The Eugene Public Library never takes a vacation — here’s what’s happening in August

(Compiled 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 AUGUST CALENDAR

Art Displays at the Downtown Library

Group Show: Paintings by students of Shelley Roenspie — On the walls in the 2^nd floor Magazines and Newspapers room, continuing through August.

Art and exhibits by Adventure — Children’s Center on the 1^st floor through August. Children’s Museum, Cascadia Learning Cooperative, Eugene Waldorf School, Museums of Springfield and Eugene (MUSE), and Vivian Olum Child Development Center.

Classes, events and other offerings

Minecrafters – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesdays, and 4:00 p.m. on Fridays, 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. Due to limited space, a Eugene Public Library card and pre-registration are required. Sign-ups start each Monday for same-week sessions. 541-682-8316.

Legos – 4:00 p.m. every Wednesday, downtown library; 10:15 a.m. every Saturday, Bethel branch; 10:15 a.m. every Saturday, Sheldon branch. Bring the kids to build, play, and explore with Eugene Public Library’s big and varied collection of Legos. For ages 5-12 years.

Family Music Times: Special Storyime Schedule for Summer  — 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays; 10:15 a.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays (downtown library). 10:15 a.m. on Fridays; 11:15 a.m. on Saturdays in Spanish (Bethel branch). 10:15 a.m. on Fridays (Sheldon branch). Young kids and family are invited to enjoy live music by a talented roster of local performers with active movement and lots of fun. In September, the regular storytime schedule will return.

Science of Sound — 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 1, Bethel branch; 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 1, Sheldon branch. Kids: explore the science of sound with Eugene Science Center. Join in fun hands-on activities about sound waves, what sound feels like, and more.

Paint and Snack for teens — 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 1, downtown library; 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 2, Bethel branch; 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 2, Sheldon branch. Teens learn a variety of painting techniques to create your own work of art. Supplies and snacks provided.

Media Lab Tour for Musicians — 30 minute appointments between 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 1, downtown library. New to studio recording and editing? Beginners are invited to sign up for a one-on-one tour of the Downtown Library’s Media Lab. Learn about the professional 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.

Nature Kids: Bees and Honey — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 2, downtown library. Ages 7-12: learn about bees, hives, and honey with Kevin Steffy Prier of Suburban Homecraft.

Intro to Virtual Reality — 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 2, downtown library. Learn about virtual reality experiences and how to use the Oculus Rift headsets available in the Media Lab at the Downtown Library. For adults and teens. Library card required.

Concert: The Octet — 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 3, downtown library. Eugene’s finest jazz musicians play Great American Songbook favorites at this First Friday concert. The Octet features Garret Baxter (bass), Dan Gaynor (piano), Josh Hettwer (tenor sax, alto sax, flute, clarinet), Matt Hettwer (trombone, bass trumpet), Paul Krueger (trumpet, flugelhorn), Joe Manis (tenor sax, alto sax, piccolo, flute, clarinet), Ken Mastrogiovanni (drums), and Roger Woods (baritone sax, bass clarinet, clarinet).

Notable Women of Oregon — 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 4, downtown library. Join historian Dr. Tracy Prince and her researcher daughter Zadie Schaffer, authors of “Notable Women of Portland,” for an illustrated talk about the book and their work to uncover these stories. Their exploration ranges over 10,000 years, including the achievements of Native American women; pioneer women; women of the Progressive Era; and WWI, WWII, and post-war women. They also discuss the history of Oregon women in the arts and in politics.

Kids: Oregon Rocks! — 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 7, downtown library; 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 8, Bethel branch; 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 8, Sheldon branch. Kids go on a geology adventure and explore the ever-changing planet Earth! Led by UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Dig deep into rocks, fossils, earthquakes, and volcanos with hands-on activities and specimens. Learn how Oregon’s landscape has been shaped over time.

eBooks and More: Drop In — Drop in 4:30-5:30 p.m. every Tuesday in August, downtown library. Have fun and save money: 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.

Pixel Art for Teens — 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 8, downtown library; 11:00 a.m. on Create pixel art! Make character keychains with Perler beads, paint pixels with watercolors, and design with Post-Its. All supplies provided.

One-on-One Job Hunt Help — 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursdays, August 9 and 23, downtown library; 6:00-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 14, Bethel branch; 6:00-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28, Sheldon branch. Pre-register for individual 30 minute appointments at 541-682-5450. Job hunters: get expert advice and assistance to address your specific questions and concerns. Employment counselors will help you find employment opportunities; complete applications; write online and traditional resumes; learn and practice interview techniques; or explore new job or career directions. This service is provided in partnership by Eugene Public Library, Goodwill Industries of Lane and South Coast Counties, and United Way of Lane County.

Tweens’ Fact Check Book Group – 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 9, downtown library. “Fact Check” is a monthly youth book group featuring nonfiction books and topics, for ages 11-14 years. The title for August is “Stronger Than Steel: Spider Silk DNA and the Quest for Better Bulletproof Vests, Sutures, and Parachute Rope.” Explore the exciting science of DNA. Learn how scientists are using certain creature’s proteins to create a nearly indestructible fiber with many uses, including potentially to replace human bones. Pre-register and pick up the book at the Downtown Library’s Teen Center.

Small Business: There’s an App for That! — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 9, downtown library. Learn about free and low-cost apps to help busy small business owners. Says Lynda Colter-Bergh, “technology should make life easier, not just be a distraction.” Find out which apps solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, salespeople, and small business owners report are most valuable to help them make more money, get more done in less time, and reduce stress. Many of the apps can be used on computers as well as on smart phones. Lynda Colter-Bergh is the CEO of Bottom Lines Consulting. Her diverse background includes process improvement, project and customer service management, training, software and network integration, marketing, sales, and public speaking. This workshop is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business.

Yarn & Thread — Drop in anytime 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 11, Sheldon branch; 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 18, 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.

A Parent’s Guide to Climate Revolution — 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 11, downtown library. Mary DeMocker will talk about her new book, “A Parent’s 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. Mary 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.

Dealing with the Debt Monster — 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 14, downtown library. Learn real-life strategies to control and eliminate debt at this user-friendly workshop. Get expert advice, handouts, and exercises to help you develop a personal plan to defeat the Debt Monster. Topics include: identifying and understanding different types of debt; prioritizing debt; payment strategies that reduce debt into manageable expenses; and how to effectively talk with creditors. Workshop leader Mark Brauer has been a Certified Financial Planner for more than 30 years and currently serves as Prosperity Planner for Goodwill’s Prosperity Center. This workshop is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library, Goodwill Industries of Lane and South Coast Counties, and United Way of Lane County.

Fan Fiction for Teens — 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15, downtown library; 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 16, Bethel branch; 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 16, Sheldon branch. Get together to write fan fiction.

Make an Oregon Patch — 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 18, downtown library. Learn to make an appliqué patch using the Cameo Cutter in the Library Maker Hub. Then attach it to background fabric by ironing and stitching, creating a finished patch ready to display on clothes, backpack, etc. For adults and teens. Library card required. No experience needed. All supplies provided.

The Pleasure Trap: Mastering the Hidden Force That Undermines Health and Happiness — 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 18, downtown library. Join Dr. Alan Goldhamer for a talk based on his book, “The Pleasure Trap: Mastering the Hidden Force that Undermines Health and Happiness.” His work begins with the premise that although human beings evolved by focusing on and addressing deficiencies, the greatest danger to modern people is excess, especially regarding diet. Dr. Goldhamer offers guidance on how to recognize personal “pleasure trap” patterns and overcome their negative influence in order to eat healthfully and improve and maintain well-being. Dr. Alan Goldhamer, D.C., is the founder of TrueNorth Health Center in Santa Rosa, California, and the director of its residential health education program. He has performed published research on the health benefits of water-only fasting. A doctor of chiropractic and an osteopathic physician, he is the author of “The Health Promoting Cookbook” and co-author of “The Pleasure Trap: Mastering the Hidden Force That Undermines Health and Happiness.” This event is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and the Eugene Veg Education Network.

Learn to Video Chat — 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 19, downtown library. Beginners: get a user-friendly introduction to a variety of ways to video chat using a phone, tablet, or computer. No experience or device required; participants are welcome to bring a device if desired.

Summer Walking Book Group — 10:15 a.m. on Monday, August 20, Sheldon branch. Visit the Sheldon Branch of Eugene Public Library to sign up for this month’s walking book group and get your copy of this month’s title: “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine: A Novel” by Gail Honeyman. The group will meet on Monday, August 20, 10:15 a.m. to talk while walking at an easy pace along nearby paved paths.

Family Night — 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 21, Sheldon branch; 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28, Bethel branch. In August, the Family Night theme is “China.” Enjoy stories, and learn Chinese words and dance moves with guest presenter Cindy Chan.

Eugene’s Got Talent! Youth Variety Show — Show is at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 22, downtown library. All ages are invited to catch a rising star at “Eugene’s Got Talent!” a free variety show performed by local kids and teens. Sign up and dress rehearsal for the show will be held the day before the show, Tuesday, August 21, at 4:00 p.m. at the Downtown Library. Sign-ups for limited spaces will begin at 3:30 p.m., for solo, duo, or group acts lasting 3 minutes or less. Each act must include at least one person age 7 to 17. Participants must provide their own equipment. Families of performers are welcome to watch the dress rehearsal.

Tween Scene — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 23, downtown library. This month’s book is “The Cardboard Kingdom” by Chad Sell. In this graphic novel, a neighborhood of kids spend summer transforming cardboard into costumes for amazing adventures. Pre-register and pick up the book at the Downtown Library’s Children’s Center. For ages 9-12.

Teen Book Group — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 23, downtown library. This month’s title is “The Belles” by Dhonielle Clayton. A mesmerizing novel about the opulent world of Orleans, where Beauty controls everything — and an ambitious teen must decide if the power is worth the price. Visit the Downtown Teen Desk to pre-register and pick up the book.

Business Site Selection: Where and Why — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 23, downtown library. Join expert John Qualman to learn how to choose a business site. The process of evaluating and considering the particular needs of a new or existing business will guide decisions on locations and building designs. Qualman will discuss lease/purchase procurement, zoning, neighborhoods, and uses in the Springfield-Eugene area. Qualman has been a Commercial Real Estate appraiser for over 20 years, holding the prestigious MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute. His expertise includes retail, office, restaurant, hotel, agricultural, and industrial real estate. This workshop is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business.

Writer Nancy Rommelmann’s “To the Bridge: A True Story of Motherhood and Murder” — 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 25, downtown library. Hear Nancy Rommelmann talk about her new book, “To the Bridge: A True Story of Motherhood and Murder.” She researched and wrote it to examine the mystery of why a local mother murdered her own children. On May 23, 2009, Amanda Stott-Smith drove to the Sellwood Bridge in Portland, Oregon, and dropped her two children into the Willamette River. Forty minutes later, rescuers found the body of four-year-old Eldon. His seven-year-old sister, Trinity, was saved. Amid public outcry, Stott-Smith was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to thirty-five years in prison. Embarking on a seven-year quest for the truth, Rommelmann traced the roots of Stott-Smith’s fury and desperation via thousands of pages of records, meetings with lawyers and convicts, and interviews with friends and family who felt shocked, confused, and emotionally swindled by a woman whose life was now defined by an unspeakable crime. At the heart of that crime, Rommelmann found a tempestuous marriage, a self-destructive family, and a myriad of secrets and lies. In addition to “To the Bridge,” Nancy Rommelmann is the author of a novel “The Bad Mother”; a memoir “The Queens of Montague Street”; a short story collection, “Transportation”; and an account of her cross-country journey to interview serial killer John Wayne Gacy shortly before his execution, “Destination Gacy.” Her writing has been published widely, including in the LA Weekly, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal.

Back-to-School Book Sale — 10:00-4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 27, downtown library. Teachers, parents, and home schoolers: choose from a wide selection of gently-used educational materials for grades K-8, including books, teacher resources, CDs, and DVDs. Most items just $1.00. The sale is a fundraiser by the volunteer Friends of Eugene Public Library to support Eugene Public Library programs. Admission is free. Cash, checks, and VISA/MC accepted for purchases.

Kids and Teens: Maker Expo — 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28, downtown library; 10:15-12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29, Bethel branch; 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29, Sheldon branch. Kids and teens: drop in for demonstrations and hands-on fun featuring Eugene Public Library’s maker tech and art tools. Featured activities will include a green screen photo booth, button maker, Makey Makey invention kits, littleBits electronic building blocks, gyotaku fish prints, and more.

Concert for Kids: Marimba — 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28, downtown library. This special Family Music Time will be held outdoors in the Children’s Courtyard. Enjoy high-energy Zimbabwean marimba music performed live by Chapwititi, the teen ensemble of Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center.

Intro to Digitizing — 30-minute appointments between 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29, downtown library. Beginners: take a one-on-one tour of the digitizing tools available in the Downtown Library’s Media Lab. Get an introduction to the process of converting VHS, cassettes, vinyl, transparencies, and photos to digital formats. For adults and teens. A Eugene Public Library card and pre-registration are required for each 30-minute session: starting August 10, call 541-682-5450.

Adulting: Bullet Journals — 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29, downtown library. Teens and young adults: make and learn how to use a bullet journal to organize and shape your schedule, priorities, and projects.

Intro to Craigslist — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 30, downtown library. Looking for a roommate, a rental, a used couch or car? Go to the online marketplace Craigslist to find, buy, or sell almost anything. Learn how to search for and post ads. No experience or device required.