There’s no excuse for boredom this summer — Check out what’s happening at the Eugene Public Library in June

(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

Art Exhibits

Abhinav Vats: Mixed Media Art — On the walls of the 2^nd floor Magazines and Newspapers Room through June. Colorful works by artist Abhinav Vats, created with mixed media including acrylic paints, pens, incense ash, and more.

Eugene Button Club — In the cases of the 2^nd floor Magazines and Newspapers room through June. A display highlighting collectible buttons and the times they reflect as cultural artifacts.

In the Children’s Center — On the 1^st floor in June. Displays by museums of Springfield and Eugene and the Upper Willamette Soil and Water Conservation District.

Activities and Events

Summer Reading for All Ages at Eugene Public Library — Sign up starting June 1^st for this year’s Summer Reading theme, “A Universe of Stories.” All summer, visit any Eugene library location — Downtown, Sheldon, or Bethel — to attend free events. Each child and teen gets to choose a free book to keep and an invitation to free weekly events at all three locations. Each adult gets a free notebook, book light, and coupon for a free coffee at Novella Café or $1 off books at the Friends of the Library book store. Plus, adults can play Summer Reading Bingo for raffle chances to win movie tickets.

Summer Teen Team: Volunteer at the Downtown Library — Apply starting June 1^st at the Teen Desk for the opportunity to help Eugene Public Library staff prepare items for check out, set up crafts projects for kids’ programs, create displays, clean and organize books, and more. For ages 13-18 years. Applicants must be able to attend a required orientation at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18.

Kids and Legos — 10:15 a.m. on Saturdays in June, at the Bethel and Sheldon branches. Build, play, and explore with the Eugene Public Library’s large and varied collection of Lego blocks. For ages 5-12 years.

Family Music Time — 10:15 a.m. every Saturday in June, downtown library. Sing and dance your way into the weekend with a different performer every week. The musical fun will be led by Bryan Reed on June 1, Kris Olsen on June 8, Chuck Coxon on June 15, Michael Bradley on June 22, and Rich Glauber on June 29.

Sensory Storytime — 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays in June, downtown library. Sensory Storytime is designed for children ages 2-8 years who experience sensory needs, have developmental delays, or are on the autism spectrum. Explore, play, and develop early literacy skills at a supportive gathering with a consistent structure. Sign up for each session starting one week in advance: 541-682-8316.

Family Fun — 2:00 p.m. on Sundays in June, downtown library. Every Sunday, there’s something new for families to do together. On June 2, create with Legos. June 9, enjoy Campfire Crafts and Tales. Make a Fairy House on June 16. On June 23, join Eugene Symphony musicians to hear and try instruments at a Musical Petting Zoo. Play Giant Games on June 30.

Intro to Photoshop — 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 2, downtown library. Learn Photoshop basics to enhance images including cropping, adjusting colors, changing size, and preparing for printing. Plus get tips on how to find royalty-free images online. For adults and teens. Library card required. Sign up by calling 541-682-5450.

Fix-It! DIY Repair: Small Appliances and Electronics — 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, downtown library. Learn to repair your own small appliances and electronics. Each participant should bring an item that needs to be fixed such as a lamp, toaster, coffee maker, alarm clock, or stereo, including all parts and any tools they own that might be helpful. Fix-It will provide a safety demonstration, assistance, and additional tools. No experience needed. This workshop is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and City of Eugene Waste Prevention and Green Building. Pre-register at 541-682-5450.

Talk Time: Conversational English — 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, June 3-5, downtown library. Learning English? Come and meet other learners to practice conversational English together. Talk Time is an opportunity to build listening and speaking skills in a friendly, casual gathering. Talk Time is provided in partnership by Eugene Public Library and Lane Community College.

Camp Minecraft for Kids: 4-week Session — 4:00 p.m. every Monday, June 3 through June 24, downtown library. Ages 6-12 years play together, share tips, and get creative with building challenges on the Eugene Public Library’s computers. Sign up once for the complete four-week session by callling 541-682-8316.

Minecrafters for Kids — 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays in June, downtown library. Play together, share tips, and get creative with building challenges with Minecraft on the Eugene Public Library’s computers. For ages 6-12 years. Pre-register starting one week in advance of each session by calling 541-682-8316.

Unlock the Box: Harry Potter — 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4 and 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, at the Bethel branch; and 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11 and 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 13 at the Sheldon branch. All ages may come and try to “Unlock the Box.” Team members will work together to find clues and solve puzzles with a Hogwarts theme. Sign up by calling 541-682-5450.

Dungeons & Dragons for Teens— 3:00 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5 and June 19, downtown library. Learn how to create your D&D character, how to play, and then jump into this tabletop gaming adventure. Due to limited spaces, each teen may participate in only one session each day.

One-on-One Job Hunt Help — 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays, June 6 and June 20, downtown library. Pre-register for individual 30-minute appointments by calling 541-682-5450. Job hunters can get expert advice and assistance to address specific questions and concerns. Employment counselors can help 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.

Nature Kids: Make Terrariums — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, downtown library. Learn about ecosystems and make a mini-terrarium to take home. For ages 6-12 years.

Community Philosophy Circle: The Stories We Tell — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, downtown library. “Community philosophy” happens any time people get together to discuss the “big questions” that are both universal and personal. People of all ages, backgrounds, and perspectives are invited to a group exploration of the questions on the theme “And Thereby Hangs a Tale: Understanding Ourselves Through the Stories We Tell.” The conversation will be facilitated by Paul Bodin, adjunct instructor in the University of Oregon’s Department of Philosophy, and Caroline Lundquist, instructor of Philosophy at the UO Clark Honors College.

Concert: Blue Skies Band and The Jewel Tones — 6:00 p.m. during downtown Eugene’s First Friday ARt Walk on Friday, June 7, downtown library. Tap your toes or get up and dance to swing classics played live by the 17-piece Blue Skies Band, one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier big bands. This show also features the vocal harmonies of the Jewel Tones, inspired by the great trios of the ’30s and ’40s such as the Boswell Sisters and the Andrews Sisters. Under the direction of Devin Wright, the Blue Skies Band plays many of the original arrangements made famous by Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, and Glenn Miller.

Donate Blood — Drop in 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, Bethel branch. Donate blood and save lives. Meet up with the Bloodworks Northwest bloodmobile at Bethel Branch of Eugene Public Library. Must be age 16 or older and show photo ID. Donors receive a free pass to the Lane County Fair.

Fun Yoga and Mindfulness — 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, downtown library. Join Caye Harrison of Yoga Fun for an introduction to yoga and mindfulness practice.

Yarn & Thread — Drop in from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 and June 22, 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.

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

Try It: Virtual Reality — Drop in between 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 10 and June 24, Sheldon branch; 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12 and June 26, Bethel branch. Experience virtual reality (VR) with Oculus Go. For adults and teens.

Library Downloads and Streaming: One-on-One Help — 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm. on Monday, June 10, Bethel branch; 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, Sheldon branch. Pre-register for individual 30-minute appointments: 541-682-5450. Have fun and save money by learning how to download and stream 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. Library staff will help you using your own device.

eBooks and More: Drop In — Drop in 5:30 pm. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, downtown library. Learn how to download and stream 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 and get answers to your questions. Bring your own device or use the library’s.

Intro to 3D Carving — 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, downtown library. Learn how to use the Carvey CNC Mill to design and carve original objects in wood and plastic. The machine is available for use in the Downtown Library’s Maker Hub. For adults and teens. Library card and basic PC computer and mouse skills required.

Foundation Directory Online: Professional — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, downtown library. Looking for grants, corporate giving programs, public charities, and other funding sources for your agency or project? One of the most powerful tools is available free at Eugene Public Library: Foundation Directory Online — Professional. This database provides up-to-date, complete, searchable information about 140,000 U.S. grantmakers, 5 million awarded grants, and more. Get expert tips for using FDO Professional with Katy Lenn, Head of Research and Instructional Services at University of Oregon Libraries. If possible, bring a laptop. This workshop is presented by Eugene Public Library in partnership with SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business.

Tweens: Library Squad — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, downtown library. Get together to volunteer at the library. Work on special projects, meet new friends, and help make your library even better. For ages 9-12 years.

Tweens: Tech Squad — 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14, and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, downtown library. Create, explore, and play with maker tools of many kinds. For ages 9-12 years.

Yarn & Thread — Drop in 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, 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. Library card required.

Soundscapes: Audio Storytelling with Your Phone — 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, downtown library. As soon as audio technology allowed for field recordings, enthusiasts went out into the world to capture sounds. Over time, artists and musicians began weaving sound samples in their creations. With today’s technology, anyone with smart phone or tablet can record sounds and arrange them into a narrative composition. Learn about the history, techniques, artists introduce those interested to the techniques, artists, and technologies available for creating soundscapes.

Summer Walking Book Group — 10:15 a.m. on Monday, June 15, Sheldon Community Center (2445 Willakenzie Rd); 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, Petersen Barn Community Center (870 Berntzen Rd). Starting June 1, visit the Sheldon or Bethel branch libraries to sign up and get your book for one of this month’s walking book groups. The groups will talk about each book while walking at an easy pace along nearby paved paths. Sheldon Community Center group will discuss “Stories of Your Life and Others” by Ted Chiang. The Bethel group will gather to discuss “Freshwater” by Akwaeke Emezi.

Filling Out Forms Online — 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, downtown library. Learn how to fill out online forms and applications for jobs, shopping, rentals, and more. Plus, get tips and tricks about safety online. Basic computer and internet skills required.

Try It: Virtual Reality — 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, downtown library. Experience virtual reality (VR) and learn to use the Oculus Rift headset in the Media Lab at the Downtown Library. For adults and teens. Library card required.

Teens: SPACED Party — 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, downtown library. Kick off the Summer Reading season with a blacklight space party. Dance on the moon, get creative with crafts, snack on treats, enter a raffle to win a 1Pass, and of course, sign up for Summer Reading and choose a brand-new book to keep.

Family Night: Bats — 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, Sheldon branch; 6:30 p.m on Tuesday, June 25, Bethel branch. At Family Night this month, the theme is “Bats Eat Bugs: They Don’t Eat People.” Join WREN: Willamette Resources and Educational Network for interactive learning about bats, what they eat, how they pollinate foods people eat, and more.

Tweens: Comics Squad — 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, downtown library. Read, write, draw, create, and geek out about comics and graphic novels. For ages 9-12 years.

Stuck in the Middle Book Club — 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, downtown library. This month’s title is  The Pearl Wars by Nick James. Pre-register and pick up the book at the Downtown Library’s Teen Center starting June 1. For ages 11-14 years.

Water Wise Homes — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, downtown library. Join the 350 Eugene group and local experts to learn practical ways to save water, reducing your home’s carbon footprint and related energy use. Topics will include how to increase water efficiency, collect rainwater, and reuse wash water for irrigation (known as “greywater”). Learn how water, energy, and food are intrinsically linked, and which foods and products can help reduce water waste. This event is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and 350 Eugene.

Teens: Ani-Manga Club — 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21, downtown library. Get together to watch anime and enjoy snacks!

Summer Reading Book Group — 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, downtown library. Get together to talk about Cai Emmon’s latest novel Weather Woman, in which a TV meteorologist discovers she has the power to change the weather. Starting June 1, visit the Downtown Library’s 3rd floor Reader’s Advisory desk to sign up and pick up your copy of the book.

Writer Cai Emmons — 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, downtown library. Author Cai Emmons will talk about her latest novel, Weather Woman, in which a TV meterologist discovers she has the power to change the weather. As a woman experiencing power for the first time in her life, she struggles to figure out what she can do for the world without hurting it further. This compelling story poses questions about science and intuition, women and power, and what the earth needs from humans.

Teen Book Group: Meet Writer Mary Roach — 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, downtown library. Talk about the national bestseller Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach – with the author, in person. Roach is famous for science writing that is both hilarious and factual. Plus, get info on healthy relationships and sexuality with Planned Parenthood’s youth education team, REV. Visit the Downtown Teen Desk to sign up and pick up the book starting June 1.

Writer Mary Roach — 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, downtown library. Enjoy a free talk and Q&A with Mary Roach, the NY Times bestselling author beloved for her hilariously informative explorations of scientific topics. Roach is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal; Packing For Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void; Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers; Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex; and Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife.

Learn Bead Stringing — 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 24, downtown library. Adults and teens can learn the basics of bead stringing. All tools and supplies are provided, including a beading board to plan your design, tiger tail wire, and a variety of glass beads. If desired, bring a centerpiece bead or pendant, or choose one of the library’s. Library card required.

Teens: Mini Piñatas — 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, downtown library. Create and decorate adorable handmade mini-piñatas.

Show for Kids: Explosions, Inc. — 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26, downtown library; 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 27, Petersen Barn Community Center (870 Berntzen Rd); 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, Sheldon Community Center (2445 Willakenzie Rd). Kids and families can start summer with a bang at a physical science show filled with surprises, performed by the entertaining educators of Explosions, Inc. Explore the laws of the physical world with mind-bending demonstrations, mysterious potions, and, of course, explosions. Don’t try this at home!

Tween Scene — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, downtown library. This month, Tween Scene features two books: Dactyl Hill Squad by Daniel José Older and Big Bad Ironclad by Nathan Hale. For ages 9-12 years. Pre-register and pick up the book at the Downtown Library’s Children’s Center starting June 1.

Teen Book Group: Meet Writer Connie King Leonard — 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, downtown library. Talk about the novel Sleeping in My Jeans by Connie King Leonard — with the author, in person. Stop by the Downtown Teen Desk to sign up and pick up the book starting June 1.

Small Business Finance and Accounting — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, downtown library. Small business owners can join Lynda Colter-Bergh to learn about finance and accounting tips that “banks and merchant services reps won’t tell you.” As a business owner, it’s hard to find time to take a close look at your merchant services. But complacency or fear of change costs some businesses thousands of dollars a year. This informative talk will provide tools to help you quickly see if you could be saving money. Topics include top mistakes people make when reviewing statements; recognizing red flags and “gotchas” in contracts; and key words that may mean you’re paying too much. Colter-Bergh of Bottom Lines Consulting has been coaching business owners and offering merchant services as an independent broker for more than nine years in Colorado and Oregon. This workshop is presented by Eugene Public Library in partnership with SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business.

Make It: Book Bag — 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 28, downtown library. Tweens can learn to use a sewing machine by making a book bag with a pocket for your library card. No experience needed. All materials provided. For ages 9-12 years. Sign up starting June 10, by calling 541-682-8316.

Ten Tips for Memoir Writing — 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, downtown library. Learn how to plot your memoir, approach difficult topics and people in your life, and get your story out into the world. This lively workshop will be led by writer and editor Melissa Hart, the author of the memoirs Wild Within and Gringa, as well as Better with Books: 500 Diverse Books to Ignite Empathy and Inspire Self-Acceptance in Tweens and Teens, and the novel, Avenging the Owl.

Bitforest Game Riff — 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30, downtown library. Make video games with Bitforest. This group of local game developers loves to help everyone learn and have fun creating games. Participants will start with a basic arcade game, then add their own twists: new mechanics, art, power-ups, levels, and more. If possible, bring a laptop; if not, use one of the library’s. For adults, teens, and kids ages 10 years and up.

I Have a Library Card, Now What? — 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, downtown library. Your library card is the key to an astonishing range of free services, resources, and activities you might not know about. Whether you don’t have a card yet, just got your card, or have had one for years, come learn about all that’s available to you.

Workshop: Your Right to Write — 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, downtown library. Explore and overcome your personal obstacles to writing with creativity coach Kate Gavigan. Fun exercises will help participants to identify writing blocks that include internal critics and censors, and “artistic injuries” from the past. Have fun writing with gentle support in a low pressure, relaxed atmosphere. Kate Gavigan teaches creativity classes at the Seattle Artists Way Center.

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.