Activities for All Ages in July and August 2021
Join us for free activities at home, online, and in person. 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
Summer Reading for All Ages!
June 1 through August 31, all locations
Kids, teens, and adults: you're invited to celebrate with Eugene Public Library all summer, inspired by this year’s theme “Reading Colors Your World.” Summer Reading helps kids keep their skills up while school's out and it's fun for everyone. All activities are free, with no library card required.
Kids and teens: drop by any library location to choose a free brand-new book to keep, courtesy of the Friends of Eugene Public Library. Pick up your all-ages Summer Reading Book Bingo card, too. Play bingo by reading books to match a line of squares, then return your card to be entered in a raffle for gift cards to local businesses. Plus: enjoy events online and in person, including book groups, storytimes, craft kits, StoryWalks, and more.
In Person Storytimes
Multiple days each week, indoors and outside
Young children and family: join us to learn and have fun together with stories, songs, and more! We're hosting in-person storytimes indoors and in parks in a variety of locations around town. Pre-registration is required and begins one week before each event (at 10:00 a.m. on the same day of the week as the storytime you're signing up for). Please sign up for only one storytime each week, so we can serve as many children as possible. See upcoming dates and locations and sign up here.
Online Storytime
Live online: Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., Facebook Live
Stories, songs, rhymes, puppets, and more - live! Online 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.
Bilingual StoryWalks in the Parks
All ages: enjoy children's picture books displayed on a series of signs arranged in order along the path.
At Petersen Barn:
- Through July 31: "Knuffle Bunny / El Conejito Knuffle"
- August 2 through August 31: "Thelma the Unicorn / Telma el Unicornio"
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
Drop by any Library location to pick up free kids' activity kits to keep, featuring a variety of arts and science activities. There's a new kit starting each Monday, while supplies last.
July 26: Dance Kit: Craft a rainbow-ribbon dance ring, then move along with this video created by DanceAbility International: https://bit.ly/July26kit
August 2: Nature Sun Catcher kit by WREN -Willamette Resource and Educational Network
August 9: Make a Book kit by artist Sharon Kaplan
August 16: Engineer It! Exploring Ancient Technologies kit by UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History, with video workshop: https://bit.ly/August16kit
August 23: Dragon Noisemakers kit by Adventure! Children’s Museum
Art Kit for Tweens and Teens
All locations: starting Monday, July 26
Tweens and teens: drop by any library location to pick up a free kit to create a Pop Tart pillow. While supplies last.
Oregon Asian Celebration and Obon & Taiko Drumming Festival
Saturday, July 31: youth area 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Alton Baker Park
Come say hi at Eugene Public Library's booth at the Oregon Asian Celebration and Obon & Taiko Drumming Festival. We'll be in the youth area from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. giving out free Summer Reading books and Tibetan flag craft kits for kids, and Book Bingo cards for all ages. Plus: library card sign-ups!
The full event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. featuring art, music, dance, martial arts, food carts, and more. For more information, visit asiancelebration.org.
Book Buddies Group - ages 7-9
Live online: Thursday, August 12, 10:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start July 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Choose a time and sign up online:
10:00 a.m. session: https://bit.ly/BookBuddiesAug2021_10am
3:00 p.m. session: https://bit.ly/BookBuddiesAug2021_3pm
4:00 p.m. session: https://bit.ly/BookBuddiesAug2021_4pm
For ages 7-9 in the Eugene area. Get together online for fun conversation and activity. This month, we're reading "Stella Endicott and the Anything-Is-Possible Poem." Sign up and we’ll mail a free copy of the book to you to keep! Or enjoy the book free with your library card in print or online: find it here.
Stuck in the Middle Book Group - ages 11-14
Live online: Wednesday, August 18, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start July 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Sign up online: https://bit.ly/MiddleBookGroupAug2021
For ages 11-14 in the Eugene area. Get together to share opinions and ideas about books. This month, we're reading "Zenobia July." Sign up and we’ll mail a free copy of the book to you to keep! Or enjoy the book free with your library card in print or online: find it here.
Tween Scene Book Group - ages 9-12
Live online: Thursday, August 19, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start July 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Sign up online: https://bit.ly/TweenBookGroupAug2021
For ages 9-12 in the Eugene area. Get together for fun conversation and activity. This month, we're reading "The Season of Styx Malone." Sign up and we’ll mail a free copy of the book to you to keep! Or enjoy the book free with your library card in print or online: find it here.
OBOB Book Group - grades 3-5
Live online: Tuesday, August 24, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start July 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Sign up online: https://bit.ly/OBOBAug2021
For kids in grades 3 - 5 in the Eugene area. Get together for fun quizzes and conversation about this year's Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) titles. This group meets every two months to focus on two titles at a time. For the August meeting, we're reading "Stay" and "Lowriders in Space." Sign up and we’ll mail free copies of the books to you to keep! Or enjoy the books free with your library card in print or online:
Stay
Lowriders in Space
Watch online anytime:
Teddy Bear Picnic Online: sing and dance along with live music by Mike and Carleen McCornack and the Garden Variety Band. Recorded live in July 2021.
Kids Show: Red Yarn's Backyard: sing, dance, and learn with fave family performer Red Yarn and his colorful crew of puppet critter. Recorded live in June 2021.
Bilingual Storytime Online: with special guest Naibe Reynoso, author of the children's book "How to Fold a Taco/Como Doblar un Taco." Recorded liv e in April 2021.
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
Summer Reading for All Ages!
June 1 through August 31, all locations
Kids, teens, and adults: you're invited to celebrate with Eugene Public Library all summer, inspired by this year’s theme “Reading Colors Your World.” Summer Reading helps kids keep their skills up while school's out and it's fun for everyone. All activities are free, with no library card required.
Kids and teens: drop by any library location to choose a free brand-new book to keep, courtesy of the Friends of Eugene Public Library. Pick up your all-ages Summer Reading Book Bingo card, too. Play bingo by reading books to match a line of squares, then return your card to be entered in a raffle for gift cards to local businesses. Plus: enjoy events online and in person, including book groups, storytimes, craft kits, StoryWalks, and more.
Teen Anime Night
Friday, July 30, 6:30 p.m., Downtown Library
Preregistration required. Sign-ups start July 15: https://eugene.libcal.com/event/7991409
Ages 13 to 19: get together to watch anime after-hours at the Downtown Library, and go home with a party bag of Japanese snacks and manga.
PRIDE in the Park
Saturday, August 14, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Alton Baker Park
Come say hi at Eugene Public Library's booth at the PRIDE in the Park Festival. We'll be giving out free Summer Reading books to kids and teens, and Book Bingo cards for all ages. For more information, visit
www.eugenepride.org
Teen Book Group - ages 13-19
Live online: Tuesday, August 17, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start July 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Sign up online: https://bit.ly/TeenBookGroupAug2021
For ages 13-19 in the Eugene area. Get together to share opinions and ideas about books. This month, we're reading "Dry." Sign up and we’ll mail a free copy of the book to you to keep! Or enjoy the book free with your library card in print or online: find it here.
Stuck in the Middle Book Group - ages 11-14
Live online: Wednesday, August 18, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start July 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Sign up online: https://bit.ly/MiddleBookGroupAug2021
For ages 11-14 in the Eugene area. Get together to share opinions and ideas about books. This month, we're reading "Zenobia July." Sign up and we’ll mail a free copy of the book to you to keep! Or enjoy the book free with your library card in print or online: find it here.
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
Summer Reading for All Ages!
June 1 through August 31, all locations
Kids, teens, and adults: you're invited to celebrate with Eugene Public Library all summer, inspired by this year’s theme “Reading Colors Your World.” Summer Reading helps kids keep their skills up while school's out and it's fun for everyone. All activities are free, with no library card required.
Drop by any location to pick up your all-ages Summer Reading Book Bingo card. Play bingo by reading books to match a line of squares, then return your card to be entered in a raffle for gift cards to local businesses. Enjoy events online and in person, including book groups, storytimes, craft kits, StoryWalks, and more. And for kids and teens in your life: come to any library location to choose a free brand-new book to keep, courtesy of the Friends of Eugene Public Library.
"The House in the Cerulean Sea" Book Group
In person: Saturday, July 31, 11:00 a.m., Maurie Jacobs Park
Sign up to get together to share opinions and ideas about one of our featured Summer Reading books. We'll provide a free copy of the book for you to read and keep. Or enjoy the book free with your library card in print or online: find it here.
"World of Wonders" Book Group
Online: Wednesday, August 4, 11:00 a.m., Zoom
In person: Saturday, August 7, 10:00 a.m., in the park at Amazon Community Center
Get together to share opinions and ideas about one of our featured Summer Reading books. Pick up your free copy of the book at any library location. Or enjoy the book free with your library card in print or online: find it here.
Career Exploration Workshop
Live online: Thursday, August 12 and/or Thursday, August 26, 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..
PRIDE in the Park
Saturday, August 14, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Alton Baker Park
Come say hi at Eugene Public Library's booth at the PRIDE in the Park Festival. We'll be giving out free Summer Reading books to kids and teens, and Book Bingo cards for all ages. For more information, visit
www.eugenepride.org
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:
"1000 Hopes" Project and Oregon BIPOC Experiences panel on YouTube Live, recorded in June 2021.
Windfall Reading Series: monthly readings by NW writers coordinated by Lane Literary Guild. Watch Windfall Readings Sept. 2020 through May 2021 on YouTube.
What to Read Next: book recommendations for all ages on a variety of themes by Eugene Public Library. Watch "What to Read Next" on YouTube.
History of Comics Censorship: Banned Books Week talk: on YouTube Live, recorded in October 2020.
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ONGOING: LIBRARY FRIENDS AND FOUNDATION
Friends of Eugene Public Library: Book Store and Online Book Sales
The Friends' Second Hand Prose book store offers amazing deals on gently-used books in the Entry Garden of the Downtown Library. You can also shop online for store pick-up or at the Friends' Amazon store. See store hours and shopping information.
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!