. Learn how to create your Dungeons and Dragons character, how to play, and then jump into this tabletop gaming adventure. Choose a session. Due to limited space, each teen may participate in only one session each day.
Teen Movie: “The Darkest Minds” — 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7, downtown library. Get together to watch the PG-13 sci-fi thriller “The Darkest Minds,” with pizza and soda provided. The story: After a disease killed 98% of children and young people in the United States, the 2% who managed to survive developed superpowers and have been locked in internment camps after being declared a threat. Sixteen year old Ruby escapes to join a group of teen resistance fighters trying to reclaim their futures.
Sex and Other Things Sell: Athenian Potters and Their Foreign Consumers — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 8, downtown library. Kathleen Lynch gives an illustrated talk about ancient Athenian pottery, including those with erotic designs. This lecture explores how the foreign market for Athenian vases affected production choices of the Athenian potters. Lynch is associate professor of Classics at the University of Cincinnati. She is a specialist in Greek pottery, particularly vase-painting and the social aspects of pottery, and has completed fieldwork in Albania, Greece, and Turkey. This talk is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library, the Eugene chapter of the Archaeological Institute of America, and the UO Classics Department.
Audio Recording for Podcasts — 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 8, downtown library. Every good podcast requires clean sound recording and high quality audio samples to draw audiences into the story. This class will cover the basics of microphone recording techniques, some considerations for audio quality, and monitoring sound levels to ensure the best possible sound is being captured for a podcast. For adults and teens. 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.
Ace Your App: College Essay Mentor Day — Sign up for individual appointments between 5:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, November 8, downtown library. High school seniors get individual help with college entrance essays. Pre-register now, then bring your essay draft and get objective advice to help you complete a solid and successful application essay. Mentoring sessions help de-mystify the application writing process; offer guidance for clear, confident writing; give tips for how best to present yourself in your essay; and provide a focused time to get it done. This program is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and Wordcrafters in Eugene. Sessions will also be available at Springfield Public Library on November 13. The mentoring sessions are free. Pre-registration is required and can be done online at wordcraftersineugene.org/aceyourapp.
Intro to Computers — 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 10, downtown library. Beginners learn the basics of the computer system, how to use the mouse and keyboard, and how to access Eugene Public Library resources onscreen. No computer experience is needed.
Try It: LittleBits — 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 10, downtown library. Kids ages 9-12 years create and explore with the easy electronic building blocks of LittleBits invention kits. No experience needed. All supplies provided.
Bugle Calls: A Variety Show Tribute to Veterans — 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 10, downtown library. For the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, Fools Haven acting company honors those who have served. The troupe, which includes several military veterans, entertains and uplifts with scenes, songs, poems, and dances of many eras. “Bugle Calls” is packed with reminders of service members’ bravery, loyalty, loss, and camaraderie. Moods range widely, for example from “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” to “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” to “Fixin’ To Die Rag.” Featured performances include the singing Jewel Tones trio; dancing by Marc Siegel, Pamela Lehan-Siegel, and 90-year-old Liz Siegel; Adam Kelly’s tap dancing; and the poem “The Irish Airman” recited by actor Joe Cronin. Plus: Rosie the Riveter will make a special appearance. The cast includes Stanley Coleman, Donna Courtell, Joe Cronin, Terry Duddy, Mitch Hider, The Jewel Tones (Debi Noel, Judi Sinnott, Jennifer Sellers), Adam Kelly, Reese Madden, Cloud Pemble, Judith “Sparky” Roberts, and the Dancin’ Seagulls (Marc Siegel, Pamela Lehan-Siegel, Liz Siegel).
Yarn & Thread — Anytime 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 10, Sheldon branch; 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 17, Bethel branch. 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.
Preschool STEAM — 10:15 a.m. on Monday, November 12, Bethel branch. Hands-on exploring, learning, and fun for ages 3-5 years old at Bethel Branch. STEAM activities feature science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
All-Ages: Build It — Anytime 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 12, Bethel and Sheldon branches. All ages may drop in for building fun on this no-school day. Play and experiment with a variety of materials such as Legos, Duplos, Keva Planks, Strawbees, and Brain Flakes, plus everyday items such as toothpicks and gumdrops.
The Parents’ Guide to Climate Revolution — 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13, Sheldon branch. Mary DeMocker will talk about her new book, “The Parents’ Guide to Climate Revolution: 100 Ways to Build a Fossil-Free Future, Raise Empowered Kids, and Still Get a Good Night’s Sleep.” The book shares hundreds of wide-ranging ideas, including how to embrace “simplicity parenting”; avoid dead-end science debates; teach kids about the power of creative protest; and make lifestyle changes that deepen family bonds, improve moods, and reduce negative impact on the Earth. DeMocker has had a hand in many arts, including as a harpist, film set dresser, children’s playwright, and nonfiction writer. Currently, she uses the arts to mobilize for climate justice. She is co-founder and creative director of Eugene’s chapter of the international climate action group 350.org. In conjunction with the 2015 Paris climate talks, she designed and co-led the youth-centered Global Climate March and Collaborative Art Project. Winner of the 2008 Kay Snow Award for Nonfiction, she has published in The Sun, EcoWatch, Common Dreams, ISLE, Mothering.com, and Spirituality and Health.
eBooks and More: Drop In — Drop in at the downtown library 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13; and 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 18. Learn 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.
Teen Fandom Club: Doctor Who — 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13, downtown library. Teens celebrate the 13th Doctor with all things Doctor Who. Make a sonic screwdriver, eat blue cupcakes, take a trivia challenge, and watch the new Doctor in action. Doctor Who attire encouraged.
In Oregon, Naturally — 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13, downtown library. Take a visual journey through Oregon’s natural wonderlands with award-winning travel writer and filmmaker Dick Jordan. He will show his series of short films, which were originally produced for TV. Jordan will also answer questions and provide tips for using smartphones and other relatively inexpensive technology to create films.
Windfall Reading Series: Poets Jules Boykoff and Laton Carter — 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13, downtown library. This month’s Windfall Reading will feature poets Jules Boykoff and Laton Carter. Boykoff is the author of three books of poetry, most recently “Fireworks.” He has won the annual CA Conrad Sexiest Poetry Award and teaches politics at Pacific University. Carter won an Oregon Book Award for his collection “Leaving.” His recent work has appeared in “The Brooklyn Review,” “Sycamore Review,” and “The Winter Anthology.” In 2019, he will teach in the BFA program at Portland State University. The Windfall Reading Series is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and Lane Literary Guild. Refreshments served at intermission.
Stuck in the Middle Book Club — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 15, downtown library. The library hosts one book group for “tweens” and another for “teens” – and now there’s “Stuck in the Middle,” a book group to bridge the two. This month’s book is “The Thief” by Megan Whalen Turner. This novel is the first in a popular and award-winning series about Eugenides, the queen’s thief, who claims he can steal anything. His story unfolds in a world rich with political intrigue, battles lost and won, dangerous journeys, divine intervention, power, passion, revenge, and deception. Pre-register and pick up the book at the Downtown Library’s Teen Center. For ages 11-14 years.
HR102: A Small Business Guide to Managing Employees — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 15, downtown library. Expert Katy Ridgway talks about Human Resources rules, regulations, and best practices on a range of topics small business owners encounter once they have employees. Learn about health care reform, safety and loss prevention, employee motivation and development, and employee separation policies. KRidgway is a senior human resource generalist at Paychex with over 5 years of HR experience in corporate and small business environments. She grew up in a family-owned business. This workshop is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business.
Kids: Try out Virtual Reality — Drop in between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 15, downtown library. Kids ages 9-12 years learn about and experience virtual reality (VR), featuring Tilt Brush on the Library’s Oculus Rift.
Teens: Ani-Manga Club — 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 16, downtown library. Get together to watch anime and enjoy snacks.
Holiday Gifts Book Sale — 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 17, downtown library. Find amazing deals on books in gift-giving condition, including bestsellers, classics, holiday-themed titles, coffee table books, and children’s books. There will be collectible children’s books, sheet music, ephemera, and great reading for yourself, including mysteries, popular fiction, and more. This sale of very-gently-used books is a fundraiser by the volunteer Friends of Eugene Public Library. All proceeds will go to support Eugene Public Library programs. Admission and parking are free.
Blood Drive — Drop in 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 17, Bethel branch. Donate blood and save a lives at the Bloodworks Northwest bloodmobile. Must be age 16 years or older and show photo ID. Donors receive a free soft drink at Abby’s Pizza.
Internet 101 — 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 17, downtown library. Beginners meet the internet at this introductory, hands-on workshop. Learn how to navigate, search, shop online, and set up an email account.
Family Fun: Hip Hop — 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 18, downtown library. Kids and family get up and learn some moves with Eileen King of Unity School of Dance.
Family Night — 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20, Sheldon branch; 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27, Bethel branch. In November, the Family Night theme is “O is for …” with stories, songs, and activities featuring owls, oranges, octopuses, ornaments, and oh so much more.
Make It: Felt Ornaments — 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 24, downtown library. Kids ages 9-12 years learn to hand-sew felt ornaments of birds, stars, trees, and other seasonal shapes. No experience needed. All materials provided.
Teens: Friends-giving — 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 24, downtown library. Teens gather together for “Friends-giving” and make and enjoy favorites including mashed potatoes and no-bake pumpkin cheesecake.
Family Fun: Kitchen Science — 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 25, downtown library. Kids and family dive into STEAM experiments with everyday items. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
Tween Scene — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 29, downtown library. This month’s book is “Squirrel Meets World” by Shannon and Dean Hale. Discover the backstory of Marvel superhero Squirrel Girl in this novelization of the comic book series. 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, November 29, downtown library. This month’s title is “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” by Jenny Han. In this bestselling novel, Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control when her secret letters to crushes are accidently delivered. Visit the Downtown Teen Desk to pre-register and pick up the book.
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 Wednesdays, 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 at Sheldon — 10:15 a.m. on Fridays, Sheldon branch. For kids of all ages, with their caregivers.
Family Storytime at Bethel — 10:15 a.m. on Fridays, Bethel branch. 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.
