Listed below are free events at Jackson County Library Services, including virtual and in-person programs and Take & Make kits. Event times, dates, and locations are subject to change. Some programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Libraries.
ONLINE EVENTS
Online programs take place via Zoom and/or Facebook LIVE. Meeting or webinar details will be emailed to participants when they register through the JCLS Events Calendar at jcls.org or by calling the library. Programs may be recorded and later made available on the JCLS Beyond YouTube channel at youtube.com/c/JCLSBeyond. Learn how to join a Zoom meeting with this short video tutorial: https://youtu.be/hIkCmbvAHQQ.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin Book Discussion Club
Sundays, August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 • 10:00–11:30 AM
How has anti-racism changed in the United States in the past 200 years? Dominique Toyer, Research Director of Southern Oregon Coalition for Racial Equity, will lead a discussion about the evolution of anti-racism in the United States through a discussion club about Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. This is a supportive environment for learning about race, racism, and anti-racism.
Intro to Google Photos
Monday, August 2 • 12:00–1:00 PM
Learn about Google Photos and how to use it. Google Photos works on Apple devices as well as Android devices, so all are welcome to attend.
Books@Noon
Tuesday, August 3 • 12:00–1:00 PM
Share what you are reading, and find your next great read.
Windows in Time: “Making History Together: The 75-year story of the Southern Oregon Historical Society”
Wednesday, August 4 • 12:00–1:00 PM
From the beginning, the story of the Southern Oregon Historical Society (SOHS) was one of people coming together to enhance their community. Alice Mullaly will focus on the stages of development that made SOHS a leader in historic preservation and regional history education.
Getting the Most Out of the JCLS Website
Friday, August 6 • 1:00–2:00 PM
Take a tour of the new JCLS website, and learn how to get the most out of what it has to offer.
Queer Coffee House @ the (Virtual) Library
Saturday, August 7 • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Make a cup of coffee, and join us virtually! Share your new favorite books, movies, and podcasts or projects you’re working on. LGBTQ+ folx and allies are welcome!
The Virtual Great Garden Escape
Saturday, August 7 • 1:00–2:00 PM
Enjoy puzzles and cryptography? See if you can make your way out of this virtual escape room.
How to Use the JCLS Catalog
Tuesday, August 10 • 1:00–2:00 PM
Learn how to get the most out of the JCLS Library Catalog, including basic tips to get you started and more detailed explanations for lesser-known features.
Escape the Zoo! Virtual Escape Room, 6–10 YRS
Tuesday, August 10 • 2:00–3:00 PM
Work with other kids to solve a series of animal-themed clues, leading you to the final code to unlock the zoo enclosure and escape! This virtual escape room requires some reading ability to solve the puzzles and word scrambles. Pre-registration required.
Medford Library Book Chat
Tuesday, August 10 • 5:30–6:30 PM
Discuss I was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhon
Page BreakGetting to Know Library2Go
Saturday, August 14 • 1:00–2:00 PM
Learn about the digital resources available through Library2Go and how to access this service.
Tea Time Tuesdays, 12–18 YRS
Tuesday, August 17 • 1:00–2:00 PM
Book Clubs are great, but wouldn’t they be better with tea and dessert? Pre-register for this online book discussion of Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, then pick up the book (yours to keep!), tea, and dessert two weeks prior to the program.
Readers Are Leaders: Business Book Discussion
Tuesday, August 17 • 6:00–7:00 PM
Connect with other business and nonprofit leaders to discuss works by pioneering authors on resilience. This week features books by Gay Hendricks.
Literacy in the Early Years: I Love Books! How About You?
Lectoescritura en los primeros años
Wednesday, August 18 • 6:00–7:15 PM
This series is offered in Spanish only. Parents and caregivers are invited to learn how to introduce children to the world of literacy with Claudia Cervantes, Migrant Preschool Specialist and author of the book Con tu Ayuda Mamá. This series, “Un mundo de letras,” empowers caregivers to support the development of early literacy skills. Participants will receive a gift bag with books and materials made possible by the Every Child Ready to Read Grant.
Let’s Get Civic-al! Taking Action
Thursday, August 19 • 6:00–7:00 PM
There are many ways to act on issues that matter to you. We’ll discuss the ins-and-outs on planning a protest, starting a petition, and more. This is not a political program. We will not tell you what issues to take on, just how to do it.
Gold Hill Library Book Club, 18+ YRS
Friday, August 20 • 3:00–4:00 PM
Discuss The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
Tween Book Club, 11–18 YRS
Saturday, August 21 • 2:00–3:00 PM
Discuss Song for a Whale y Lynne Kelly.
Brain Books
Tuesday, August 24 • 2:30–4:30 PM
Discuss The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life by Anu Partanen.
Human Trafficking 101
Tuesday, August 24 • 6:00–7:30 PM
Human Trafficking is on the rise in Southern Oregon. Join Community Works, a domestic and sexual violence resource center in the Rogue Valley, to learn what to do if you believe you see or know someone who is being trafficked.
Trivia Night
Thursday, August 26 • 6:00–7:00 PM
Join JCLS for a fun evening inspired by our summer programming theme “Readers Are Leaders,” featuring trivia about leaders of all types.
Summer Reading Program Wrap-Up Party, 12–18 YRS
Tuesday, August 31 • 1:00–2:00 PM
Celebrate the great work you did during the 2021 Summer Reading Program. Join other teens to talk about what you read, then play games… with prizes!
IN–PERSON EVENTS
Attendees at in-person programs and events must adhere to current COVID-19 restrictions. Space may be limited and programs may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some programs take place outdoors. In-person events may be canceled or rescheduled to take place online; please visit the JCLS Event Calendar at jcls.org for updates. Take & Make kits contain hands-on activities to make or do at home. Kits are available beginning on the dates listed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
APPLEGATE LIBRARY
Learn to Lead with Sanctuary One, 10+ YRS
Wednesday, August 4 • 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Sanctuary One is a care farm in the Applegate Valley. Learn what a day in the life of a Sanctuary One volunteer is like, and meet the goats Ned, Lucky, and Dusty!
Take & Make: Fantasy Folk Art, 12–18 YRS
Available starting Friday, August 6
Folk artists are everyday people who use their skills and imaginations to create unique works of art. Make your own folk art from ancient madrone wooden discs hand painted with jelly pens.
ASHLAND LIBRARY
Escape the Zoo! Escape Room, 6–10 YRS
Wednesday, August 11 • 2:00–3:00 PM
Thursday, August 12 • 2:00–3:00 PM
Work with other kids to solve a series of animal-themed clues, leading you to the final code to unlock the zoo enclosure and escape! This escape room requires some reading ability to solve the puzzles and word scrambles. Pre-registration required.
Leadership in Literature: The Sword in the Tome, 12–18 YRS
Wednesday, August 11 • 12:00–1:00 PM
From Arthur’s mythical blade Excalibur to Luke’s inherited lightsaber, swords are as much symbols in literature as they are tools for the characters. Learn about the symbology of swords in literature, followed by a brief fight choreography lesson.
Social Skills for Superheroes with Anna Minter, 5–10 YRS
Tuesday, August 17 • 1:00–2:00 PM
When we are helpers, we feel good about ourselves. This program will focus on building self-confidence and comfort in different situations and includes a Take & Make kit to take home.
Take & Keep: Community Resource Kit, 13+ YRS
Available starting Saturday, August 14
This informational kit will introduce you to local service organizations and agencies for food assistance, medical care, or crisis support.
Take & Make: Fantasy Folk Art, 12–18 YRS
Available starting Wednesday, August 18
Folk artists are everyday people who use their skills and imaginations to create unique works of art. Make your own folk art from ancient madrone wooden discs hand painted with jelly pens.
Take & Make: Glue-Resist Dyed Inspiration Scarf, 18+ YRS
Available starting Saturday, August 21
Use glue and fabric dye to create a scarf with special meaning for you. The patterns you use to decorate your scarf will resist the dye and stand out after it is washed.
Take & Make: Positivity Activism, 12–18 YRS
Available starting Wednesday, August 25
Spread joy in your community! Pick up supplies to make a poster and sidewalk chalk messages, along with prompts to spark your creativity.
BUTTE FALLS LIBRARY
Leadership in Literature: A Hunger Games Water Fight, 12–18 YRS
Thursday, August 12 • 1:00 AM–2:00 PM
Play a round of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games—but much safer and more fun! Discuss the leadership traits shown in the books, then take 20 minutes to build a lean-to out of cardboard and tape. When time is up, defend yourself and your shelter with water-soaker balls! Aside from being fun, this program teaches strategic thinking and organization.
Take & Make: Positivity Activism, 12–18 YRS
Available starting Tuesday, August 17
Spread joy in your community! Pick up supplies to make a poster and sidewalk chalk messages, along with prompts to spark your creativity.
Leadership in Literature: The Sword in the Tome, 12–18 YRS
Tuesday, August 24 • 12:00–1:00 PM
From Arthur’s mythical blade Excalibur to Luke’s inherited lightsaber, swords are as much symbols in literature as they are tools for the characters. Learn about the symbology of swords in literature, followed by a brief fight choreography lesson.
CENTRAL POINT LIBRARY
Take & Make: Amphibious Rubber Duck, 10+ YRS
Available starting Tuesday, August 3
What happens when you add a motor to a rubber duck? Find out with this kit!
Casual Memoir Writing Workshop
Wednesday, August 18 • 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
Come and complete a short 250-500-word memoir of a specific memory using a simple, friendly method. Then share your memoir, if desired, with the group for supportive feedback and encouragement.
Bilingual StoryWalk®: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
August 30-September 6
Location: William Mott Memorial Park, 2190 Jeremy St. in Central Point
Stroll through William Mott Memorial Park while reading pages of the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar / La Oruga Muy Hambrienta by Eric Carle, placed along the path crossing the park. A StoryWalk® is a great way to combine fresh air, movement, and early reading skills!
EAGLE POINT LIBRARY
Take & Make: Recycling Craft, 13+ YRS
Available starting Tuesday, August 3
Make a coaster from recycled magazines.
Eagle Point Book Club
Tuesday, August 3 • 2:00–3:15 PM
Discuss The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery.
Leadership in Literature: The Sword in the Tome, 12–18 YRS
Thursday, August 12 • 1:00–2:00 PM
From Arthur’s mythical blade Excalibur to Luke’s inherited lightsaber, swords are as much symbols in literature as they are tools for the characters. Learn about swords and their symbology in literature, followed by a brief fight choreography lesson.
Take & Make: Thyme to Make Your Own Vinaigrette, 18+ YRS
Available starting Tuesday, August 24
Make a vinaigrette for your garden greens. Included are herbs, recipes, and a bottle; you supply the oil and vinegar.
GOLD HILL LIBRARY
Take & Make: August Flower Fairy, 3+ YRS
Available starting Monday, August 2
Make a flower clothespin fairy.
Take & Make: Positivity Activism, 12–18 YRS
Available starting Monday, August 16
Spread joy in your community! Pick up supplies to make a poster and sidewalk chalk messages, along with prompts to spark your creativity.
Bubble Party Storytime
Wednesday, August 18 • 3:00–4:00 PM
Enjoy outdoor fun on the library lawn during this special storytime.
JACKSONVILLE LIBRARY
Home Fermentation with FermentWorks
Wednesday, August 4 • 4:00–5:00 PM
Wondering how to preserve all the overflow from your summer garden? Christopher and Kirsten Shockey, award-winning authors and founders of FermentWorks, will demonstrate how to ferment foods with little to no equipment.
Social Skills for Superheroes with Anna Minter, 5–10 YRS
Wednesday, August 18 • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
When we are helpers, we feel good about ourselves. This program will focus on building self-confidence and comfort in different situations and includes a Take & Make kit to take home.
MEDFORD LIBRARY
The Great Garden Escape, 12–18 YRS
Tuesday, August 3 • 1:00–2:00 PM
Enjoy puzzles and cryptography? See if you can make your way out of this escape room! Space is limited, so arrive early to get a spot. If you’re interested in taking part, but don’t want to come into the building, or the spots are all filled by the time you get here, check out the Virtual Great Garden Escape program happening August 7.
Take & Make: Community Leader Thank You, 3+ YRS
Available starting Sunday, August 8
Give a shout-out to the leaders in your community. This kit has supplies to write a note to whomever you think needs one: a fire fighter, garbage collector, doctor, or anyone else! Hang it in your window or stick it in your yard to thank a local leader.
Bee a Leader with the Southern Oregon Bee Association: How Bees Live and Work Together, 8+ YRS
Tuesday, August 10 • 1:00–2:30 PM
Learn how thousands of bees live and work together in harmony, watch live honeybees at work in an observation hive, and discover ways you can lead a bee, plant, and human-healthy future.
Social Skills for Superheroes with Anna Minter, 5–10 YRS
Thursday, August 19 • 1:00–2:30 PM
When we are helpers, we feel good about ourselves. This program will focus on building self-confidence and comfort in different situations and includes a Take & Make kit to take home.
Leadership in Athletics: Olympic Obstacle Course, 12–18 YRS
Saturday, August 21 • 1:00–2:00 PM
In honor of the 2021 Olympic Games, compete in a mini version of the Olympic games! Participate in an obstacle course accessible to a variety of different ability levels, with medals awarded to the top competitors.
Take & Make: Glossy Skittles Paint, 3+ YRS
Available starting Sunday, August 22
It’s a Skittles painting experience! We supply the candy, paper, and other essentials… you supply the fun and the imagination!
Heroics, Wit, and Wisdom: A Storytelling Event
Wednesday, August 25 • 1:00–2:30 PM
Hear tales of brave lads and clever girls and how they used their heads to overcome peril and adversity! Expert storyteller Wally Clark will entertain you with a handful of stories that are bound to excite and inspire!
PROSPECT LIBRARY
Leadership in Literature: A Hunger Games Water Fight, 12–18 YRS
Friday, August 6 • 2:00–3:00 PM
Play a round of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games—but much safer and more fun! Discuss the leadership traits shown in the books, then take 20 minutes to build a lean-to out of cardboard and tape. When time is up, defend yourself and your shelter with water soaker balls! Aside from being fun, this program teaches strategic thinking and organization.
Take & Make: Positivity Activism, 12–18 YRS
Available starting Wednesday, August 18
Spread joy in your community! Pick up supplies to make a poster and sidewalk chalk messages, along with prompts to spark your creativity.
Leadership in Literature: The Sword in the Tome, 12–18 YRS
Wednesday, August 25 • 12:00–1:00 PM
From Arthur’s mythical blade Excalibur to Luke’s inherited lightsaber, swords are as much symbols in literature as they are tools for the characters. Learn about the symbology of swords in literature, followed by a brief fight choreography lesson.
ROGUE RIVER LIBRARY
Positivity Rocks! A Painted Rock Activity
Friday, August 13 • 2:00–4:00 PM
Spread positivity by painting one rock for yourself and another to hide and brighten someone’s day. A Take & Make version of this program will be available all week.
Take & Make: Community Leader Thank You, 3+ YRS
Available starting Monday, August 23
Give a shout-out to the leaders in your community. This kit has supplies to write a note to whomever you think needs one: a fire fighter, garbage collector, doctor, or anyone else! Hang it in your window or stick it in your yard to thank a local leader.
RUCH LIBRARY
Positivity Rocks! A Painted Rock Activity
Saturday, August 7 • 1:00–3:30 PM
Spread positivity by painting one rock for yourself and another to hide and brighten someone’s day. This will be an outdoor program on a drop-in basis, with a limit of five participants (or families) at once.
Learn to Lead with Sanctuary One, 10+ YRS
Tuesday, August 10 • 10:00–11:00 AM
Sanctuary One is a care farm in the Applegate Valley. Learn what a day in the life of a Sanctuary One volunteer is like, and meet the goats Ned, Lucky, and Dusty!
SHADY COVE LIBRARY
Take & Make: Community Leader Thank You, 3+ YRS
Available starting Friday, August 6
Give a shout-out to the leaders in your community. This kit has supplies to write a note to whomever you think needs one: a fire fighter, garbage collector, doctor, or anyone else! Hang it in your window or stick it in your yard to thank a local leader.
Leadership in Athletics: Olympic Obstacle Course, 12–18 YRS
Friday, August 13 • 3:00–4:00 PM
In honor of the 2021 Olympic Games, compete in a mini version of the Olympic games! Participate in an obstacle course accessible to a variety of different ability levels, with medals awarded to the top competitors.
Social Skills for Superheroes with Anna Minter, 5–10 YRS
Friday, August 20 • 2:00–3:00 PM
When we are helpers, we feel good about ourselves. This program will focus on building self-confidence and comfort in different situations and includes a Take & Make kit to take home.
TALENT LIBRARY
Take & Make: Positivity Activism! 12+ YRS
Available starting Tuesday, August 17
Spread joy in your community! Pick up supplies to make a poster and sidewalk chalk messages, along with prompts to spark your creativity.
WHITE CITY LIBRARY
Take & Make: Amphibious Rubber Duck, 10+ YRS
Available starting Monday, August 2
What happens when you add a motor to a rubber duck? Find out with this kit!
Leadership in Literature: The Sword in the Tome, 12–18 YRS
Wednesday, August 4 • 1:30–2:30 PM
From Arthur’s mythical blade Excalibur to Luke’s inherited lightsaber, swords are as much symbols in literature as they are tools for the characters. Learn about the symbology of swords in literature, followed by a brief fight choreography lesson.
Make Your Own Electro Magnet
Tuesday, August 17 • 1:30–2:30 PM
Electromagnets are used in all kinds of different technologies. Make a simple one yourself and imagine the possibilities!