Medford, Oregon (January 18, 2022)—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
Queer Coffee House @ the Library
First Saturdays • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
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
February 1
Share what you are reading, and find your next great read.
Eagle Point Book Club
First Tuesdays • 2:00–3:15 PM
February 1: The Wright Brothers by David G. McCollough
Brain Books
Fourth Tuesdays • 2:30–4:30 PM
February 22: How to Be Less Stupid About Race: On Racism, White Supremacy, and the Racial Divide by Crystal Fleming
Finding a Job on the Outs, 18+ YRS
Tuesday, February 1 • 10:00–11:00 AM
Learn about resources and steps for finding work when you are on the outs, whether you have gaps in your work history, are balancing family life and career, are unhoused, or are returning to work after being incarcerated. Library staff will share resources available from the library and the County. Nathan Beard, Employment Support Professional, will share what you need to know about résumé writing, job seeking, and soft skills when looking for work. All registered attendees are eligible to pick up a “Finding a Job on the Outs” tote bag packed with information on finding a job. Totes can be picked up at the Medford, Ashland, Rogue River, and Eagle Point branches beginning Monday, January 31 during open hours.
Windows in Time: “A ‘Skyline Boulevard’ for Crater Lake: The Army Corps of Engineers and Building Rim Road, 1910-20”
Wednesday, February 2 • 12:00–1:00 PM
Rim Road is part of a road system built more than a century ago for the newly established Crater Lake National Park and the subject of a historic district recently listed in the National Register of Historic Places (2019). Historian Steve Mark will discuss its construction, an epic tale of the perils and challenges of early road construction, when a state highway system in Oregon still lay squarely in the future.
Easterseals Senior Community Service Employment Program
Tuesday, February 8 • 10:00–11:00 AM
Mature workers have the work ethic, enthusiasm, loyalty, and life experience to be valuable assets to any workplace environment. However, the one thing they often lack is opportunity. This is where Easterseals can make a real difference. Rachael Wilson from Easterseals online will share what the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is, how it works, and answer questions.
A Parent’s Guide to Books on Tricky Topics
Thursday, February 10 • 1:00–2:00 PM
Join JCLS librarians for a program about using books as starting points for conversations with children about tricky topics. Inspired by We Are Water Protectors’ portrayal of children taking action on issues they care about, the conversation will touch on several books that address current events and other big topics in age-appropriate ways. Program facilitators will draw on their professional and personal experience to share titles they recommend. Participants are invited to bring suggestions for books they have found useful as well.
Rogue Creamery: What is a B-Corporation? Small Business Sustainability and Accountability
Saturday, February 12 • 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Learn from the professionals at the Rogue Creamery about small business accountability and sustainability. Learn what a B-Corporation is and how this legal structure ensures accountability to customers, community, employees, and the environment. Rogue Creamery has been recognized as a 2021 “Best for the World” B Corporation, ranking in the top 5 percent of B Corporations worldwide for its positive impact on people and planet.
Job Seeking Tech Skills for Seniors
Tuesday, February 15 • 10:00–11:00 AM
Learn about technology for professional communication and job applications, including how to attach documents to email, fill out online forms, and edit and duplicate résumés. This program will also provide an overview of the LinkedIn social media platform.
Business Communication for Seniors with Easterseals
Tuesday, February 22 • 10:00–11:00 AM
Learn best practices for sending and responding to emails and other online communications in a business setting with Rachael Wilson from Easterseals online.
Virtual Author Talk with Robin Wall Kimmerer
Wednesday, February 23 • 5:00–6:30 PM
Jackson County Library Services welcomes Robin Wall Kimmerer for our second annual Rogue Reads Author Talk. Join us virtually as she discusses her work and the themes in Braiding Sweetgrass and answers questions. Submit questions to roguereads@jcls.org. Pre-registration required.
TEENS
Booking It: Running and Reading Club, 13+ YRS
First Mondays • 4:30–5:30 PM
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.
Teen General Knowledge Trivia, 13+ YRS
Last Mondays • 4:30–5:30 PM
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!
Rogue Reads: Fishnet Charms, 13+ YRS
Wednesday, February 2 • 4:00–5:00 PM
Join presenters from the Cree Cultural Institute in Quebec, Canada, on Zoom as they share how to make fishnet charms, an art form of the Cree people of the James Bay region traditionally used to protect babies from harm. Supplies for this program will be available to pick up the week before the program.
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
Take & Make: Birdwatching Kit, 18+ YRS
Available starting on these dates, while supplies last:
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 & 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.
February: All About Animal Tracks
Take & Make: Handmade Paper (With Seeds), 18+ YRS
Available starting on these dates, while supplies last:
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:
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:
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:
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.
Graffiti Books: Book Club with a Stranger, 13+ YRS
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: Friendship Bracelets, 9+ YRS
Available starting on these dates, while supplies last:
Central Point Library: February 1
Phoenix Library: February 1
Gold Hill Library: February 7
Rogue River Library: February 7
White City Library: February 7
Butte Falls Library: February 8
Eagle Point Library: February 8
Prospect Library: February 9
Shady Cove Library: February 11
Jacksonville Library: February 14
Ashland Library: February 15
Talent Library: February 15
Applegate Library: February 22
Medford: February 22
Ruch Library: February 22
In Charlene Willing McManis’ book Indian No More, readers learn that friendships can be just as important as family; you stick together, support one another, and stand up for each other during difficult times. This kit encourages you to make a bracelet for yourself and one to give to a friend to show that you care about them.
APPLEGATE
Take & Make: Valentine’s Day Craft, 8+ YRS
Available starting Friday, February 4
Make a heart-inspired card or craft to give to loved ones.
ASHLAND
Take & Make: Tea of the Month, 18+ YRS
Available starting February 6 (herbal teas)
Sample different teas and learn more about the variety of tea highlighted each month.
Take & Make: Sacred Time, Sacred Space, 13+ YRS
Available starting Saturday, February 12
When you pick up this kit, you’ll receive an invitation to choose a special or sacred activity in your own special or sacred place. Afterward, write any insight, thought, or reflection you’d like to share on a provided card and return it to the library in a provided envelope. We’ll post them for all to read and appreciate.
Take & Make: DIY Water Filter Experiment, 3+ YRS
Available starting Saturday, February 12
Make a valentine to the Earth with this homemade water filter. Learn which materials filter water best, and reuse your water to give a plant a drink!
Rogue Reads: Introduction to Outdoor Survival, 13+ YRS
Saturday, February 19 • 1:00–2:00 PM
Learn the basics of outdoor survival with Michele, an instructor from SOU’s Outdoor Adventure Leadership program. Meet and gather at the Lithia fountain in the plaza, then head into Lithia Park as a group for the demonstration. NOTE: this program is currently set to take place in person at Lithia Park, but depending on COVID protocols, it may be moved to Zoom.
Rogue Reads: Survival Bracelet, 13+ YRS
Saturday, February 26 • 1:00–2:00 PM
Make a paracord survival bracelet.
CENTRAL POINT
Brain Games, 55+ YRS
Second Fridays • 2:00–4:00 PM
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.
Casual Memoir Writing Group, 18+ YRS
Third Wednesdays • 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
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.
Bilingual StoryWalk® The Very Hungry Caterpillar/La Oruga Muy Hambrienta
February 7–14, 2022
Location: William Mott Memorial Park
Stroll through William Mott Memorial Park while reading pages of the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar/La Oruga Muy Hambrienta by Eric Carle, placed against the back fence overlooking the park’s wetlands. A StoryWalk is a great way to combine fresh air, movement, and early reading skills.
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.
GOLD HILL
Gold Hill Library Book Club, 18+ YRS
Third Fridays • 3:00–4:00 PM
February 18: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Tween Book Club, 11-18 YRS
Third Saturdays • 2:00–3:00 PM
February 19: Sheets: Vol 1 by Brenna Thummler
Take & Make: Alphabet Soup, 0-8 YRS
Available starting the 3rd Monday of each month
February 23
Pick up a Take & Make Kit featuring a letter of the alphabet. English and Spanish kits are available.
JACKSONVILLE
CANCELED: Publishing Your Poetry in Today’s Literary Landscape with Amy Miller
Saturday, February 5 • 11:00–12:30 PM
With so many ways to get published these days—print, online, journals, blogs, traditional and self-publishing—it’s easy to get overwhelmed when deciding where to send your poetry. Author Amy Miller offers tips, resources, and tough-love advice.
CANCELED: Tai Chi with Holly Hertel
Third Thursdays • 4:30–6:00 PM
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.
Take & Make: We Are Water Protectors: Watercolor Techniques, 3+ YRS
Available starting February 23, while supplies last
Practice some of the watercolor art techniques used by illustrator Michaela Goade in We Are Water Protectors. Kits will include watercolor paints and paper, stencils to form contrasts, and salt to create a starry sky on paper.
MEDFORD
Tabletop Gaming Day, 13+ YRS
First Saturdays • 1:00–3:00 PM
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
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
February 28: TBD
Random Fandom, 13+ YRS
Third Saturdays • 1:00–2:30 PM
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!
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.
February 15: Charming as a Verb by Ben Philippe
Ballet Folklorico Classes / Clases de ballet folklórico
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: Pollinator Plants Welcome the Bees!
Available starting Tuesday, February 1
Grow a plant that will attract bees! Kits include seeds, soil, and a pot for you to plant in the spring to encourage pollination in Phoenix.
ROGUE RIVER
Take & Make Family Stories & Storybook DIY, 3+ YRS
Available starting Monday, February 22
You can’t spell “history” without STORY! Learn about the importance of passing down stories and traditions as you write down a family story (or tell a new one!) and then make it into a storybook to pass on to others.
RUCH
First Saturday Book Barn Sale
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 (FORL).
SHADY COVE
Cultural Presentation of the Klamath Tribes
Wednesday, February 16 • 6:00–7:00 PM
This prestation will be given by our honored guest Perry Choctoot. Perry is the director of the Klamath Tribes Culture and Heritage Department. The presentation will start off with a beautiful creation story of about 25 minutes. This will be followed by a historical overview of the Klamath, Yahooskin, Modoc tribes, and take you on a journey all the way back to the days of the Spaniards.
Take & Make: International Polar Bear Day, 3+ YRS
Available starting Friday, February 25
International Polar Bear Day is an annual event celebrated every February 27 to coincide with the time when polar bear moms and cubs are sleeping in their dens and to raise awareness about the conservation status of the polar bear. Kit will have coloring pages, information about polar bears, and other activities.
WHITE CITY
Take & Make: Valentine Bag, 5+ YRS
Available starting Monday, February 7
Make a fun bag to hold your valentines.
Spark Space: Building with Strawbees, 7+ YRS
Wednesday, February 23 • 1:30–2:30 PM
Explore the endless possibilities of design by creating buildings, vehicles, and even creatures using the Strawbees building system.