(Compiled by Anne-Allegra Bennett)

 

Eugene Public Library locations

Downtown: 100 West 10th 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 FEBRUARY CALENDAR

Art Displays:

All month long on the walls in the 2nd floor Magazines and Newspapers room at the downtown library, a group show featuring artwork by participants in the Open Arts Studio at OSLP Arts and Culture Program. The Oregon Supported Living Program (OSLP) Arts and Culture Program is a diverse and inclusive community arts program, open and accessible to people of all abilities. Many of the artists are adults with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities. The OSLP Arts and Culture Program’s mission is to break down barriers to participation in the arts for people of all abilities and to build bridges to a more diverse and inclusive community. The program offers creative and cultural classes and workshops, mentorships, and art exhibitions.

Native American Art in the display cases in the 2nd floor Magazines and Newspapers room through February. A display in connection with Eugene Public Library’s NEA Big Read of Joy Harjo’s “How We Became Human: New and Selected Poems.” The exhibited items on loan from the collection of Kate MacQueen include pottery, prints, baskets, and carvings.

Art and exhibits by Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School and Logos Christian Academy on display in the Children’s Center on the 1st floor all month.

Activities:

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

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

Family STEAM – 4 p.m. every Wednesday, Sheldon Branch; 4 p.m. every Thursday, Bethel Branch. Kids and families enjoy hands-on fun and learning together. STEAM activities feature Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. 

Dog Tale Time – 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday in February, at the downtown library. Kids ages 5-12 years have fun and build skills in short one-on-one sessions reading to trained dogs, courtesy of PAAWS (Project Canine and Pet Partner teams). Pre-register starting one week in advance in person, or by phone at 541-682-8316.

Concert by Delgani String Quartet – 6 p.m. on Feb. 2 during the First Friday ArtWalk, downtown library, features a concert of classical and contemporary works performed by the chamber music ensemble of Jannie Wei and Wyatt True (violins), Kimberlee Uwate (viola), and Eric Alterman (cello). Delgani String Quartet is one of the most active chamber music ensembles in the Pacific Northwest with over 75 performances and educational programs each year. Delgani recently completed its first East Coast tour following an invitation to perform at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The musicians of Delgani have performed throughout the United States and internationally. They collectively hold twelve degrees in string performance from various schools of music and conservatories across the nation.

Family Music Time – 10:15 a.m. every Saturday, downtown library. Kids and their families can sing and dance with a different performer every week. On Feb. 3, sing, move, and play with Kris Olsen. Join singer/songwriter Rob Tobias for classics, originals, and tunes made up on the spot on Feb. 10. Music educator Jodie St. Clair of Eugene Suzuki Music Academy will be on hand on Feb. 17. On Feb. 24, Pia and Jason Robbins teach music and movement.

Writer Joy Harjo – 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, downtown library. A talk by acclaimed writer Joy Harjo, as part of the National Education Association’s “Big Read” that celebrates her book “How We Became Human: New and Selected Poems.” Harjo’s work explores the power of nature, spirituality, memory, violence, and the splintered history of America’s indigenous peoples, shared through the rhythms, sounds, and stories of her heritage. “How We Became Human” offers an introduction to the poetry of the first 26 years of her career. According to the Poetry Foundation, Harjo’s readers “hear the voice of the earth, see the landscape of time and timelessness, and, most important, get a glimpse of people who struggle to understand, to know themselves, and to survive.” Books will be available for purchase and signing courtesy of the University of Oregon Duck Store. Admission is free. Information: 541-682-5450 or eugene-or.gov/library. Theannual NEA Big Read presents talks, performances, book groups, and more at Eugene Public Library and in the community.

Family Fun – 2 p.m. every Sunday, downtown library. Kids and families may drop in for a new activity every week. On Feb. 4, get ready for Valentine’s Day by listening to stories and making valentines for friends and family. On Feb. 11, celebrate “Chinese New Year” with the Chinese American Benevolent Association by learning traditions, hearing Chinese music, and seeing an exciting Lion Dance. Re-use materials to “Make Paper” with BRING Recycling on Feb. 18. Explore “Earth and Space” with hands-on experiments about the solar system, stars and the physics of gravity with people from The Science Center on Feb. 25.

NEA Big Read Book Groups – 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5, Sheldon Branch; noon on Saturday, Feb. 17, downtown library; noon on Thursday, Feb. 22, downtown library; 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 26, Bethel Branch. Drop in for a conversation about “How We Became Human: New and Selected Poems” by acclaimed writer Joy Harjo, as part of the NEA Big Read celebrating her book. Harjo’s work explores the power of nature, spirituality, memory, violence, and the splintered history of America’s indigenous peoples, shared through the rhythms, sounds, and stories of her heritage.

Make Chinese Paper Lanterns – 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5, downtown library. Adults and teens celebrate the New Year by making a Chinese paper lantern. All supplies provided. Due to limited space, a Eugene Public Library card is required.

eBooks and More – Drop in 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6, downtown library. Have fun, save money, and learn how to get free downloadable and streaming eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, music, movies, and TV shows from Eugene Public Library. Tens of thousands of titles are available at the Library website from home or on the road. See demonstrations of online services using devices including Kindle, Android tablet, iPad, and laptops. Assistance available in English and Spanish. Bring your own device too, or just your curiosity.

Tabletop Games for All Ages – 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6, Bethel and Sheldon Branches. All ages can play modern and classic tabletop games at Eugene Public Library’s neighborhood branches on the first Tuesday of each month. A wide variety of games will be available for children, teens, and adults, ranging from Animal Upon Animal to Settlers of Catan to Scrabble.

Tweens: Fact Check Book Group – 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, downtown library. Eugene Public Library hosts a new monthly youth book group featuring nonfiction books and topics. The title for February is “Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice” by Phillip Hoose. As a teen in 1950s Alabama, Claudette Colvin became a brave and effective civil rights activist when she was arrested for refusing to move to the back of a public bus. Hoose’s engaging telling of her story has been awarded high honors, including the Newbery Medal and the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. Pre-register at 541-682-8316, and pick up the book at the Downtown Library’s Teen Center. For ages 11 to 14.

One-on-One Job Hunt Help – 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8 or Feb. 22, downtown library. Pre-register for individual 30-minute appointments at 541-682-5450. Job hunters will 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.

Yarn & Thread – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, Sheldon Branch; noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 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

Sewing for Beginners – 10 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11, downtown library. Learn to use a sewing machine by making a felt cover for your book, iPad, Kindle or tablet. For adults and teens. All supplies provided.

Play: Amanda Transcending – 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11, downtown library; 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11, Oregon Contemporary Theatre (194 West Broadway, Eugene). Two free staged readings of a play written by Connie Bennett and directed by Eliza Roaring Springs. This play shares the origins of the Amanda trail in Yachats, as well as the modern community’s response to that history. Amanda was a blind Native woman forcibly removed from her family and home, then marched along Oregon’s Trail of Tears in 1864.  Local playwright Connie Bennett has dramatized both Amanda’s tale and the story of how the creation of the trail helped heal the Yachats community. The original documentation of the story is the journal of Corporal Royal A. Bensell, published by the University of Oregon in 1959. Additional research was done in the early 1990s by Joanne Kittel and Suzanne Curtis, under the direct supervision of Robert Kentta, Cultural Resources Director and Tribal Council member with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians; Don Whereat, then the first Historian for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians; and Phyllis Steeves, then Archaeologist and Tribal Liaison with SNF.

Preschool STEAM – 10:15 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, Bethel Branch. New! Hands-on exploring, learning, and fun for children ages 3-5 years old on the second Monday of each month. STEAM activities feature Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

What If? Managing Your Money for the Unexpected – 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, downtown library. Unexpected crises – car trouble, the flu, a breakup – can mess up your plans for financial stability. This interactive workshop is an opportunity to learn from the past, recognize what doesn’t work, and develop new responses. Identify common crisis situations that can affect job productivity and attendance; understand unhelpful habits and explore better options; and learn techniques to plan for and resolve any situation. Each person will create a practical step-by-step action plan to prepare for the unexpected. Led by Mark Brauer, Prosperity Program Manager at Goodwill Industries of Lane and South Coast Counties. 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: Sew Valentines – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14, downtown library. Drop in at the downtown library’s Teen Center to make cuddly versions of conversational candy hearts. Learn to sew by hand and with the library’s sewing machine. All supplies provided.

Tweens: Make Animal Hoodies & Hats – 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, downtown library. Turn your hoodie or hat into an animal, using a sewing machine to add eyes, ears, tails, spots, or teeth. Bring a hoodie or hat to decorate. All other supplies will be provided. Ages 8 – 12 years. No experience needed.

Small Business Clinic: Ask the Experts – 5 pm. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, downtown library. Due to limited space, pre-register for individual one hour appointments at 541-682-5450. Running a small business, or thinking of starting one? Get one-on-one advice and mentoring from the experts. Sign up for a no-cost, individual, and confidential one hour session with a SCORE counselor to address the issues most important to your business right now. This project is provided by Eugene Public Library and SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business.

Teens: Ani-Manga Club – 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, downtown library. Watch anime and enjoy Japanese snacks with friends who share your love of anime and manga.

Kids: OBOB Bookopoly – 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, Sheldon Branch; 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, Bethel Branch. Play a fun live-action quiz game to practice for the Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB)! Prepare for questions about “We the Children,” “The Door by the Staircase,” “Masterpiece,” “Wild Life,” and “The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity.” Call to pre-register starting one week in advance for this event.

Computer Practice Lab for Beginners – 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20, downtown library. Computer beginners can 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.

Windfall Reading Series – 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20, downtown library. This month’s Windfall Reading will feature writers Charles Goodrich and Nancy Carol Moody. Often funny and always full of surprises, Charles Goodrich’s poems, essays, and fiction highlight graceful ways of inhabiting the earth. He will share recent poems, and excerpts from his novel-in-progress, “Beer Farm.” Goodrich’s writing revels in odd encounters with plants, insects, birds, humans, and other animals, and marvels at the extraordinary improbability of each moment. Goodrich is the author of three books of poetry, “A Scripture of Crows,” “Going to Seed: Dispatches from the Garden,” and “Insects of South Corvallis,” and a collection of essays, “The Practice of Home.” For many years he supported his poetry habit by working as a professional gardener, and he recently retired from his post as director of the Spring Creek Project for Ideas, Nature, and the Written Word.  Nancy Carol Moody’s poems feature characters including a mermaid displaced on dry land; a man at mid-life, looking forward and looking behind; and a wheelchair representing hope as much as despair. Funny or sly, melancholic or cutting, her poems are rich with the contradictions inherent in living a full and human life. Moody is a believer in narrative, but not necessarily committed to a linear story. She invites the reader to participate as bridge between the poem and the active world. Moody thinks of herself as constructing poems rather than writing them, a practice which echoes her other art: crafting books by hand and creating collages from paper and ink. Her works have been published in poetry journals as well as in two collections of her own, “The House of Nobody Home” and “Photograph with Girls,” and a chapbook, “Mermaid.” The Windfall Reading Series is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library and Lane Literary Guild. Refreshments served at intermission.

Dealing with the Debt Monster – 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20, Bethel Branch; 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, Sheldon Branch. 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 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.

Family Night  – 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20, Sheldon Branch; 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, Bethel Branch. This month’s theme is “Games Big and Small.” Roll giant dice, jump on huge board game squares, hear stories, sing songs, paint rocks to make a tic-tac-toe game, and more while learning about “big” and “small.”

3D-Print a Keychain – 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, downtown library. Learn the basics of 3D modeling and printing. Design a keychain with user-friendly Tinkercad software, then 3D-print it. Library card required. All supplies provided. For adults and teens.

Tween Scene – 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, downtown library. This month’s book is “The Birchbark House” by Louise Erdrich. Set in 1847, this novel about a young Ojibwa girl and her family offers a Native American perspective on the same period as the “Little House” books. Filled with humor and charm, the story shares details of daily life and enduring traditions, even as the community deals with the “chimookoman,” white people encroaching on their land. Pre-register and pick up the book at the Downtown Library’s Children’s Cente. For ages 9 to 12 years. This event is part of the NEA Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Teen Book Group – 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, downtown library. This month’s book is “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie. This hilarious and heartfelt novel tells the tale of Junior, an aspiring cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands and get off the “rez,” he transfers to a high school so white that the only other Indian is the school mascot. Visit the Downtown Teen Desk to pre-register and pick up a copy of the book. This event is part of the NEA Big Read. NEA, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Teens: Video Game Tournament – noon on Saturday, Feb. 24, downtown library. Join in a head-to-head “Mario Kart 8” championship challenge.

Adulting: Money – 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28, downtown library. Teens and young adults learn practical information about managing money. Topics include opening a bank account, paying bills, creating and following a budget, taxes, credit cards, and more.

InDesign for Beginners – 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28, downtown library. Use Adobe InDesign software to design books, eBooks, magazines, newsletters, and more. At this hands-on workshop, learn the basics, including terminology and how to start a new project. For adults and teens. Basic computer skills and Eugene Public Library card required. All supplies provided.

Hiking Oregon’s Native History: 14,000 Years of Legends and Culture – 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28, downtown library. An illustrated talk by hiking guru and outdoors author Bill Sullivan provides a tour of 14,000 years of Oregon history. See the sites where the first Oregonians lived by Ice Age lakes, watched Mt. Mazama erupt, told legends of a Bridge of the Gods, and dealt with pioneer settlers in times of peace and times of war. Bill Sullivan is a fifth-generation Oregonian and author of the popular “100 Hikes” guidebooks, as well as other books about the outdoors, memoirs, and novels. This event is part of the NEA Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

 

WEEKLY STORYTIMES in February

STEAM Storytime – 4 p.m. on Mondays, downtown library. For kids ages 3 to 7 years, with their caregivers.

Talkers Storytime – 10:15 and 11 a.m. on Tuesday, 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 and 11 a.m. on Wednesdays, downtown library. For preschoolers with their caregivers.

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

Baby Storytime – 10:15 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.

Cuentos y Canciones: Stories and Songs in Spanish – 11:15 a.m. on Saturdays, Bethel Branch. Stories and songs in Spanish for the whole family. Information in Spanish, call 541-682-5450 and press 5; in English, call 541-682-8316.