Activities for All Ages in April and May 2021
Join us for free activities at home, online, and in the community. For updates as they happen, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, and sign up for our newsletter.
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FOR KIDS & FAMILY
Bilingual Family Fun
All of April in honor of Día de los Ninos/Dia de los Libros (Children's Day/Book Day)
See complete calendar in Spanish and English: https://bit.ly/EugeneDia2021
Bilingual StoryWalks
In the park at Petersen Barn Community Center: April 5 through May 3: "Dreamers/Soñadores"; May 3 through May 31, "My Name Is Yoon / Me Llamo Yoon"
In the park at Sheldon Community Center: April 10 through April 30: "Thank You, Mr. Panda / Gracias, Sr. Panda" - with puzzles!
All ages: take a walk and enjoy a favorite children's picture book in English and Spanish. The illustrated pages are displayed on a series of signs arranged in order along the path to read as you stroll through the park.
Thanks to the StoryWalk® Project, created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
Crafts and STEM Kits for Kids
All locations starting each Monday
Drop by the Downtown Library, Sheldon Branch, or Bethel Branch to pick up free kids' activity kits to keep, featuring a variety of crafts and STEM activities (while supplies last each week).
Mon., April 5: Codes and secret messages
Mon., April 12: Make milagros - by Jessica Zapata of Eugene ArteLatino
Mon., April 19: Earth Day: Leaf rubbings and local nature coloring sheet (or print your own coloring sheet: http://bit.ly/EugEarthDayColoring)
Mon., April 26: Make a sundial
Family Storytime
Live online: Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m., Facebook Live
Stories, songs, rhymes, puppets, and more - live! Storytime helps little ones develop the language skills they’ll need when they’re learning to read. Plus it’s a lovely way to play together. No Facebook account or login is needed. Join us live, or later, or over and over here!
Special storytime on Tuesday, April 27: Special guest Naibe Reynoso, multi-Emmy award winning journalist and author of the children's book "How to Fold a Taco/Como Doblar un Taco."
Bilingual Gift Books for Children
All library locations: Monday, April 19 through Saturday, May 1
Pick up a free child’s book to keep as a gift. Choices will include books for babies through early elementary ages. All books are bilingual or multi-lingual including Spanish and English. A featured choice is the picture book “How to How to Fold a Taco/Como Doblar un Taco” by Naibe Reynoso, who will be a special guest at Family Storytime on April 27.
Bilingual Storytime with Naibe Reynoso
Live online: Tuesday, April 27, 11:00 a.m., Facebook Live
Enjoy a fun bilingual storytime with special guest Naibe Reynoso, author of the picture book “How to Fold a Taco/Como Doblar un Taco.” In addition to writing and publishing children’s books, Reynoso is a multi-Emmy award-winning journalist who has appeared widely on national and international TV. Watch live or anytime; no Facebook account or login is needed. For complete events listing for Día de los Ninos/Dia de los Libros in Spanish and English: https://bit.ly/EugeneDia2021
"Warriors" Trivia: Online
Live online: Tuesday, April 27, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start April 5. Preregistration required to receive event link: call 541-682-5450.
Ages 9 to 12: join in a fun trivia contest about the "Warrior" series. We'll meet up in Zoom to play on Kahoot. Read the books in print or online free with your library card.
Book Buddies Group - ages 7-9
Live online: Thursday, May 13, 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start April 15. Preregistration required to receive event link: call 541-682-5450.
Join a fun conversation and activity for ages 7-9. This month, we're reading "Grumplets and Pests" by Asia Citro. Sign up and we’ll mail a free copy of the book to you to keep! Or enjoy it free with your library card in print or online: https://bit.ly/2PYZeaK
Stuck in the Middle Book Group - ages 11-14
Live online: Wednesday, May 19, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start April 15. Preregistration required to receive event link: call 541-682-5450.
Join a fun conversation and activity for ages 11-14. This month, Stuck in the Middle book group is reading "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia. Sign up and we’ll mail a free copy of the book to you to keep! Or enjoy it free with your library card in print or online: https://bit.ly/3uKED8K
Tween Scene Book Group - ages 9-12
Live online: Thursday, May 20, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start April 15. Preregistration required to receive event link: call 541-682-5450.
Join a fun conversation and activity for ages 9-12. This month, Tween Scene book group is reading "Lemons" by Melissa Savage. Sign up and we’ll mail a free copy of the book to you to keep! Or enjoy it free with your library card in print or online: https://bit.ly/3x6S5WD
Watch online anytime:
Bilingual Storytime Online: join Toña Aguilar online for fun stories, songs, and rhymes in Spanish and English. Two storytimes: September 2020 and April 2021.
Día recommended children's books: our librarians suggest titles, recorded live in English in April 2021.
Pigeon Party: a storytime with special performances celebrating the character Pigeon from Mo Willem's beloved books, recorded live in March 2021.
Oregon's Dino-Story: learn about dinosaurs in Oregon's past with paleontologists from UO's Museum of Natural and Cultural History, shared in March 2021.
Online Storytimes on our Facebook or YouTube.
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FOR TEENS
Teen Book Group - ages 13-18
Live online: Tuesday, May 18, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start April 15. Preregistration required to receive event link: call 541-682-5450.
A get-together for ages 13-18. This month, Teen Book Group is reading "The Wicked Deep" by Shea Ernshaw. Sign up and we’ll mail a free copy of the book to you to keep! Or enjoy it free with your library card in print or online: https://bit.ly/3tlS0M9
Stuck in the Middle Book Group - ages 11-14
Live online: Wednesday, May 19, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start April 15. Preregistration required to receive event link: call 541-682-5450.
Join a fun conversation and activity for ages 11-14. This month, Stuck in the Middle book group is reading "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia. Sign up and we’ll mail a free copy of the book to you to keep! Or enjoy it free with your library card in print or online: https://bit.ly/3uKED8K
Watch online anytime:
William Ritter: Live Interview Enjoy a talk with the author of the popular and beloved "Jackaby" and "Oddmire" series, recorded summer 2020.
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FOR ADULTS
What to Read Next: Spring Forward
Watch anytime on YouTube: https://bit.ly/EugNonfictionReads
Join Eugene Public Library’s entertaining experts to hear about new favorite nonfiction books for all ages. Recorded in April 2021.
Career Exploration Workshop
Live online: Thursday, May 13 and/or Thursday, May 27, 10:00 a.m., GoToMeeting
Join Lane County Workforce Services to explore ways to identify your skills and interests while researching possible career choices. Career exploration will provide you access to assessments based on preference and gained experiences. In addition, we will review the labor market and discover jobs in growing local industries.
At the time of the meeting, visit https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/812729269. The meeting ID # is 812-729-269. You may be prompted to download the free GoToMeeting app or log in on the web. GoToMeeting is free. You can also attend by phone at 646-749-3122.
This workshop will be held every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, featuring updated information and changing conversations. Participate at one session or more. No registration needed.
For more information, contact Lane County Workforce Services by phone 541-686-7985 or email lchswm@lanecountyor.gov..
Craft Kit for Adults: Macrame Plant Hanger
All locations: starting Friday, May 14
Drop by the Downtown Library, Bethel Branch, or Sheldon Branch to pick up a free kit with materials and instructions to make a macrame plant hanger. While supplies last.
Urban Gardening: A Talk by José Spellman-Lopez
Live online: Friday, May 14, 12:00 p.m., Zoom
Preregistration required to receive event link: click here.
Join the Eugene Public Library Foundation for this month's entry in their series, “In Conversation with Experts and Enthusiasts,” each featuring a brief lecture followed by Q&A. On May 14, learn about urban agriculture and building connections when José Spellman-Lopez gives a talk titled "Planting Seeds: Building Intergenerational and Cross-Cultural Community Through the Urban Gardens." Spellman-Lopez grew up in Los Angeles intrigued by growing things, and found his way to Oregon State University to increase his opportunities to connect with nature.
Library Book Group: "Circe"
Live online: Saturday, May 15, 2:00 p.m., Zoom
Preregistration required to receive event link: call 541-682-5450
Get together online to talk about the award winning bestseller "Circe" by Madeline Miller. Registered participants get a free copy of the book to keep, or enjoy "Circe" free with your library card in print or online as an ebook or audiobook: https://bit.ly/3sikPbg
Windfall Reading: Susan Moore and Judith Montgomery
Online: Tuesday, May 18, 6:00 p.m., YouTube Live
Join Lane Literary Guild and Eugene Public Library for a livestream of the Windfall Reading Series, a monthly gathering highlighting local and regional writers. This month, writers Susan Moore and Judith Montgomery read and take questions. More information about Lane Literary Guild and the Windfall Reading Series: https://www.lanewriters.org/windfall
"Circe" Novelist Madeline Miller
Live online: Saturday, May 22, 2:00 p.m., YouTube Live
Join us for an online visit with novelist Madeline Miller, who will talk about her work and answer questions. No registration needed. Watch at https://bit.ly/EugeneCirce (click to set a reminder now).
Enjoy Miller's novels free with your library card in print, or online as ebooks or audiobooks:
"Circe": https://bit.ly/3sikPbg
"Song of Achilles": https://bit.ly/3g7udMp
Job Search Help
Ongoing; by appointment at the Downtown Library: call 541-686-7985 to schedule
Make a one-on-one appointment to meet in person at the Downtown Library with an advisor from Lane County Workforce Services. These friendly experts help job seekers make career plans, become more employable, improve job search skills, and find work. Topics include online applications, resumes, cover letters, interviewing skills, community resources, networking, training scholarships. This service is free and available in English and Spanish. Lane Workforce Partnership/WorkSource Lane is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. This program is co-sponsored by Lane County Human Services, Lane Workforce Partnership, and Eugene Public Library. Call 541-686-7985 to schedule an appointment.
Watch online anytime:
Windfall Reading: Erica Goss and Karen McPherson: on YouTube Live, recorded in April 2021.
Windfall Reading: Amber Flame and Mike van Mantgem: on YouTube Live, recorded in March 2021.
What to Read Next: Love Edition: on YouTubeLive, recorded in February 2021.
What to Read Next: New Year's Edition: on YouTubeLive, recorded in January 2021.
Windfall Reading: Susan Leslie Moore and David Bradley: on YouTube Live, recorded in February 2021.
Windfall Reading: Dianne Dugaw and Amanda Wright Powell: on YouTube Live, recorded in January 2021.
Windfall Reading Series: David Axelrod and Sabena Stark: on YouTube Live, recorded in September.
Windfall Reading Series: Melissa Kwasny and Christopher Howell: on YouTube Live, recorded in October.
Windfall Reading Series: Austin Gray and Shirley Perez-West : on YouTube Live, recorded in November.
2020: The Year in Music: join us and House of Records staff to revisit or discover some of the best albums of 2020, on YouTube Live recorded in January.
Holiday Gift Reads: recommended reading suggestions for gift-giving, recorded by our entertaining librarians in December.
History of Comics Censorship: Banned Books Week talk: on YouTube Live, recorded in October.
What To Read Next: Spooky Stories for All Ages: recommended reading suggestions by our entertaining librarians, recorded in October.
What to Eat Read Next: Foodie Fiction & Cookbooks: recommended reading suggestions by our entertaining librarians, recorded in November.
Puerto Rican Cooking Online: Learn to make the traditional dishes mofongo and tembleque. With Sara Cintron on YouTube, recorded in September.
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ONGOING: LIBRARY FRIENDS AND FOUNDATION
Friends of Eugene Public Library: Online Book Sales
Friends of Eugene Public Library are currently offering two ways to purchase gently-used books from their bookstore, Second Hand Prose. For in-person pick-up by appointment at the bookstore in the Downtown Library: browse and pay online here. For items to be shipped: browse and pay online at the Friends' Amazon storefront.
Connecting Community: Wifi Hotspots Live Event
Watch anytime: bit.ly/connectingcommunity2021
Originally streamed live in April 2021, available to watch anytime, this Eugene Public Library Foundation and Friends of Eugene Public Library livestream event celebrated their fundraising campaign to purchase mobile wifi hotspots to lend at the library. Featuring host Storm Kennedy, an epic book domino fall, and special guests including Bev Smith, Kimberly Johnson, Dennis Dixon, Ashton Eaton, Brianne Theisen-Eaton, and more. Learn more about the campaign: eplfoundation.org/wifi.
Imagination Library Film: Live Online
Watch anytime: Facebook Live
Stream the new, uplifting documentary, "The Library That Dolly Built," free: https://www.facebook.com/dollysimaginationlibrary/videos/369048854395459. No Facebook account or login is needed. Visit Eugene Imagination Library to learn about our local program, including how to sign up your child (ages 0 through 4) and how to donate to support the program.
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ONLINE & ONGOING
All free! Some online actitivies require a library card. If you don’t have one, call us to sign up: 541-682-5450.
Personalized reading recommendations
Get expert suggestions to match your tastes and interests. Fill out our online form for adults or kids and teens, email us, live chat with us, or call us at 541-682-5450.
Book lists, reviews, and more
Booklist Online
Books & Authors
NoveList Plus
Eugene Public Library Escape Rooms
Solve puzzles and clues to escape! Work on these fun challenges alone or as a team.
- Ghost Ship Escape Room (ages 10 and up)
- Undersea Atlantis Escape Room (ages 10 and up)
- The Labyrinth: Greek Mythology Escape Room (ages 10 and up)
- Spy School: Secret Agent Training Escape Room - Part 1 (ages 13 and up)
- Spy School: Secret Agent Training Escape Room - Part 2 (ages 13 and up)
- Murder in the Library (ages 13 and up)
- Murder at the Ski Resort (ages 13 and up)
Art Exhibit: Acrylic Paintings by Amy Hartsfield
Enjoy a video art exhibit featuring paintings of trees and other "nature-scapes" by self-taught Eugene artist Amy Hartsfield.
Women Make Waves: Listening Experience
Take a listening adventure with a wide variety of performers and types of music. Start now.
Ancestry.com
Explore your family tree, history, and more. Library card required. Start now.
LinkedIn Learning
Formerly known as Lynda.com, these professional courses provide training in software development, web development, design, photography, and business. Library card required. Start now.
Mango Languages
Interactive lessons to learn dozens of languages, including English as a second language. Library card required. Start now.
And more ...
Yes, more learning and entertainment from home!
And even more!