Whatever the weather, Eugene Public Library locations offer a full roster of activities for March

(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

Whiteaker Block Party Canvases — On the walls of the 2^nd floor Magazines and Newspapers room, through April. These works are from a community painting project by New Zone Gallery during the 2018 Whitaker Block Party; creations include works in acrylic paints, oil crayons, markers, and stencils.

In the Children’s Center on the 1st floor — Art by Adventure! Children’s Museum, New Zone Gallery/Whiteaker Block Party, and Singing Creek Educational Center.

Kids and Legos  — 10:15 a.m. every Saturday in March, Bethel and Sheldon branches. Bring the kids to build, play, and explore with Eugene Public Library’s big and varied collection of Lego blocks. For ages 5-12 years.

Family Music Time — 10:15 a.m. every Saturday, downtown library. Kids and families sing and dance their way into the weekend with a different performer every week. Led by Michael Bradley on March 2 and March 30, Kris Olsen on March 9, Jodie St. Clair on March 16, and Chuck Coxon on March 23.

Dog Tale Time — 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays in March, downtown library. Pre-register for individual short appointments by calling 541-682-8316. Kids have fun and build reading skills in short one-on-one sessions by reading to trained dogs and their handlers from PAAWS (Project Canine and Pet Partner teams). Sign ups start a week in advance of each session.

Family Fun — 2:00 p.m. on Sundays in March, downtown library. Every Sunday, there’s something new for families to do at the downtown library. On March 3, enjoy high-energy tunes and tall tales with Kelly Thibodeaux at “Louisiana Fiddlin’.”  Magician Jay Frasier’s “Magic of Reading” show will amaze all ages with tricks and comedy on March 10. On March 17, “Move like a Mammoth” and learn about prehistoric animals with people from the University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Get creative at a “Community Build” with Legos, Keva Planks, Duplos, Lincoln Logs, and more on March 24. Discover and play “Worldwide Board Games” with Chris Wuebbles on March 31.

Kids and Minecrafters — 4:00 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays in March, downtown library. Kids ages 6-12 years can play together, share tips, and get creative with building challenges with Minecraft on Eugene Public Library’s computers. Due to limited space, pre-registration is required: sign up for the next week starting each Monday at 541-682-8316.

Talk Time: Conversational English — 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, through March 20, 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. Talk Time is provided in partnership by Eugene Public Library and Lane Community College.

Family STEAM — 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays in March, Sheldon branch; 4:00 p.m. on Thursdays, in March, Bethel branch. Kids and families have hands-on fun by learning together! STEAM activities feature science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

Jazz and Friends Community Reading — 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 1, downtown library. Eugene Public Library joins schools and libraries nationwide in support and celebration of transgender and non-binary youth with a community reading of the children’s books “I Am Jazz,” “Julián Is a Mermaid,” and “They She He Me: Free to Be!” Join community members of all ages to enjoy these stories, make crafts, and connect. Sponsored locally by Eugene Public Library, UOTeachOUT, Trans*Parent Support Group, and TransPonder, as part of a national project coordinated by Welcoming Schools, Human Rights Campaign, and the National Education Association.

First Friday: West African Dance and Drumming — 6:00 p.m. on First Friday, March 1, downtown library. Enjoy a show of high-energy authentic Guinean dance and drumming performed by West African Cultural Arts Institute. Audience participation is welcomed. Co-founded by Alseny Yansane and Andrea DiPalma Yansane, the nonprofit’s mission is to share the joy and passion of culture from Guinea through vibrant educational programs and performances focused on music, dance, and song. The Downtown Library stays open until 8:00 p.m. on the First Friday of each month.

Trek Theatre — 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, downtown library. Learn about and experience Eugene’s own sci-fi acting company, Trek Theatre. Director Christina L. Allaback will talk about her philosophy in the creation of Trek Theatre, including how to keep theater relevant, accessible, and political. “Trek Theatre is more than just a bunch of nerds: we are embodying hope for the future,” Allaback said. The presentation includes a preview of a scene from the group’s upcoming show “Space Seed.”  In addition to her work with Trek Theatre, Allaback teaches theater at a number of Oregon colleges and universities. She received her Ph.D. in theater at the University of Oregon.

3D Print an Ornament — 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 3, downtown library. Learn how to create patterns with Tinkercad software, then 3D-print them. The Spirograph-like objects can then be used as decorative window hangers, phone bling, zipper pulls, key rings, and more. For adults and teens. No experience needed. All supplies provided. Library card required.

Game Dev: Unity, Physics, and Programming — 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 3, downtown library. Adults and teens: explore game development with Unity at a workshop led by Brian Schmidt. Learn to use the physics system and control onscreen actions with controller inputs such as gamepads and keyboards. For adults and teens.

Unlock the Box: Through the Wormhole — 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 4 and Wednesday, March 6, Bethel branch; 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 and Saturday, March 16, Sheldon branch. All ages invited to “Unlock the Box.” Team members will work together to find clues and solve puzzles to find the Wormhole map and travel back to the right time.

Control Your Cash — 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, Sheldon branch; 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, Bethel branch. At this user-friendly workshop, learn how to manage your cash flow effectively and prevent the problems caused by spending without a plan. Expert Mark Brauer will cover strategies for tracking income and expenses, finding spending leaks, and identifying potential ways to save. 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.

Teens Make Tortillas — 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, downtown library. Learn to make real tortillas from scratch, then add cheese for a perfect quesadilla.

One-on-One Job Hunt Help — 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays, March 7 and March 21, downtown library. Preregister for individual 30-minute appointments at 541-682-5450. Job hunters can get expert advice and assistance to address specific questions and concerns.  Employment counselors will 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: What Makes a Garden Grow? — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, downtown library. Kids ages 6 to 12 years learn about the life cycle of a garden and plant seeds to take home with Kevin Prior of Suburban Homecraft. Topics will include how seeds grow, the different parts of a plant, healthy soil, and composting. Kevin Prior is a biologist who teaches urban homesteading and sustainable living skills.

Teens Try Digital Drawing — 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, downtown library. For Teen Tech Week, try digital drawing with a Wacom tablet. No experience needed.

Reframing the Past: An Evening of Memoir — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, downtown library. An evening of reading and discussion with local memoir writers Alice Tallmadge, Debra Gwartney, and Michael Copperman. While the topics of their memoirs are diverse, writing them required a shared process of revisiting or reframing the past to inform the present.

Teens: Try Virtual Reality — Drop in from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, downtown library. For Teen Tech Week, try virtual reality with the Library’s Oculus Rift. Become a ninja, take on challenges, or draw magical painted art, all in the digital world.

The Troubled Life of Peter Burnett: Oregon Pioneer and First Governor of California — 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, downtown library. Biographer R. Gregory Nokes gives a talk based on his book, “The Troubled Life of Peter Burnett: Oregon Pioneer and First Governor of California,” the first full-length biography of this western explorer, Oregon’s first supreme court judge, and California’s first governor. A former slaveholder, Burnett’s racist goal of banning blacks and other minorities from the region shaped his legacy as well as shaping the West’s past and present. Program Your World with Arduino — 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 10, downtown library. Beginners get a hands-on introduction to Arduino, an easy-to-learn open-source electronics platform to create interactive projects, including home security, robotics, and more. In this workshop, learn how to design a light sensor, then modify its code to change its actions. For adults and teens. Library card required. No experience needed. All supplies provided. Arduino is also available to use at drop-in Open Labs in the Maker Hub at the Downtown Library.

Preschool STEAM — 10:15 a.m. on Monday, March 11, Bethel branch. Hands-on exploring, learning, and fun for ages 3-5 years at Bethel Branch. STEAM activities feature science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

Make Crepe Paper Flowers — 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, Sheldon branch; 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, Bethel branch. Learn to make giant crepe paper flowers for fun and decoration. For adults and teens.

Teens: Welcome to D&D — 3:00 or 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, March 27, downtown library. Learn how to create your Dungeons and Dragons 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. 

Tweens’ Library Squad — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 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.

Cash Flow Simplified for Small Business — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, downtown library. Expert Terry Smart will teach an easy and intuitive method to build the cash flow models that are essential to every small business. Learn to make accurate monthly projections with pencil, paper, and a calculator. Originally a chemist, Smart has crossed boundaries into roles in engineering, project management, small business ownership, and industrial sales. Along the way, he earned a BA in Chemistry, a BS in Economics and an MBA in Finance and Securities Analysis. A popular presenter, he is well known for his ability to bring clarity to complex topics. This workshop is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business.

The Cold War Never Ended: Journalist and Author Bryan Denson — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, downtown library. Award-winning journalist Bryan Denson’s book, “The Spy’s Son,” takes readers deep into life inside a CIA family, a federal prison, and the colorful world of spies and spy catchers on four continents. Among the many wrongs his work has helped uncover are government scandals and waste involving the Air Force, Social Security, and police departments; and the global black market in Native American antiquities. Among many honors, he has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. After a 33-year career at five daily newspapers, including The Oregonian, he currently contributes to magazines including Newsweek and serves as a special correspondent for the Los Angeles Times.

Teens: Ani-Manga Club — 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15, downtown library. Get together to watch anime and enjoy snacks.

Tweens: Try It – Robots — 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15 and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, downtown library. Play with Cozmo robots and learn about coding with #CODEEUG. For ages 9-12 years.

Try It: Virtual Reality — 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, downtown library. Experience virtual reality (VR) and learn to use the Oculus Rift headset available in the Media Lab at the Downtown Library. For adults and teens. Library card required.

Lama Karma Namgyel Rinpoche of Bhutan: A Lifetime of Loving Kindness — 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, downtown library. Hear a talk by Lama Karma Namgyel Rinpoche, bearer of Nyingma and Kagyu lineages. Lama Karma will describe his life in two worlds, Bhutan and America. Bhutan, “Land of the Thunder-Dragon,” is a Himalayan kingdom with a living culture dating back to the medieval Buddhist past. Drukpa Kagyu is in the Bhutanese royal lineage, established in 1222. Lama Karma will also talk about his projects to support the arts of his culture: The Thangka Project, restoring endangered Bhutanese iconography in ancient monasteries, and Dakini Dance, supporting performance of this esoteric danced meditation. He is a Kenpo of Buddhist philosophy and master of esoteric dance, chant and woodwinds.

I Have a Library Card, Now What? — 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 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.

Windfall Reading Series: Omar El Akkad and Aaron Gilbreath — 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, downtown library. This month’s Windfall Reading will feature writers Omar El Akkad and Aaron Gilbreath. El Akkad was honored with the 2018 Oregon Book Award for Fiction; Gilbreath was named a 2018 Oregon Book Award finalist for creative nonfiction. Omar El Akkad is an author and journalist. He has covered some of the biggest stories of the past decade, including the Arab Spring revolutions, the Black Lives Matter movement and the repercussions of the war on terror. He is the recipient of Canada’s National Newspaper Award for investigative reporting. His debut novel, “American War,” won the 2018 Oregon Book Award for Fiction and the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award. The novel chronicles family during the waning years of a second American civil war. Gilbreath has written essays and articles for Harper’s, Kenyon Review, Brick, Paris Review and Virginia Quarterly Review and is the author of “This Is: Essays on Jazz.” An editor at Longreads, he is working on a book about central rural California and a collection of fiction about mid-century jazz musicians. His book “Everything We Don’t Know” was named a finalist for the 2018 Oregon Book Award for creative nonfiction. The book is a collection of personal essays about coming of age in the American West. The Windfall Reading Series is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and Lane Literary Guild. Refreshments served at intermission.

Family Puzzle Night — 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, Sheldon branch; 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, Bethel branch. This month’s Family Night theme is “Puzzle Night.” Solve puzzles together based on the “Pete the Cat” books to find a prize.

Home Energy Solutions — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, downtown library. Did you know that most living spaces in Eugene are “leaking” 40% of their energy? Whether you own or rent, learn practical ways to save money and shrink your home’s carbon footprint at this workshop with expert Zach Erdmann. Topics include an evaluation of the best “bang for your buck” efficiency upgrades, heating and cooling options (heat pumps), solar electric systems, and considerations for new construction and remodels. A number of professionals and businesses will be available to answer individual questions after the talk. Zach Erdmann is owner and operator of Premium Efficiency, specializing in home energy inspections. He also trains contractors, offers Quality Assurance Inspections, and is a board member of Home Performance Guild of Oregon. This event is cosponsored by Eugene Public Library and Eugene 350.

Jazz Concert: Copacetic — 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, downtown library. Enjoy a concert of jazz standards with Copacetic, a collaborative project of local favorites Gus Russell (piano), Scoop McGuire (bass), Jim Reinking (drums), and Laurie Hammond (vocals).

All Ages: Create Shrinky Dinks — 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25, Bethel branch; 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, Sheldon branch. Make charms and magnets with Shrinky Dinks.

Teens: Mario Kart Tournament at the Library  — 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25, Sheldon branch; 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, Bethel branch. Play Mario Kart with Nintendo Switch.

Tweens: Comics Squad — 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 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 — 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, downtown library. This month’s title is “Leviathan” by Scott Westerfield. In this alternate version of World War I, the battle rages between the Clanker Powers’ fantastical machinery and the Darwinists’ genetically-engineered beasts. When two teens on opposing sides are thrown together by fate, they find it hard to tell enemy from ally. Pre-register and pick up the book at the Downtown Library’s Teen Center starting March 1. For ages 11-14 years.

eBooks and More: Drop In — Drop in 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 24, 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.

Kids: Elephant & Piggie Party — 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, downtown library; 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 28, Bethel branch; 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, Sheldon branch. Come to an “Elephant and Piggie” party at the Library during spring break! Get together to celebrate the iconic characters from Mo Willems book with a performance and crafts.

Protect Yourself From Intrusive Marketing — 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, downtown library. Recent news has provided yet more examples of advertisers gathering information about individuals through electronic devices without their awareness. Learn about the behind-the-scenes world of internet advertising, how ads and other third party trackers collect data, and how you can protect yourself from tracking and intrusive marketing.

Teen Book Group — 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, downtown library. This month’s title is “Not Your Sidekick” by C.B Lee. In this novel, high school student Jessica Tran faces challenges both typical and extraordinary: living without superpowers when everyone else in in town has them; starting an internship at a company that turns out to be owned by a supervillain; and coping with the complexities of a secret crush. Visit the Downtown Teen Desk to pre-register and pick up the book starting March 1.

SBA Financing — 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, downtown library. Small business owners: get a practical overview of SBA (Small Business Administration) financing and an introduction to its loan programs and eligibility requirements. Join banker Kate Salyers and SBA representative Larry Trujillo to learn how these programs can help support your business. Kate Salyers is the Senior Vice President/Credit Administrator for Oregon Pacific Bank. With almost 20 years in banking and financing experience, she has been involved with SBA lending for the past 15 years. Larry Trujillo is a Lender Relations Specialists with the Small Business Administration. This workshop is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business.

Build It — Drop in 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29, Bethel and Sheldon branches. All ages may drop in for building fun on this no-school day. Play and experiment with a variety of materials such as Legos, Duplos, Keva Planks, Strawbees, and Brain Flakes, plus everyday items such as toothpicks and gumdrops.

Tweens: Make Silly Sock Creatures — 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29, downtown library. Learn basic sewing skills while making a silly creature out of colorful socks, yarn, felt, buttons, and thread. No experience needed. All supplies provided. For ages 9-12 years.

All Ages: Lasers at the Library — Drop in 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29, downtown library. See the Downtown Library in a whole new ligh by joining in the fun with “Lasers at the Library,” a retro future sci-fi party featuring laser tag, projection and laser light art installations, and lots more. Play classic games courtesy of Blairally Vintage Arcade, try virtual reality, and dance to live DJs from KWVA 88.1 FM College Radio. Plus browse and borrow science fiction, futuristic comics, and graphic novels. Sign-ups for laser tag start at 6:00 p.m. for kids ages 10 years and up, teens, and adults. This event is presented by City of Eugene Library, Recreation, and Cultural Services.

Oregon Trail Lacemakers — 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, downtown library. Learn about the art of lacemaking with the Oregon Trail Lacemakers. They will share the history of lacemaking, demonstrate techniques, and provide hands-on opportunities to try lacemaking. 

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.