Medford, Oregon (December 20, 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
Books@Noon
First Tuesdays • 12:00–1:00 PM
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
January 4: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
February 1: The Wright Brothers by David G. McCollough
Windows in Time: “When the Trains Came”
Wednesday, January 5 • 12:00–1:00 PM
Historian and quilt maker Sue Waldron will share two history-themed quilts from the Rogue Valley Genealogical Society’s quilt collection. The quilts were made by the Jacksonville Museum Quilters over thirty years ago to remember the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the Oregon & California railroad in the Rogue Valley.
Job Seeking: Local Help and Resources, 18+ YRS
Select Tuesdays • 5:30–6:30 PM
Welcome all job seekers! In this three-part series, learn where all the local tools and resources for job seeking can be found and who to talk to for support. You will hear from support specialists at WorkSource Rogue Valley and BBSI. All registered attendees are eligible to pick up a “Job Seeking” tote bag full of information from each organization. Totes can be picked up at the Medford, Ashland, Rogue River, and Eagle Point branches beginning Monday, January 10 during open hours.
Tues, January 11: Job Searching
Tues, January 18: Résumé & Cover Letter Writing
Tues, January 25: Research for Career Change
Queer Coffee House @ the Library
First Saturdays • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
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!
Brain Books
Fourth Tuesdays • 2:30–4:30 PM
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
Vesper Meadow: Reconnecting People, Place, and Native Plants
Community-powered rewilding with native plants and process-based restoration
Thursday, January 27 • 6:00–7:00 PM
Learn about community-based strategies, beaver-based solutions, and native food plants utilized at the Vesper Meadow Restoration Preserve and how they can be applied to lands across the region. Jeanine Moy, Founder and Director of the Vesper Meadow Education Program, will discuss ongoing projects with the Southwest Oregon Indigenous Gardens Network, local endangered species habitat restoration and monitoring, and examples of local edible and medicinal native plants that anyone can grow in their yard.
TEENS
Booking It: Running and Reading Club, 13+ YRS
First Mondays • 4:30–5:30 PM
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.
Jeopardy! Résumé Game for Teens, 13+ YRS
Saturday, January 8 • 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
JCLS is teaming up with Project Youth+, WorkSource Rogue Valley to host a game of Jeopardy! Join us on Zoom to test your résumé skills and get a chance win a $50 gift card. All registered attendees are eligible to pick up a “Job Seeking for Teens” tote bag packed with info on finding a job, resources from Project Youth+ and the library, the book What Color is Your Parachute?, a journal, pen, highlighters, $5 Dutch Bros gift card, and treats. Totes can be picked up at the Medford, Ashland, Rogue River, and Eagle Point Branches beginning Monday, January 3 during open hours.
Human Trafficking 101, 15+ YRS
Thursday, January 13 • 5:00–6:30 PM
Human Trafficking is on the rise of Southern Oregon. Learn what sex trafficking is and what to do if you believe you see or know someone who is being trafficked. Community Works provides support for victims of sex trafficking in Jackson County, and they will be facilitating this training, with time for questions at the end of the presentation. This program connects to themes in the Rogue Reads selection The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline.
Rogue Reads: Traditional Birch Bark Art, 13+ YRS
Wednesday, January 19 • 4:00–5:00 PM
Join presenters from the Cree Cultural Institute in Quebec, Canada, on Zoom as they share how to make birch bark art, an art form of the Cree people of the James Bay region. Supplies for this program will be available to pick up the week before the program.
Rogue Reads: Cree Mittens, 13+ YRS
Wednesday, January 26 • 4:00–5:00 PM
Join presenters from the Cree Cultural Institute in Quebec, Canada, on Zoom as they share how to make traditional mittens on a smaller, keychain-size scale. Supplies for this program will be available to pick up the week before the program.
Teen General Knowledge Trivia, 13+ YRS
Last Mondays • 4:30–5:30 PM
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!
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 may 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
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.
January: All About Bigfoot
February: All About Animal Tracks
Take & Make: Birdwatching Kit, 18+ YRS
Available starting on these dates, while supplies last:
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: Wild Rice Soup, 18+ YRS
Available starting on these dates, while supplies last:
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: Water and Oil Project, 3+ YRS
Shady Cove Library: January 7
Medford Library: January 10
White City Library: January 10
Applegate Library: January 11
Butte Falls Library: January 11
Central Point Library: January 11
Eagle Point Library: January 11
Shady Cove Library: January 11
White City Library: January 11
Prospect Library: January 12
Ruch Library: January 18
Rogue River Library: January 20
Gold Hill Library: January 24
In We Are Water Protectors, author Carole Lindstrom describes a “black snake” that poisons the water. With this kit, learn about a type of “black snake” (oil) and how water and oil don’t mix. Although this kit has the supplies to make a piece of art out of water and oil, there will also be information on why (outside of small art projects) we should keep our water clean and free from all sorts of “black snakes.”
Take & Make: Practicing Gratitude, 18+ YRS
Available starting on these dates, while supplies last:
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 & Learn: Know Your Watershed, 18+ YRS
Available starting January 15, while supplies last
Ashland, Talent, and Phoenix libraries
These kits invite you to deepen your knowledge and experience of the Bear Creek Watershed. Get to know the water that flows around our communities and how you can support the ecological processes that make our watershed vibrant. The kit will include directions for an interactive guided hike with interpretive materials to take your exploration far into the soil and bedrock and higher into the canopy. Kit materials will invite personal reflection on our partnerships with place and how to deepen that relationship through community involvement. This kit is offered as part of a partnership with Southern Oregon University’s Environmental Education graduate program.
Graffiti Books: Book Club with a Stranger, 13+ YRS
Saturday, January 15
Saturday, February 12
All branch locations
It’s not every day that a librarian asks you to write in a book, and yet here we are! When you register, a non-circulating or withdrawn book will be sent to your pickup branch of choice. You’ll be asked to write what you think inside of the book as you read over the following four weeks. Comment on a line you love, a character you despise, or a scene that makes you feel something. When you’ve finished the book or when the month is over, whichever comes first, return the book to any library branch and you’ll get to pick up the next one, which someone else will have already “graffitied.” Then you read that book and respond to the first reader’s comments as you go! Registrants will be asked to register online for each month that they intend to read a graffiti book.
Take & Make: Handmade Paper (With Seeds), 18+ YRS
Available starting on these dates, while supplies last:
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: Three Sisters Garden, 18+ YRS
Available starting on these dates, while supplies last:
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.
APPLEGATE
Take & Make: Winter Craft, 3+ YRS
Available starting Friday, January 7
Make a winter-inspired glittery craft.
ASHLAND
Take & Make: Journey Jars, 18+ YRS
Available starting Saturday, January 8
It’s the start of a new year. Make a journey jar to remember the good times, the memories, or just positive affirmations about yourself. Every day, put a new slip of paper in this jar, and at the end of the year, enjoy the memories!
Take & Make: Tea of the Month, 18+ YRS
Available starting 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: New Year’s Time Capsules, 5+ YRS
Available starting Saturday, January 15
Starting a new year fills us with questions and hopes about the future: where will we be next year? In five years? What about ten years? Create a time capsule for your ten-years-in-the-future self, filled with mementos and reflections that capture who you are right in this moment.
Water World Puppet Theater, 3+ YRS
Saturday, January 29 • 12:00–4:00 PM
Create a miniature water world puppet theater with recycled tea boxes to explore some of our most precious resources: oceans, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water.
CENTRAL POINT
Brain Games, 55+ YRS
Second Fridays • 2:00–4:00 PM
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: Water Protector Badge, 3+ YRS
Available starting January 18, while supplies last
Pick up your very own copy of We Are Water Protectors. Along with the book, you will get a Water Protector badge to take home and decorate. Once you have decorated the badge, return to the library and we will press it into a button for you!
Casual Memoir Writing Group, 18+ YRS
Third Wednesdays • 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
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: Maple Syrup, 13+ YRS
Available starting Thursday, January 27
Pick up a kit with a small packet of real maple syrup and an informational handout about how indigenous people make maple syrup using traditional sugaring methods. Also included is some wild rice pancake mix and a recipe, so you can make pancakes to go with your maple syrup.
GOLD HILL
Take & Make: Zentangle® Your Name, 6+ YRS
Available starting Monday, January 10
Create your own name art with Zentangle techniques, an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.
Take & Make: Alphabet Soup, 0-8 YRS
Available starting the 3rd Monday of each month
January 18, February 23
Pick up a Take & Make Kit featuring a letter of the alphabet. English and Spanish kits are available.
Gold Hill Library Book Club, 18+ YRS
Third Fridays • 3:00–4:00 PM
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
January 22: The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
February 19: Sheets: Vol 1 by Brenna Thummler
JACKSONVILLE
Take & Make: Constellations in Your Pocket, 3+ YRS
Available starting Monday, January 10
Learn the shapes of constellations and practice your sewing skills on pocket-size constellation cards.
Tai Chi with Holly Hertel
Third Thursdays • 4:30–6:00 PM
January 20, February 17, March 17
Join experienced teacher Holly Hertel to learn basic Tai Chi, a series of gentle physical exercises and stretches, with each posture flowing into the next without pause.
MEDFORD
Tabletop Gaming Day, 13+ YRS
First Saturdays • 1:00–3:00 PM
January 8 (2nd Saturday), February 5
Get your game on! Join us in playing classic and new board games.
Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.) 12-18 YRS
Second Tuesdays • 4:30–5:30 PM
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
January 11: TBD
February 28: TBD
Random Fandom, 13+ YRS
Third Saturdays • 1:00–2:30 PM
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: Walking Rainbow, 3+ YRS
Available starting Sunday, January 16
Make a beautiful capillary action experiment!
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.
January 18: The Marrow Thieves by Marie Dimaline
February 15: Charming as a Verb by Ben Philippe
Bad Art Night, 13+ YRS
Tuesday, January 25 • 4:30–6:00 PM
Some art is just not good. This event allows everyone to create and showcase just how bad their art can be! The “worst” piece of art will win a delightfully tacky trophy to commemorate the evening! All art will be displayed in the Teen Library afterward.
Take & Make: Winter Paint Night, 18+ YRS
Available starting Sunday, January 30
Paint a winter scene. Kits include a canvas, paintbrushes, paints, chalk, and a link to a video with step-by-step instructions for all skill levels.
Ballet Folklorico Classes / Clases de ballet folklórico
Monday, January 31 • 5:30–6:30 PM
Monday, February 7 • 5:30–6:30 PM
Practice traditional folk dance, and learn about the diverse cultures from different states of Mexico in a fun and supportive atmosphere. No experience required. Luisa Zaragoza, Artistic Director of Ballet Folklórico Ritmo Alegre, will offer a series of two introductory classes. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. If you have a practice skirt, handkerchief, and/or dance shoes, have them ready. For more information, email Luisa at admin@balletfolk.org or call/txt: (541) 841-0845.
PHOENIX
Take & Make: Bandana, 3+ YRS
Available starting Tuesday, January 4
Pick up a kit with a useful and fun bandana and a list of everything bandanas can be used for, from cleaning to decorating to wearing.
ROGUE RIVER
Take & Make: DIY Time Capsule, 6+ YRS
Available starting Monday, January 3
Capture time in a bottle! Make your own time capsule using recycled materials, and fill it with interesting pieces of your life: important items, letters to your future self, and favorite memories. Make it by yourself or make one with friends and family, then set a date to open it in the distant future and relive the memories you preserved.
SHADY COVE
Take & Make: Straw Pan Flute, 3+ YRS
Available starting Friday, January 21
Make your very own pan flute out of straws! Just like flutes in a symphony, this instrument produces sound when air flows over an opening.
TALENT
Take & Make: Pacific Northwest Native Plants Coloring Pages, 5+ YRS
Available starting Tuesday, January 18
Learn about Pacific Northwest native plants with a kit of crayons and an assortment of coloring pages, each featuring a different Pacific Northwest native plant.
WHITE CITY
Art From the Sea, 6+ YRS
Tuesday, January 18 • 1:30–2:30 PM
Create a sea creature using real materials from the sea.
Take & Make: Straw Pan Flute, 3+ YRS
Available starting Friday, January 24
Make your very own pan flute out of straws! Just like flutes in a symphony, this instrument produces sound when air flows over an opening.