On The November Calendar at the Eugene Public Library

(Compiled by Anne-Allegra Bennett)

Eugene Public Library Locations

Downtown: 100 W. 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 NOVEMBER CALENDAR:

Play with Lego Blocks –  Drop in 4 p.m. every Wednesday, downtown library; 10:15 a.m. every Saturday, Sheldon Branch; 3 p.m. every Saturday, Bethel Branch. Bring the kids to build, play, and explore with Eugene Public Library’s big and varied collection of Legos. For ages 5 to 12.

Family Music Time – 10:15 a.m. every Saturday, downtown library. Kids and their families can sing and dance their way into the weekend with a different performer every week! On November 4, Kris Olsen of Do Re Play leads fun musical explorations. November 18, Rich Glauber delights all ages with interactive musical fun. Sing along and enjoy stories with Chuck Coxon on November 25.

Dog Tale Time – 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Saturday through December 9, downtown library. 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). Ages 5 to 12 years old. Pre-register starting one week in advance in person or by phone: 541-682-8316.

Family Fun – 2 p.m., every Sunday, downtown library. Kids and family: drop in for a new activity every week. On November 5, make gifts including toys, trinkets, and more. November 12, watch and learn dances with local youth troupe Ballet Folklorico Alma de Mexico. On November 19, create art inspired by myths and legends from around the world with the Multicultural Children’s Art Museum and Little Owl Art School, followed by the Multicultural Art Contest Award Ceremony. Hosanna Dance Studio will perform “Scenes from Narnia,” dances based on the classic C.S. Lewis books on November 26.

Kids: Minecraft Mondays – 4 p.m. every Monday through December, downtown library. Kids: play together, share tips, and get creative with building challenges with Minecraft on Eugene Public Library’s computers. For ages 6 through 12. Due to limited space, a Eugene Public Library card and pre-registration are required. Sign up starting one week in advance at 541-682-8316.

‘Tweens: Go Green Screen – 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, Sheldon Branch; 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8, Bethel Branch. Tweens: try digital photography, GoPro action cameras, and green screen technology to create amazing images.

Alex Dang: Performance Poetry – 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, downtown library. Catch a performance by poet Alex Dang, whose YouTube video “What Kind of Asian Are You?” has attracted more than 1.5 million views. A TedX speaker whose work has been highlighted by Upworthy and Huffington Post, he is the only person to win a place in the Portland Poetry Slam’s nationals team four years in a row. Dang’s insightful and entertaining poems explore identity, relationships, and more.

‘Tweens: Eggs & Chicks – 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, downtown library. Tweens: meet chickens and learn about taking care of them with teacher and homesteader Kevin Steffy Prier.

Talk Time: Conversational English – 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, 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.

Eugeneana: Author Lynn Ash – 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, downtown library. Join author Lynn Ash for an illustrated visit through the Eugene of her 1950s childhood based on her new book, “Eugeneana: Memoir of an Oregon Hometown.” In stories and images, she shares local history about the Whitaker neighborhood, particularly the intersection of 8th Avenue, Monroe Street, and Blair Boulevard long before Sweet Life and Falling Sky came along. She will share reflections on places, people, and events.

Teens: Make a Journal – 4 p.m. on First Friday, November 3, at both Bethel Branch and Sheldon Branch. Craft a handmade journal for writing, drawing, or any use you like.

Family World Dance Party: Salsa – 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 3, Petersen Barn Community Center. (870 Berntzen Road). Join the library at Petersen Barn to learn and enjoy salsa dance with Florabelle Moses and DJ James Meyer of House of Records. Free admission and refreshments. Presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and City of Eugene Recreation.

Concert: Calamity Jazz – 6 p.m. on First Friday, November 3, downtown library. Kick off the weekend with a concert of Dixieland tunes played by Calamity Jazz. Musicians include Vicki Cox (leader, trumpet), Larry Burnett (trombone), Meg Graf (clarinet), Jon Brand (tuba, stringed bass), Tami Trowbridge (piano), and special guests.

Holiday Gifts Book Sale – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 4, downtown library. Buy books in gift-giving condition, including bestsellers, classics, holiday-themed titles, coffee table books, and children’s books. Admission and parking are free. 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.

The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey – 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 4, downtown library. Writer Rinker Buck has traveled the 2,000-mile length of the Oregon Trail the old-fashioned way, in a covered wagon with a team of mules – which no one had done for a century. Along the way, he dodged thunderstorms in Nebraska, chased his runaway mules across miles of Wyoming plains, scouted more than five hundred miles of nearly vanished trail on foot, crossed the Rockies, made desperate fifty-mile marches for water, and repaired nearly countless broken wheels and axles. In addition to his own experience recreating the journey, he shares the history and significance of the trail.

Make Jewelry – 5 p.m. on Monday, November 6, downtown library. Adults and teens may make a matching necklace and earring set using basic wire bending techniques and beads. No experience necessary. All supplies provided.

Yarn & Thread – Noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7, Bethel Branch; noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, Sheldon 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.

Tabletop Games for All Ages – 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7, at both the Bethel Branch and Sheldon Branch libraries. All ages are invited to play modern and classic tabletop games at Eugene Public Library’s neighborhood branches. A wide variety of games will be available for children, teens, and adults, ranging from Animal Upon Animal to Settlers of Catan to Scrabble.

Begin Your Book-Length Memoir – 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7, Sheldon Branch; 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, Bethel Branch. Melissa Hart teaches how to get started writing a book-length memoir. Participants will consider examples from published memoirs to choose a way to begin; identify key themes and/or historical eras in their lives; and learn how to use details along with the classic narrative arc to shape a memoir. Melissa Hart is the author of the memoirs “Wild Within: How Rescuing Owls Inspired a Family” and “Gringa,” as well as the YA novel “Avenging the Owl.” Hart is a contributing editor at The Writer Magazine and an editor/consultant at Creator & Collector Services.

Tim Berry: The Business Plan You’ll Really Use – 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, downtown library. Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs: catch this golden opportunity to hear Palo Alto Software founder Tim Berry, creator of Business Plan Pro, on the crucial topic of business planning. Well-known as a clear and entertaining speaker, Berry will deliver nuts-and-bolts explanations and steps to follow, from strategies to schedules to sales projections. This event is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business.

Teen Board Games – 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 10, Bethel Branch and Sheldon Branch libraries. Teens: drop in to play board on the second Friday of every month. For ages 13 to 17 years old.

Money Matters for Beginners – 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, downtown library. Learn basic rules that lead to financial stability and success. This user-friendly workshop 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.

Windfall Reading Series – 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, downtown library. This month’s Windfall Reading will feature writers Michael Copperman and Sharma Shields. Best known for his memoir, “Teacher: Two Years in the Mississippi Delta,” Michael Copperman writes acclaimed prose that has been published widely, including in  The Oxford-American, The Sun, Boston Review, Salon, and others. Sharma Shields is the author of a short story collection, “Favorite Monster,” and a novel, “The Sasquatch Hunter’s Almanac.” Her next novel, “The Cassandra,” will be published in early 2019. Her work has appeared widely, including in The New York Times, Kenyon Review, and Iowa Review. The Windfall Reading Series is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and Lane Literary Guild. Refreshments served at intermission.

Drag Queen Storytime – 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, downtown library; 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, Sheldon Branch; 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, Bethel Branch. Kids and friends: dress up and join in a family-friendly, all-ages royal book party with guest readers from the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Emerald Empire.

Community Philosophy Circle – 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 15, 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 one hour group exploration of the question “What Is Intelligence?” The conversation will be facilitated by high school philosophy class students from A3: Academy of Arts and Academics, their teacher Samantha Krop, and University of Oregon instructors Paul Bodin and Caroline Lundquist. This program is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and the University of Oregon Philosophy Department.

‘Tweens: Make Wristbands – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, downtown library. Choose from a colorful folded paper design, a twine and beads “wish” bracelet, or a survival wristband made of paracord. No experience necessary. All supplies provided.

Happy Brain, Happy Being – 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, downtown library. Amy van der Linde talks about the discovery that she inherited an unusual neurological trait, and how this has provided her a deeper understanding of herself and others. The rare trait of mirror-touch synesthesia causes her to sense the emotional and physical experiences of other people. Combining the fields of psychology, physics, and neuroscience, she shares inspirational stories of real-life applications for happy living, demystifying the brain and its habits. Van der Linde provides simple and sound tools to move beyond limiting beliefs and empower individuals to carve new neural pathways to create happier lives.

Teens: Ani-Manga Club – 4 p.m. on Friday, November 17, downtown library. Watch anime and enjoy Japanese snacks with friends who share your love of anime and manga.

Computer Practice Lab for Beginners – 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, downtown library. Computer beginners: practice and experiment in a supportive environment with assistance available. Drop in during this open lab time to use Library computers, or your own laptop to work on a project or a particular type of program or skill. Library staff will be available to help in English and Spanish.

Genealogy Next Steps – 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, Bethel Branch; 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, Sheldon Branch. This class is designed for those who have already attended Eugene Public Library’s introductory Online Genealogy class. Get advanced tips on researching your family tree. Topics include in-depth Internet searching, how to organize your data and keep track of sources, and the benefits of connecting with the genealogy community online. Internet skills required.

Shop Online with Confidence – 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 29, downtown library. Get expert tips to shop safely online. This workshop will explain Internet, computer, and personal information security; offer guidance for using credit and debit cards online; provide ways to determine which online merchants are legitimate; and identify signs of common holiday shopping scams.

‘Tween Scene – 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, downtown library. This month’s book is “Chasing Vermeer” by Blue Balliett. In this novel, two eleven year olds team up to solve an international art scandal. Pre-register and pick up the book at the Downtown Library’s Children’s Center starting November 1. For ages 9 to 12.

Teen Book Group – 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, downtown library. This month’s book is “They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera. This award-winning novel set in near-future New York tells the tale of two teens who meet on their last day of life. Visit the Downtown Teen Desk to pre-register and pick up your copy of the book starting November 1. And save the date: author Adam Silvera will visit to give a free talk at the Downtown Library on Saturday, December 2 at 3:00.

Immigrants: Know Your Rights – 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, downtown library. The Civil Liberties Defense Center will explain basic rights to assist immigrants and their allies at this bilingual workshop (English and Spanish). Their work is intended to “build solidarity with communities at risk for contact with police and federal agents and to prevent the destruction of families and communities.”

REGULAR WEEKLY STORYTIMES

STEAM Storytime – Mondays, 4:00 p.m., downtown library; for ages 3 to 7 with their caregivers.

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

Pajama Storytime – Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., downtown library; for young children with their caregivers.

Preschool Storytime – Wednesdays, 10:15 and 11:00 a.m., downtown library; for preschoolers with their caregivers.

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

Baby Storytime – Fridays, 10:15 and 11:15 a.m., downtown library; for babies from birth to first steps, with their caregivers.

Family Storytime at Sheldon – Fridays, 10:15 a.m., Sheldon Branch; for kids of all ages, with their caregivers.

Family Storytime at Bethel – Fridays, 10:15 a.m., Bethel Branch; for kids of all ages, with their caregivers.

Cuentos y Canciones: Stories & Songs in Spanish – Saturdays, 11:15 a.m., Bethel Branch. Stories and songs in Spanish for the whole family.

Art Displays –  On exhibit at the Downtown Eugene Public Library

In the Children’s Center on the 1st floor in November: In connection with Fiesta Cultural, works by Eugene Arte Latino bilingual summer camp and photography by Mary Lule, “Tradiciones de Morelos, en tu mano.” Also displays by Eugene Miniature Club; Little Owl School of Arts and Multicultural Children’s Art Museum and Education Center; and Big Pop-ups by Mary Hochberg.

Second floor Magazines and Newspapers Room in November and December: The National Grange organization is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Learn about the past, present, and future of the national and local Grange with a display including a photo timeline and historical objects. Founded in 1867, the Grange was the first nationwide farm organization, as well as the first national organization to give full voice and vote to women, 60 years before the adoption of Universal Suffrage in the United States.

Second floor Magazines and Newspapers room in November and December: Paintings by Simon Graves. A series of paintings of positive icons including Eleanor Roosevelt, Chief Joseph, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Simon Graves is a self-taught local artist in a family of artists and art lovers. He started painting in earnest in his thirties. As he describes it, “A painter gets lost in the project. I think that’s how you can easily tell the difference between a Gauguin and a Van Gogh, or a Renoir and a Degas. And this is because an artist’s personhood is so interwoven in their paintings. I enjoy getting lost in painting.”