Activities for All Ages in December 2021 and January 2022
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
Fun of the Week Kits for Kids
All locations every Monday
Drop by any library location to pick up a free surprise activity kit to keep. There's a new one starting each Monday, while supplies last.
Starting in January: a new kit every other Monday. More info coming soon.
In-Person Storytimes
Drop in at the Downtown Library: Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.; and Thursdays and Saturdays, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.
Sign up for community centers: Fridays, 10:30 a.m.
Young children and family: join us to learn and have fun together with stories, songs, and more! Drop in at the Downtown Library or sign up in advance for storytimes at Sheldon Community Center and Echo Hollow Pool near our neighborhood branches. Find more information and sign up.
Online Storytimes
New storytime each Wednesday on YouTube Live and Facebook Live
Stories, songs, rhymes, puppets, and more! 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 account or login is needed.
Book Buddies Group - ages 7-9
Live online: Friday, December 10, 3:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start Nov. 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Choose a time and sign up online:
3:30 p.m. session: https://bit.ly/BookBuddiesDec2021_330pm
4:30 p.m. session: https://bit.ly/BookBuddiesDec2021_430pm
For ages 7-9 in the Eugene area. Get together online for fun conversation and activity. This month, we're reading "Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business" by Lyla Lee, illustrated by Dung Ho. Sign up and we’ll give you a free copy of the book 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, December 15, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start Nov. 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Sign up online: https://bit.ly/MiddleBookGroupDec2021
For ages 11-14 in the Eugene area. Get together to share opinions and ideas about books. This month, we're reading "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull. Sign up and we’ll give you a free copy of the book 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, December 16, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start Nov. 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Sign up online: https://bit.ly/TweenBookGroupDec2021
For ages 9-12 in the Eugene area. Get together for fun conversation and activity. This month, we're reading "Stargazing" by Jen Wang. Sign up and we’ll give you a free copy of the book 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, December 21, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start Nov. 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Sign up online: https://bit.ly/OBOB_Dec2021
For grades 3-5 in the Eugene, Oregon area. Get together for fun quizzes and conversation about two of this year's Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) titles. For the December meeting, we're reading "The Care and Feeding of a Pet Black Hole" by Michelle Cuevas and "Lety Out Loud" by Angela Cervantes. Sign up and we’ll give you free copies of the books to keep. Or enjoy the books free with your library card in print or online:
"The Care and Feeding of a Pet Black Hole"
"Lety Out Loud"
Book Buddies Group - ages 7-9
Live online: Friday, January 14, 3:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start Dec. 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Choose a time and sign up online:
3:30 p.m. session: https://bit.ly/BookBuddiesJan2022_330pm
4:30 p.m. session: https://bit.ly/BookBuddiesJan2022_430pm
For ages 7-9 in the Eugene area. Get together online for fun conversation and activity. This month, we're reading "The Curse of Einstein's Pencil" by Deborah Zemke. Sign up and we’ll give you a free copy of the book 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, January 19, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start Dec. 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Sign up online: https://bit.ly/MiddleBookGroupJan2022
For ages 11-14 in the Eugene area. Get together to share opinions and ideas about books. This month, we're reading "Harbor Me" by Jacqueline Woodson. Sign up and we’ll give you a free copy of the book 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, January 20, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start Dec. 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Sign up online: https://bit.ly/TweenBookGroupJan2022
For ages 9-12 in the Eugene area. Get together for fun conversation and activity. This month, we're reading "The Hero Next Door" edited by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich. Sign up and we’ll give you a free copy of the book to keep. Or enjoy the book free with your library card in print or online. Find it here.
Watch online anytime:
Recorded online storytimes on our Facebook or YouTube.
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 live 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.
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FOR TEENS
Stuck in the Middle Book Group - ages 11-14
Live online: Wednesday, December 15, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start Nov. 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Sign up online: https://bit.ly/MiddleBookGroupDec2021
For ages 11-14 in the Eugene area. Get together to share opinions and ideas about books. This month, we're reading "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull. Sign up and we’ll give you a free copy of the book to keep. Or enjoy the book free with your library card in print or online: find it here.
Animanga Club - ages 13-19
Downtown Library: Thursday, December 16, 4:00 p.m.
Ages 13- 19: drop in to watch “Today's Menu for the Emiya Family,” eat Japanese snacks, and win some manga and swag.
Cocoa and Cozies - ages 13-19
Downtown Library: Wednesday, December 22, 4:00 p.m.
Ages 13 - 19: drop in to enjoy hot chocolate and learn to craft your own felt coffee cup cozy.
Teen Book Group - ages 13-19
Downtown Library: Tuesday, December 28, 4:00 p.m.
Sign-ups start Nov. 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Sign up online: https://bit.ly/TeenBookGroupDec2021
Ages 13-19: get together to share opinions and ideas about books. This month, we're reading "Warcross" by Marie Lu. Sign up and we’ll give you a free copy of the book to keep. Or enjoy the book free with your library card in print or online: find it here.
Teen Book Group - ages 13-19
Downtown Library: Tuesday, January 18, 4:00 p.m.
Sign-ups start Dec. 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Sign up online: https://bit.ly/TeenBookGroupJan2022
Ages 13-19: get together to share opinions and ideas about books. This month, we're reading "Woven in Moonlight" by Isabel Ibañez. Sign up and we’ll give you a free copy of the book to keep. Or enjoy the book free with your library card in print or online.
Stuck in the Middle Book Group - ages 11-14
Live online: Wednesday, January 19, 4:00 p.m., Zoom
Sign-ups start Dec. 15. Preregistration required to receive event link. Sign up online: https://bit.ly/MiddleBookGroupJan2022
For ages 11-14 in the Eugene area. Get together to share opinions and ideas about books. This month, we're reading "Harbor Me" by Jacqueline Woodson. Sign up and we’ll give you a free copy of the book 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
Novelist J.T. Bushnell
Downtown Library: Wednesday, December 1, 6:00 p.m.
"The Step Back," J.T. Bushnell's coming-of-age basketball novel, "delves into family loyalty, bad decisions, and the grace of empathy" (Oregon ArtsWatch). Bushnell teaches at Oregon State University and lives in Eugene.
Book Group: “Cantoras"
Downtown Library: Sunday, December 5, 3:00 p.m.
Sign-ups start Nov. 10: https://eugene.libcal.com/event/8503584
Get together in person at the Downtown Library to chat about “Cantoras" by Carolina de Robertis. Sign up for the book group and we'll give you a free copy of the book to read and keep. Or enjoy the book free with your library card in print or online: find it here.
Writer Nancy Lane
Downtown Library: Thursday, December 9, 6:00 p.m.
After years of industry related writing, Nancy Lane decided to pursue creative writing and zeroed in on the short story form as the most immediate and exciting way to build worlds, create engaging characters, and promote positive themes. She will read from her recent collection "Pretty Chrysanthemum and Other Stories."
Book Groups: “Braiding Sweetgrass"
Online: Wednesday, January 19, 6:00 p.m.
Downtown Library: Saturday, January 22, 2:00 p.m.
Sign-ups start Dec. 15:
Online book group (for adults in the Eugene area)
In-person book group
Get together in person at the Downtown Library to chat about "Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants" by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Sign up for the book group and we'll give you a free copy of the book to read and keep. Or enjoy the book free with your library card in print or online: find it here.
Note: "Braiding Sweetgrass" is the University of Oregon Common Reading selection this year. Everyone's invited to watch the livestream of the author's campus talk on Monday, January 24 at 12:00 p.m. "Purchase" a free ticket: https://ticket.uoregon.edu/uo/rwk-stream
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.
Exhibit: Paintings by Jonathan Short
Downtown Library 2nd floor, November and December
Jonathan Short's colorful paintings are inspired by nature. Short is originally from the East Coast, where he studied art since childhood. Influenced by many trips on the train to the Metropolitan Museum Of Art in New York City, he then studied at The Art Students League N.YC. and Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. He says, "The air of Oregon has inspired me to pursue painting. It's like a religious experience."
Watch online anytime:
Windfall Reading Series: monthly readings by NW writers coordinated by Lane Literary Guild. Watch past Windfall Readings on YouTube.
Shifting the Narrative: A Conversation on Race and Identity in Children’s Books panel on YouTube Live, recorded in October 2021.
"1000 Hopes" Project and Oregon BIPOC Experiences panel on YouTube Live, recorded in June 2021.
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.
Imagination Library Luncheon
Watch anytime on YouTube
Enjoy the recording of the 2021 Imagination Library of Eugene event featuring "Stone Soup" cartoonist Jan Eliot, children’s author/illustrator Sandy Silverthorne, Dr. Audrey Lucero, joke-telling kids, and more.
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.