Medford, Oregon (November 19, 2021)—Jackson County Library Services (JCLS) offers free events, including virtual and in-person programs and Take & Make kits. Event times, dates, and locations are subject to change. Please consult our online calendar to confirm events.
ONLINE PROGRAMS
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.
ADULTS
Windows in Time: “If These Walls Could Talk: Stories from Southern Oregon’s National Register-listed Properties “
Wednesday, December 1 • 12:00–1:00 PM
Historian George Kramer will discuss the history and stories from some of Southern Oregon’s most historic buildings and provide a fun and informative look at why these buildings are significant.
Queer Coffee House @ the Library
First Saturdays • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
December 4, January 15 (3rd Saturday), February 5
Make a cup of coffee, and join us virtually! Share your new favorite books, movies, podcasts, and projects you’re working on. LGBTQ+ folx and allies are all welcome!
Books@Noon
First Tuesdays • 12:00–1:00 PM
December 7, January 4, February 1
Share what you are reading, and find your next great read.
Eagle Point Book Club
First Tuesdays • 2:00–3:15 PM
December 7: Dispatches from Pluto by Richard Grant.
January 4: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
February 1: The Wright Brothers by David G. McCollough
The Basics of Estate Planning with Attorney Jason Broesder
Friday, December 10, 2021 • 10:00–11:00 AM
Learn about the benefits of creating a will, various tools such as trusts, and hear a selection of common questions in this free online program, sponsored by the Jackson County Library Foundation. Pre-registration required.
Brain Books
Fourth Tuesdays • 2:30–4:30 PM
December 28: Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
January 25: The Goodness Paradox: The Strange Relationship Between Virtue and Violence in Human Evolution by Richard Wrangham
February 22: How to Be Less Stupid About Race: On Racism, White Supremacy, and the Racial Divide by Crystal Fleming
TEENS
Booking It: Running and Reading Club, 13+ YRS
First Mondays • 4:30–5:30 PM
December 6, January 3, February 7
Do you run? Do you read? Do you sometimes run while reading, thanks to free downloadable audiobooks available from the library? Whatever the case, we are encouraging you to run and to read each week (not necessarily at the same time—up to you), and then gather on Zoom each month to discuss how the running is going and what everyone is reading.
Ugly Sweater Contest & Holiday Party, 13+ YRS
Monday, December 20 • 4:30–5:30 PM
It’s that time of year… the air gets colder, the days get shorter, and ugly holiday sweaters abound! Join the fun with our ugly sweater contest. A week before the program starts, pick up a kit with some holiday treats as well as a sweater, some decorations, and one special object that no one else has that you’ll need to incorporate with your sweater decorations. You’ll have from the time you pick up your kit to the time of the Zoom party to decorate. Then we’ll show off our sweaters at the holiday party on Zoom! The teen who uses their decorations most creatively, as decided by a vote, will win a gift card.
Teen General Knowledge Trivia, 13+ YRS
Last Mondays • 4:30–5:30 PM
December 27, January 31, February 28
Test your knowledge alongside your peers in this fast-paced, online trivia challenge! Bring your brain and a mobile device and you’re ready to go!
KIDS & FAMILY
Escape to the North Pole! Virtual Escape Room
Tuesday, December 28 • 2:00–3:00 PM
Wednesday, December 29 • 2:00–3:00 PM
Thursday, December 30 • 2:00–3:00 PM
Help a lost polar bear cub return to their habitat! In this virtual escape room, young readers will work together to solve puzzles and clues to get the polar bear cub safely back to the Arctic. This program requires some reading ability and will be hosted virtually on Zoom.
IN-PERSON EVENTS
Attendees at in-person programs and events must adhere to current COVID-19 restrictions, including wearing masks that cover mouth and nose and maintaining adequate social distancing. 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.
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Rogue Reads Take & Make: Dream Journals, 13+ YRS
Available starting on these dates, while supplies last:
Ashland Library: December 1
Eagle Point Library: December 1
Phoenix Library: December 1
Gold Hill Library: December 6
Jacksonville Library: December 6
White City Library: December 6
Butte Falls Library: December 7
Central Point Library: December 7
Prospect Library: December 8
Shady Cove Library: December 10
Medford Library: December 13
Ruch Library: December 14
Talent Library: December 21
Rogue River Library: December 27
Applegate Library: December 28
Inspired by themes in The Marrow Thieves, this kit contains everything you’ll need to start your own dream journal. Each kit comes with a journal, pen, items to decorate your journal, and prompts to help you write down your dreams.
Take & Make: Birdwatching Kit, 18+ YRS
Available starting on these dates, while supplies last:
Eagle Point Library: December 1
Ashland Library: December 4
Central Point Library: December 7
Shady Cove Library: December 17
Medford Library: January 2
White City Library: January 3
Talent Library: January 25
Jacksonville Library: February 7
Ruch Library: February 22
Applegate Library: February 25
Braiding Sweetgrass teaches lessons on the interconnectedness of nature and what can be learned by slowing down and observing the natural world and its cycles. Kimmerer is a scientist whose Native American heritage informs her scientific work. This kit includes guides to common local birds, a flyer with information about how to be involved with Cornell University’s Project Feederwatch, a bird data recording sheet, information about birdwatching materials that can be checked out from the library, and materials to make a pine cone bird feeder. This kit is offered in partnership with the North Mountain Park Nature Center in Ashland.
Take & Make: Crochet Hat, 8+ YRS
Available starting December 1, while supplies last
Ashland & Medford libraries
Pick up a Take & Make kit with supplies to learn how to crochet a winter hat to either give to someone you know or return to the library to be gifted to someone in need this winter season.
Take & Learn: Bookmark This! 7+ YRS
Pick up this month’s Bookmark This! Each month’s handout will feature a new topic, all with themes based on the natural world. Get fun facts, featured books and additional resources, plus instructions for how to use the handout to create your own themed bookmark. Available at all branches while supplies last.
December: All About the Moon
January: All About Bigfoot
February: All About Animal Tracks
Take & Make: Handmade Paper (With Seeds), 18+ YRS
Available starting on these dates, while supplies last:
Medford Library: December 5
Central Point Library: January 18
Jacksonville Library: January 24
Ashland Library: February 5
Shady Cove Library: February 18
Talent Library: February 22
White City Library: February 22
Braiding Sweetgrass emphasizes the importance of gratitude for and reciprocity with the land and its gifts. Use this kit to make beautiful plant-able paper with flower seeds incorporated into the fibers. The seed paper can be kept and planted or given to others with the hope that they will plant the paper, thereby giving back to the land.
Take & Make: Practicing Gratitude, 18+ YRS
Available starting on these dates, while supplies last:
Ruch Library: December 7
Phoenix Library: December 14
Gold Hill Library: December 27
Talent Library: December 28
Eagle Point Library: January 11
Ashland Library: January 22
Applegate Library: February 11
Medford Library: February 13
In Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer says, “Many Native peoples across the world, despite myriad cultural differences, have this in common—we are rooted in cultures of gratitude.” She reminds readers to recognize the power of gratitude and contentment with what we have. Use this kit to incorporate a practice of gratitude into your life through letter writing. Kits include stationery, stamped envelopes, scrapbook-style embellishments, and information about the benefits of practicing gratitude.
Take & Make: Wild Rice Soup, 18+ YRS
Available starting on these dates, while supplies last:
Eagle Point Library: December 15
White City Library: December 20
Jacksonville Library: December 27
Central Point Library: January 4
Ruch Library: January 4
Shady Cove Library: January 14
Applegate Library: January 21
Gold Hill Library: February 14
Phoenix Library: February 16
Ashland Library: February 19
Braiding Sweetgrass honors indigenous wisdom and discusses plants significant to many Native cultures. Wild rice is a staple food in traditional diets of Native American tribes of the Great Lakes region. This kit contains ingredients to make wild rice soup in standard, gluten free, and vegan versions.
Take & Make: Three Sisters Garden, 18+ YRS
Available starting on these dates, while supplies last:
Applegate Library: December 17
Gold Hill Library: January 24
White City Library: January 31
Ruch Library: February 1
Central Point Library: February 22
Braiding Sweetgrass uses the Three Sisters Garden as an example of reciprocity. When planted together, the success of each plant—corn, beans, and squash—leads to all three thriving. This kit contains supplies to plant your own Three-Sisters Garden: seeds, seed starter trays, potting soil, and instructions. It will also provide information how these plants work together to help each other grow and on the significance of these food crops to many indigenous groups in North America.
ASHLAND
Take & Make: Frozen Suncatcher, 3+ YRS
Available starting Saturday, December 4
Fill a pie tin with water and natural items, then freeze it overnight to make amazing art to hang outside to brighten a dreary winter’s day.
Take & Make: Tea of the Month, 18+ YRS
Available starting December 5 (black teas), January 9 (green teas), and February 6 (herbal teas)
Sample different teas and learn more about the variety of tea highlighted each month.
Take & Make: Hot Chocolate Ornaments, 13+ YRS
Available starting Wednesday, December 8
Make a hot chocolate ornament to keep for yourself or gift to someone else.
Take & Bake: Pretzels, 18+ YRS
Available starting Saturday, December 11
Bake a batch of delicious pretzels!
Study Sesh @ The Library, 13+ YRS
Monday, December 13 • 4:00–6:00 PM
Stop by the Ashland Teen Library for free pizza, holiday treats, and plenty of extra paper and pencils so you can cram in peace with other teens. Study as a group with others, grab a table for yourself, or hop on one of our PCs. Note: If in-person programs are paused in December, this program will be moved to Zoom (like a local StudyStream) and goodie bags will be handed out to registrants in advance.
Take & Make: Celebrating Solstice, 3+ YRS
Available starting Saturday, December 18
Create your own solstice celebration with a beeswax candle rolling and decorating kit.
Take & Make: Faux Stained Glass Candle Holders, 18+ YRS
Available starting Saturday, December 18
Decorate a votive candle holder to look like stained glass.
CENTRAL POINT
Brain Games, 18+ YRS
Second Fridays • 2:00–4:00 PM
December 10, January 14, February 11
Keep your gray matter active by playing games such as Scrabble or Dominoes, or by doing puzzles or a creative coloring project in adult coloring books.
Take & Make: Ice Lantern Luminarias, 6+ YRS
Available starting Tuesday, December 14
Ring in the winter solstice by lighting up the night with a simple balloon luminary.
Casual Memoir Writing Group, 18+ YRS
Third Wednesdays • 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
December 15, January 19, February 16
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.
EAGLE POINT
Yarnia! 8+ YRS
Wednesdays • 2:00–3:30 PM
Learn to knit or crochet. Supplies provided. For all levels.
Eagle Point Friends of the Library Open Cupboards Book Sale
Thursdays • 12:30–3:00 PM
Shop for new or gently used items including books, CDs & movies. Proceeds benefit the Eagle Point Library.
Take & Make: Native American Frybread, 13+ YRS
Available starting Wednesday, December 15
Make Native American frybread, a tradition that stretches back generations. It is enjoyed all over the U.S. and is quick and easy to make at home.
Stuffed Animal Adoption
Friday, December 17 • 3:30-4:30
Learn about the Jackson County Animal Shelter, the many ways people get pets, and why it’s cool to adopt a shelter pet. Then, pick out your own plush stuffed animal to take home with you. Pre-registration required.
GOLD HILL
Take & Make: Family Storytelling, 6+ YRS
Available starting Monday, December 13
Record your family stories, including a notebook and prompts. Write down your family’s memories before they are forgotten!
Gold Hill Library Book Club, 18+ YRS
Third Fridays • 3:00–4:00 PM
December 17: The Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
January 21: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
February 18: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Tween Book Club, 11-18 YRS
Third Saturdays • 2:00–3:00 PM
December 18: Fangirl Vol 1: The Manga by Sam Maggs (adapter) and Rainbow Rowell (author)
January 22: The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
February 19: Sheets: Vol 1 by Brenna Thummler
Take & Make: Alphabet Soup, 0-8 YRS
Available starting the 3rd Monday of each month
December 20, January 18, February 23
Pick up a Take & Make Kit featuring a letter of the alphabet. English and Spanish kits are available.
JACKSONVILLE
Take & Make: Solstice Lanterns, 3+ YRS
Available starting Monday, December 13
Make a colorful candle holder to welcome the advent of longer days.
MEDFORD
Tabletop Gaming Day, 13+ YRS
First Saturdays • 1:00–3:00 PM
December 4, January 8 (2nd Saturday), February 5
Get your game on! Join us in playing classic and new board games.
Take & Make: Community Flags, 5+ YRS
Available starting Sunday, December 5
Create a symbol that represents your community and make your own flag!
Gingerbread Wonderland, 13+ YRS
Saturday, December 11 • 1:00–3:00 PM
Everyone loves a gingerbread house, but we’re taking things a step further: we’ll supply the materials so you can make your very own Gingerbread World! Prizes will be awarded for creativity, design, and execution.
Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.) 12-18 YRS
Second Tuesdays • 4:30–5:30 PM
December 14, January 11, February 8
T.A.G. members are dedicated, motivated teens in grades 7-12 who meet to brainstorm ideas, discuss books and movies, and make crafts. Contact a Medford Teen Librarian to join!
Medford Library Book Chat, 18+ YRS
Second Tuesdays • 5:30–6:30 PM
December 14: The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
January 11: TBD
February 28: TBD
Random Fandom, 13+ YRS
Third Saturdays • 1:00–2:30 PM
December 18: Stranger Things
January 15: Fruits Basket!
February 19: Pokémon! The 25th Anniversary
Once a month, we gather to discuss a tv show, book, or movie that has us obsessed. Games, discussion, and silliness follow!
Take & Make: Celebrating Solstice, 3+ YRS
Available starting Saturday, December 18
Create your own solstice celebration with a beeswax candle rolling and decorating kit.
Tea Time Tuesday, 13+ YRS
Third Tuesdays • 4:00–5:30 PM
Each month, the Medford Teen Library will provide a title, tea, and a snack for teen patrons to read and participate in a book discussion. Registered participants can pick up the book (yours to keep!) two weeks prior to the event at the Medford Teen Library desk.
December 21: Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn
January 18: The Marrow Thieves by Marie Dimaline
February 15: Charming as a Verb by Ben Philippe
PHOENIX
Take & Make: Stargazing & Moon Rocks, 3+ YRS
Available starting Wednesday, December 1
Make moon rocks and learn about planets, stars, and galaxies.
ROGUE RIVER
Take & Learn: Observe and Honor the Winter Solstice, 13+ YRS
Available starting Monday, December 13
This informational kit will help you observe the winter solstice on December 21 and honor this important day in nature by learning about the practices and cultural significance for people around the world.
RUCH
First Saturday Book Barn Sale
December 4, February 5
Shop for new or gently used items including books, CDs & movies in the Book Barn next to Ruch Library. Masks are required. Book donations are also welcome at this time. Proceeds benefit the Ruch Library. Sponsored by the Friends of Ruch Library.
SHADY COVE
Take & Make: Native American Frybread, 13+ YRS
Available starting Tuesday, December 21
Make Native American frybread, a tradition that stretches back generations. It is enjoyed all over the U.S. and is quick and easy to make at home.
TALENT
Take & Make: Winter Animal Ornaments, 5+ YRS
Available starting Tuesday, December 7
Create winter ornaments featuring images of Southern Oregon’s native animal species by cutting out printed images of animals and using Mod Podge to transfer the images to wood slices.
WHITE CITY
Take & Make: Holiday Ornament, 4+ YRS
Available starting Monday, December 13
Make a colorful and beautiful keepsake ornament.