Summer’s winding down, but it’s still a hot time in August at the Eugene Public Library

(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

 Admission free

Art exhibits

Watercolors by Tim Goss — On display in the 2^nd floor Magazines and Newspapers Room through August. Tim Goss is an Oregon watercolor artist who paints big, bright, colorful works of art. He started painting in 2005 under the mentorship of watercolorist Kenge Kobayashi.Goss finds inspiration in everyday objects, travel, pet portraits and watercolor journals.

Children’s Center on the 1st floor — Displays by museums of Springfield and Eugene and the Upper Willamette Soil and Water Conservation District.

 Activitites and events

Family Music Time — 10:15 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays in August, downtown; 10:15 a.m. on Fridays in August, Bethel and Sheldon branches.

Bilingual session of Family Music Time (Spanish and English) — 10:15 a.m. on Saturdays in August, downtown. 

Pajama Storytime — 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in August, downtown. 

Baby Playdate — 10:15 a.m. on Fridays in August, downtown.

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

Kids: Shark Time — 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, downtown; 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1, Bethel branch; 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, Sheldon branch. Learn about these amazing creatures with the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Teens: Fanfiction II: Return of the Fan — 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, downtown. Meet up to talk fandoms, share favorite “ships,” and write fanfiction.

Nature Kids: Sun Prints — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, downtown. Create silhouette photos with light-sensitive paper. For ages 6-12 years.

One-on-One Job Hunt Help — 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1 and 15, downtown. Pre-register for individual 30-minute appointments at 541-682-5450. Job hunters 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.

First Friday: Shakespeare’s Tales Within Tales — 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 2, downtown. Join Fools Haven acting company for a delightful show of Shakespearean monologues and scenes with the common theme of telling a story-within-a-story. Led by Judith Roberts, performers include Diana Aday, Don Aday, John Arredondo, Joe Cronin, Jennifer Ferro, Dawaun Lawler, AnnMarie Maurer, Ami-Nola Moore, Robert Newcomer, Tony Sterpe, Penta Swanson, and Thomas Weaver. These storytellers assembled by Fools Haven acting company will present a cavalcade of the Bard’s micro-tales, for Shakespeare-lovers and newcomers alike.

Video Storytelling with Your SmartPhone — 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, downtown. Explore the methods and principles behind videos that captivate. Learn to use time-tested filmmaking principles to create compelling videos with your phone or tablet. The workshop covers  the history of film and early filmmakers, practical tips, and an introduction to Adobe Clip free video editing software for Android and Apple devices. Bring a device or just your curiosity.

Super Mario Party for teens and almost-teens — 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, Sheldon branch; 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, Bethel branch. Play Super Mario Party with Nintendo Switch. For ages 11–17 years.

Intro to 3D Printing — 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 4, downtown. For adults and teens.Learn the basics to create patterns with Tinkercad software and print them using the Library’s 3D printer. Library card required.

Thermoplastic Art for teens and almost-teens — 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 5, Bethel branch; 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7, Sheldon branch. Create with thermoplastic to make bracelets, cuffs, or wands with artist Marianne Walker. For ages 11–17 years.

Camp Minecraft for kids: 4-week session — 4:00 p.m. every Monday, August 5 through August 26, downtown. Kids ages 6-12 years play together, share tips, and get creative with building challenges on Eugene Public Library’s computers. Sign up once for the complete four-week session at 541-682-8316.

Teens: Make a Clock — 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, downtown. Make and decorate an analog clock to keep.

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

Teens: Screen Printing — 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7, downtown. Try screen printing with a hands-on demo by professional artists from Threadbare Print House. Plus, learn about the Hult Center’s teen poster design contest inspired by the upcoming production of “Frankenstein” by Manual Cinema. The contest winner will be awarded $250 and the opportunity to work with Threadbare to create prints of their design. Ages 11-17 years.

The Savvy Consumer — 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7, downtown. Be a smart shopper — get an introduction to using the library’s online consumer databases and guides, including free access to Consumer Reports. Learn how to evaluate options and shop safely online, get expert tips on how to use Craigslist, eBay, and Amazon, and explore databases that are available free through the library, such as Antiques and Collectibles. Basic internet skills required.

Space Camp for kids — 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7 and August 14, downtown. Blast off for hands-on fun with STEAM: science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Come to one session or both. For ages 6-12 years.

Teens: Make a Dream Journal — 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, downtown. Learn how to handcraft a blank book to use as a dream journal, sketchbook, notebook, or gift.

Library Squad for Tweens — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, downtown. Volunteer at the library to work on special projects, meet new friends, and help make your library even better. For ages 9-12 years.

Intro to Contracts — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, downtown. Join small business expert Frank Plaisted for an overview of the basics of contracts, including what a contract is and the process involved in creating one. This workshop is presented by Eugene Public Library in partnership with SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business.

Kids: Musical Petting Zoo — 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, Bethel branch; 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, Sheldon branch. Join Eugene Symphony musicians to hear, touch, and try instruments.

Donate Blood — Drop in 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, Bethel branch. Donate blood and save lives at the Bloodworks Northwest bloodmobile. Must be age 16 years or older and show photo ID.

Yarn & Thread — Drop in 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 10 and August 24, 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, August 12, Bethel branch. Hands-on exploring, learning, and fun for ages 3-5 years. STEAM activities feature science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

Switchin’ It Up Pizza Party for teens and almost-teens — 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 12, Bethel branch; 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14, Sheldon Community Center (2445 Willakenzie Rd). Play Nintendo Switch games for fun or to compete, complete with pizza, prizes, and more. For ages 11–17 years.

Paint and Snack for teens and almost-teens — 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13, downtown. Get creative with paint on large canvases. Ages 11-17 years.

Try It: Virtual Reality — Drop in between 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 12 and August 26, Sheldon branch; 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14 and August 28, Bethel branch. Experience virtual reality (VR) with Oculus Go. For adults and teens.

Teens: Welcome to Dungeons and Dragons — 3:00 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14 & August 28, downtown.  Learn how to create your  D&D character, how to play, and then jump into this tabletop gaming adventure. Choose a session. Due to limited spaces, each teen may participate in only one session each day.

Kids: “Sharing Space” Musical Puppet Show — 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 15, Bethel branch; 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, Sheldon branch. Catch a fun musical puppet show about respect for all, performed by Red Yarn and The Critters.

Stuck in the Middle Book Club — 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, downtown. This month’s title is “Nyxia” by Scott Reintgen. Pre-register and pick up the book at the Downtown Library’s Teen Center. For ages 11-14 years.

The Shared History of Astrology and Astronomy: A Universe of Stories — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, downtown. For most of human history, astrology and astronomy were one subject. Still today, astrologers’ interpretations are affected by the discoveries of modern astronomy. Join folklorist and astrologer Emily Ridout to learn how these two disciplines traveled together through time and space, bringing humanity the stories and understandings we have today. Emily Ridout is a professional folklorist, yogi, and astrologer. She holds an M.A. in Folklore from the University of Oregon and is a member of the American Folklore Society.

Teens: Ani-Manga Club — 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 16, downtown. Get together to watch anime and enjoy snacks.

Summer Walking Book Groups — 10:15 a.m. on Monday, August 19, Sheldon Community Center (2445 Willakenzie Rd); 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, August 28, Petersen Barn Community Center (870 Berntzen Rd). Sign up at the Sheldon Branch or Bethel Branch to 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. The Sheldon group will discuss The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emma Orczy. The Bethel group will discuss Artemis by Andy Weir.

Teen Movie: Captain Marvel — 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, downtown. Get together to watch Captain Marvel, with pizza and soda provided.

Family Night: Campfire Stories — 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, Sheldon branch; 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, Bethel branch. At Family Night this month, the theme is Campfire Stories. Bring the kids to enjoy tales, songs, and nature crafts.

Summer Vacation Green Screen — Drop in 10:00 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, August 21, Sheldon branch; 10:00 a.m. to noon on Thursday, August 22, Bethel branch. Use green screen technology to place yourself in a vacation photo. For all ages.

Kids and Teens: Karaoke Dance Party — 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, downtown. Groove, sing, and celebrate summer.

Tweens: Comics Squad — 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, downtown. Read, write, draw, create, and geek out about comics and graphic novels. For ages 9-12 years.

Teen Book Group: Graphic Novels — 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, downtown. This month, get together to talk about graphic novels. Come to the Downtown Teen Desk to sign up and choose a book to read and talk about over pizza.

Tweens: Escape the Space Station — Sign up for a game between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, downtown. Work as a team to solve puzzles and make it out alive before the space station explodes. Ages 9-12 years. Pre-register starting August 1 at 541-682-8316.

Forecasting Basics: Production, Capacity, Sales, and Cash Flow — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, downtown. Small businesses: Not sure what and when to forecast? Is there too much inventory or are there chronic shortages impacting shipments? Are new products introduced on time? Join expert Steve Hitch to learn about forecasting processes and measurements, and how to fine tune product and cash flow forecasts. Hitch’s career spans 30 years of operations management in telecommunications, newspaper, and machining industries. His experience in forecasting ranges from high volume, high mix product portfolios to low volume, low mix product portfolios as well as machine and headcount capacity requirements. He has managed millions of dollars of inventory investment and led small and large organizations. This workshop is presented by Eugene Public Library in partnership with SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business.

Under a Starry Sky: Tales of the Moon, the Sun, and the Stars — 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, downtown. Storyteller Tracy Chipman offers a foray into the sea of stars through the ancient art of storytelling.

I Have a Library Card, Now What? — 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, downtown. Your library card is the key to an astonishing range of free services, resources, and activities that 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.

Kids and Teens: Lunar Library — 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, downtown. Bring a book – or discover one – at this read-in on the moon.

Mbira Music of Zimbabwe — 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, downtown. Experience the enchanting sound of traditional Zimbabwean mbira music and learn about its spiritual and cultural meaning with Patience Chaitezvi Munjeri . As a woman, she is rare among accomplished players of the Zimbabwean mbira dzaVadzimu (mbira of the ancestral spirits). Mbira music is noted for its rhythmic complexity and ancient lineage. Munjeri’s lifelong immersion in mbira music and deep Shona culture began with her mother, a traditional healer and medium. She lives and teaches in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe. This event is sponsored by Eugene Public Library and Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center.

Summer Reading Book Group — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 29, downtown. Get together to talk about Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach. Starting August 1, visit the Downtown Library’s 3rd floor Reader’s Advisory Desk to sign up and pick up your copy of the book.

Tween Scene Book Group — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 29, downtown. This month, Tween Scene features a novel and a comic that are both about mysteries in space, with Space Case by Stuart Gibbs and Sanity & Tallulah by Molly Brooks. For ages 9-12 years. Pre-register and pick up the books at the Downtown Library’s Children’s Center starting August 1.

Digitize and Restore Photos — 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 30, downtown. Learn how to digitize and restore old photos in the library’s Media Lab. Bring a favorite photo to scan with an Epson Expression scanner and touch up with Adobe Photoshop. For adults and teens. Library card required. Pre-register starting August 10 at 541-682-5450.

Tweens Make It: Water Bottle Holder — 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, downtown. Learn to use a sewing machine by making a water bottle holder. No experience needed. All materials provided. For ages 9-12 years. Sign up starting August 10 at 541-682-8316.

Try It: Virtual Reality — 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, downtown. 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.