(Edited by Randi Bjornstad)
Eugene Public Library locations
Downtown: 100 W. 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
On the February calendar:
Minecraft Block Parties — Downtown library. Separate sessions are available for younger children and teens to play and create with Minecraft as well as share tips and strategies. Teenagers will meet at 4 p.m. on Feb. 1. Sessions for kids ages 8-12 years will be held at the downtown library at 4 p.m. on Feb. 2 and Feb. 3. Advance registration is required; participants must have a Eugene Public Library card. Call 541-682-8316 to reserve a space.
Play with Lego Blocks — Drop-in sessions at the downtown library at 4 p.m. on Feb. 1, 8, 15, and 22; register in advance for sessions at 10:15 a.m. at the Sheldon branch on Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25 or 2 p.m. at the Bethel branch on Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25. Children in kindergarten through grade six are welcome.
Winter Teen Time — Applications are now open for volunteers at the downtown library to help prepare items for check-out, set up crafts project for kids’ programs, create displays, clean and organize books and more. Winter Teen Team will meet from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through March 2. Apply at the Teen Desk at the downtown library; for information, call 541-682-8316.
Pajama Storytime — Stories, rhymes and songs for children, infants through 6 years and their grownups, at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Sessions are professionally designed to build early literacy skills.
Snowflake Impressions for ‘Tweens — 4 p.m. on Feb. 1, Sheldon branch; 4 p.m. on Feb. 8, Bethel branch. Learn the science and art of snowflakes, and make your own silhouettes using scissors, water, light and photosensitive paper. Supplies provided. This is the first in a monthly series of STEAM activities for ‘tweens that will be monthly on the first Wednesday at the Sheldon branch and the second Wednesday at the Bethel branch.
Mystery in the Theatre — Downtown library, 6 p.m. on Feb. 1. John Schmor, director of “The 39 Steps,” currently on stage at Oregon Contemporary Theatre, will give a free talk, along with actors from the cast, about creating a sense of mystery onstage. The presentation is part of a series of events — talks, plays, music, discussions and films — throughout the community during the National Endowment for the Arts’ nationwide annual community Big Read. This year the book is Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon.” Local sponsors for the program are the Eugene and Springfield public libraries; Oregon Contemporary Theatre; Eugene, Bethel and Springfield school districts; Bijou Art Cinemas; Radio Redux; Friends of Eugene Public Library; and Eugene Public Library Foundation.
Make Cards That Move — 10 a.m. on Feb. 2, Sheldon branch; 10 a.m. on Feb. 8, Bethel Branch. A free, hands-on workshop for adults and teens to learn to make greeting cards with parts that pop up, move and slide. Supplies provided. Some experience using a craft knife helpful, but not required.
CSI Eugene — Downtown library, 6 p.m. on Feb. 2. The Eugene Police Department’s crime lab will give a free presentation, sharing information about how police professionals locate, analyze, develop and reconstruct evidence during criminal investigations. Learn about latent print processing techniques, blood stain pattern interpretation and more. The event is part of the National Endowment for the Arts’ annual community Big Read.
Light-Up Art for Teens — 4 pm. on Feb. 3 at both the Bethel and Sheldon branches. First in a new series of First Friday activities. Supplies provided.
Riverside Chamber Symphony Concert — The ensemble of Lane County non-professional musicians is conducted by Philip Bayles and will perform at 6 p.m. at the downtown library during the First Friday ArtWalk on Feb. 3. The downtown library is open until 8 p.m. during the ArtWalk.
Play Date — Young children and families may drop in at the downtown library from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month to participate in creative activities during the downtown Eugene First Friday ArtWalk. This month, it’s on Feb. 3.
Maker Hub Open Labs — downtown library. Drop in to use a variety of tools to create a project, with a different emphasis each week. Participants must have a Eugene Public Library card. Each session is limited to 10 participants at a time, on a first-come basis. Admission is free, but there may a charge for project materials.
* Paper and Handcrafts — 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 2; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 4. A wide variety of tools and supplies will be available for drawing, origami, button-making, jewelry making and beading.
* 3D Printing and Fabrication — 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 5 and Feb. 7; 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 9; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 11. Use 3D design and printing tools to create models and prototypes out of card stock, vinyl, plastic, wood and soft medals with vector graphic or carving machines.
* Sewing and Textiles — 1 p.m to 5 p.m. on Feb. 12 and Feb. 14; 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 16; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 18. Sewing machines, serger, embroidery machine, hand looms, knitting needles and more are available to make projects. Bring fabric, thread and other materials needed.
* Electronics and Robotics — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 19; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 21; 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 23; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 25. Explore and invent with kits and supplies including LittleBits, Raspberry Pi, Makey Makey, Arduino, Finch, Lego Mindstorms and EggBot.
* Media Editing and Graphic Design — 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 26 and Feb. 28. Use state-of-the-art equipment for audio, video and design projects, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, After Effects, InDesign, Windows laptops, green screen and more.
Dog Tale Time — Downtown library. 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children ages kindergarten through grade six may read to trained dogs from the PAAWS program from 2 p.m to 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25 and again on all Saturdays in March. Advance registration starts a week in advance in person at the libraries or by calling 541-682-8316.
Best-selling mystery writer Sara Shepherd will speak on her craft
Writing Mystery — Downtown library, 2 p.m. on Feb. 4. Mystery writer Sara Shepard is the author of the No. 1 New York Times bestselling series, “Pretty Little Liars,” which led to the blockbuster TV series of the same name, as well as many other books. She will talk about her early years as a writer, what it’s like to see a book turned into a TV series and how to construct a mystery. This event is part of the National Endowment for the Arts nationwide annual community Big Read program.
Family Music Time — At 10:15 a.m. each Saturday at the downtown library, a different performer each week will sing and dance with kids and their families. On Feb. 4, Pia and Jason Robbins of Little Timbre Studio will share songs, rhymes and music. On Feb. 11, singer-songwriter Rob Tobias will bring his classics, originals and songs made up on the spot. On Feb. 18, Jodie St. Clair, director of the Eugene Suzuki Music Academy will lead the fun; and on Feb. 25, Rich Glauber will provide interactive music play.
Family Fun — Every Sunday at 1 p.m., there’s a drop-in activity for children and families at the downtown library. On Feb. 5, travel “Around the World in Song” with Kris Olsen of De Re Play. On Feb. 12, “Move Like a Mammoth” teaches about prehistoric animals — including examining fossils, bones and teeth — with people from the University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History. On Feb. 19, Eileen King of Unity School of Dance will teach hip hop and breakdance moves. On Feb. 26, Tomo Tsurumi of the Oregon Asian Celebration will teach how to create easy origami.
Coloring for Adults — A special session of the weekly “Coloring Party for Adults” will be at 10 a.m. on Feb. 6 at the Bethel branch, when professional illustrator Marianne Walker teaches how to blend colors smoothly and place highlights and shadows for a dimensional look. All supplies are provided, including Copic Japanese brush markers. Both the Bethel and Sheldon branches hold a “Coloring Party for Adults” from 10 a.m. to noon every Monday, where adults can drop in and color for fun, creativity and relaxation. Materials are provided, or participants may bring their own.
STEAM Storytime — Storytime meets each Monday at 3:30 p.m. at the downtown library, offering preschoolers and kindergarteners adventures in science, technology, engineering, art and math.
“The Maltese Falcon” Book Groups — 6 p.m. on Feb. 7, Sheldon branch; 11 a.m. on Feb. 22, downtown library. Adults may drop in for a discussion of Dashiell Hammett’s classic detective novel that is part of the National Endowment for the Arts’ nationwide annual Big Read program.
Send a Card to a Friend Day — Downtown library. Teens may drop in at 4 p.m.on Feb. 7 to use postcards, decorative letter paper, envelopes and stamps to create and send a message to a friend.
Maker Hub Valentine — Downtown library. Adults and teens with basic computer skills may use the lab at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 8 to create a unique valentine. There will be instructions, tools and supplies to make light-up or pop-up cards, machine-embroidered patches or a 3D pendant. Advance registration and a Eugene Public Library care are required; sign up at 541-682-5450.
One-on-One Job Hunt Help — Downtown library. Register in advance at 541-682-5450 for a 30-minute appointment that will on Feb. 9 or 23, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Employment counselors will be on hand to help with identifying employment opportunities, filling out applications, writing online or traditional resumes and interview techniques, as well as exploring new job or career directions.
Teen Board Games — Teens ages 13-17 years may drop in to play board games at both the Bethel and Sheldon branches from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the second Friday of each month. This month, it will be Feb. 10.
Doctor Who Club — Teens who are Dr. Who fans can get together at 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 at the downtown library to watch episodes, snack and have “Whovian” conversations. The club meets the second Friday of each month.
Introduction to Computers — Downtown library. 10 a.m. on Feb. 11. Learn the basics of the computer system, how to use the mouse and keyboard and how to use Eugene Public Library resources online.
Meet Your Makers: STEM/STEAM and In Between — Downtown library. 2 p.m. on Feb. 11. Last year Eugene signed onto the White House’s “Nation of Makers Project.” A local panel will talk about how art and technology can join with manufacturing and education to create new ideas and opportunities. Representatives will be on hand from the library’s maker hug as well as Eugene Made, Eugene Maker Space, Eugene Region CoderDojo, InHaus Fabrication, The Science Factory, ShadowFox and more.
Volcanologist Thomas Giachetti — Downtown library. 3 p.m. on Feb. 12. Learn about explosive volcanism in the Cascade Range and California, as well as hearing a scientific view of the “Big One.” Giachetti is assistant professor of volanology in the University of Oregon’s Department of Geological Sciences.
Intro to Facebook — Downtown library. 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 15. Learn how to use the popular social media site to keep in touch with friends and family, and how to reconnect with former classmates. Requirements include intermediate Internet skills and an email account.
Employment Interview Strategies — Downtown library. 2 p.m. on Feb. 15. Jeremy Kushlak offers information, ideas and tools to help jobseekers prepare for various types of job interviews. Topics include how to dress, present skills, answer tough questions and impress potential employers. The session is sponsored by the Eugene Public Library, the Prosperity Program of Goodwill Industries of Lane and South Coast Counties and United Way of Lane County.
Balloon Rockets for Kids — Downtown Library. 4 p.m. on Feb. 16. Kids in kindergarten through sixth grade can learn about science by making and launching balloon rockets.
Is There an Angel Investor in Your Future? — Downtown library. 6 p.m. on Feb. 16. Frank Plaisted will explain what “angel investing” in small and start-up businesses is, when it’s appropriate, how it works, the risks involved and how to use it to succeed. Sponsored by the library and Willamette SCORE, which provides counseling to America’s small businesses.
Drop-in Job Hunt Help — Sheldon branch. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 17. Employment counselors will be on hand to help with identifying employment opportunities, filling out applications, writing online or traditional resumes and interview techniques, as well as exploring new job or career directions.
Ani-Manga Club for Teens — Downtown library. A new way for teens to get together offers anime-watching and Japanese snacks from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 17 at the downtown library. The club meets the third Friday of each month.
Homeschooling in Oregon — Downtown library. 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 18. A panel of experienced homeschoolers from Cascadia Learning Cooperative will talk about local resources, legal requirements, learning styles, educational methods and more.
DIY Garden Stakes — Downtown library. 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 19. Learn to use digital design and a computer numeral control (CNC) mill by making wooden garden stakes. Create the design and watch the machine cut it out. The class is intended for adults and teens with basic computer skills. Materials provided.
Windfall Reading Series — Downtown library. 6 p.m. on Feb. 21. John Daniel and Tim Sproul present their work. Daniel’s first novel, “Gifted,” will be published in April. He has written essays and memoirs, including “Rogue River Journal” and “The Far Corner” and has won three Oregon Book Awards as well as other prizes. Sproul is a poet and ad man. His third book of poetry is “Newported, a Poetic Field Guide to the Pacific Coast,” which fuses poetry and music. His work has appeared in the New York Times. Refreshments will be served at intermission.
Community Philosophy Café — Downtown Library. 6 p.m. on Feb. 21. “What is Freedom?” is the topic of the community philosophy session, where people of all ages, backgrounds and perspectives come to discuss the “big questions,” whether universal or personal. Facilitators will be Paul Bodin and Caroline Lundquist, both instructors in the UO Philosophy Department.
Family Night — Sheldon branch, 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 21; Bethel branch, 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 28. This month’s theme for kids and their grownups is “Fractured Fairy Tales,” with mask-making, hearing stories and acting them out.
Black History Month Play, By and For Kids — Downtown library. 10:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Feb. 22. “Be Yourself: A Story of President Barack Obama” is an audience-participation play for children, performed by students of The Drinking Gourd School. This is the 25th anniversary of the school’s Black History Month performances at the Eugene Public Library.
‘Tween Scene Book Group — Downtown library. 4 p.m. on Feb. 23. February’s book for kids in grades four through six is “Who Could That Be at This Hour?” by Lemony Snicket. In this fast-paced mystery, Snicket must figure out who he can trust and which questions to ask before it’s too late. Register in advance and pick up a book at the library’s Children’s Center.
Teen Book Group — Meet at 4 p.m. on Feb. 23 at the downtown library to discuss “The Maltese Falcon” by Dashiell Hammett. In this lassie detective story, private eye Sam Spade meets a mysterious client, avenges the death of his partner and chases a priceless treasure. This selection is part o f the National Endowment for the Arts’ annual nationwide Big Read program. Register at the Downtown Teen Desk and pick up the book in advance.
Subcontrator vs. Employee: Learn the Law — Downtown library. 6 p.m. on Feb. 23. Rory Bakken explains the difference between subcontractors and employees, a crucial distinction for business owners. Sponsored by the library and Willamette SCORE.
WTF (What the Friday) — Downtown library. It’s something new for teens to do the fourth Friday of each month, at 4 p.m., this month on Feb. 24. Get together, have fun and choose the next month’s activity.
Store and Share Photos Online — Downtown library. 10 a.m. on Feb. 25. Learn how to organize and share digital photos, save to the cloud, email photos and create online albums. Internet skills required. The library uses PCs, but most of the tips apply to Macs also.
Artist at Work: Sheri Smith — Sheldon branch. Drop in from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 25 to watch Smith create intricately woven and decorated pine needle baskets, which she has been creating for more than 20 years.
Homeless in the Land of Plenty — Downtown library. 3 p.m. on Feb. 25. Ryan Stroud, storyteller and founder of CommuniTalks, gives an interactive presentation about home and homelessness that also incorporates anecdotes and experiences of those who attend. An estimated 100 million people worldwide are homeless, and as many as 1 billion lack permanent housing.
The Choreography of Jerome Robbins — Downtown library. 6 p.m. on Feb. 28. Valerie Rachelle discusses Robbins’ original choreography for “West Side Story.” She is artistic director of the Oregon Cabaret Theatre in Ashland.
Design and Make Buttons — Sheldon branch. 6 p.m. on Feb. 28. Create 1- or 2-inch buttons featuring your own designs, using Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator or drawing by hand. Supplies provided.
REGULAR WEEKLY STORYTIMES
STEAM Storytime — Mondays, at 3:30 p.m., downtown library; for preschoolers and kindergarteners with their caregivers
Terrific Twos Storytime — Tuesdays at 10:15 and 11:00 a.m., downtown library; for 2-year-olds with their caregivers
Pajama Storytime — Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., downtown library; for infants through 6-year-olds with their caregivers
Preschool Storytime — Wednesdays at 10:15 and 11:00 a.m., downtown library; for 3- to 6-year-olds with their caregivers
Sensory Storytime — Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m., downtown library; stories, songs, and word play designed by early childhood school psychologist Debby Laimon especially for children with sensory integration or other special needs with their caregivers
Wonderful Ones Storytime — Thursdays at 10:15 and 11:00 a.m., downtown library; for 1-year-olds with their caregivers.
Baby Storytime — Fridays at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m., downtown library; for infants and 1-year-olds with their caregivers
Family Storytime at Sheldon — Fridays at 10:15 a.m., Sheldon branch; for children and their caregivers
Family Storytime at Bethel — Fridays at 10:15 a.m., Bethel branch; for children with their caregivers.
Family Music Time — Saturdays at 10:15 a.m., downtown library; songs and dances for children and their caregivers, with a different performer each week
Cuentos y Canciones: Stories & Songs in Spanish — Saturdays at 11:15 a.m., Bethel branch; for children and their families
