Rollicking Rogue River  

Imagine this, you’re a visitor from another planet. You’ve arrived on earth for the first  time and are just getting your bearings. There are humans everywhere, lots and lots of them, and suddenly a strange sound fills the air.

What? There it is again! Is it a monster, a wild animal?  As you investigate further, you see people getting up on a stage, throwing their heads back, opening their mouths and emitting a  fearsome sound. You have landed at the 71st Annual National Rogue River Rooster Crow, where humans and birds alike compete to make the unforgettable Cock-a-doodle-do of nature’s alarm clock. 

Okay, I’m not from another planet, but on a recent visit to the Rogue River library, I felt a bit like the visitor described above. The rooster crow is a big event! It begins with dinner on Friday night and picks up speed (or volume) as the weekend progresses. This raucous weekend celebration is for all ages, including a parade, vendors, local musicians, a climbing wall, great food, and tons of fun. 

A parade kicked off the day on Saturday, and JCLS was part of the fun.

Joining the ranks of other service groups, fire trucks and roosters, the DART van (Direct Access to Resources and Technology) proudly made its way along the parade route.

Later, the van and a team of library staff greeted Rooster Crow revelers while handing out swag and sharing information about library services. Before the events of the day kicked into full gear, I had an opportunity to visit the Rogue River library. Branch Manager David was outside even before the library opened. Rooster crow participants could access the bathrooms while David promoted library events and handed out his own stash of swag. 

One of the neat things I discovered while touring the branch was that the library has become a haven for LGBTQIA2S+ teens in the area. Many of these teens are unsupported by their families, so having a place they feel welcome is a wonderful community service. The team has created a space for teens that is both inviting and fun. 

The lively and vibrant children’s section welcomes visitors with several activity stations, including a train table and little Reading House. 

In the back of the library there is an accessible outdoor deck that overlooks a wooded area of oak trees and Ward Creek. 

Out front, an enclosed lawn area is a wonderful place for children to get their wiggles out after Storytime. 

The branch has a variety of programs for people of all ages. One program that sounds compelling is Cultivating Companions: Growing Connections Through Plants. This seven-week program offers the opportunity to bring rural older adults together to learn how to grow indoor plants, how to use them for art and cooking and making new friends. For more information on programs at the Rogue River library visit https://jcls.libcal.com.

Visiting other communities in our county is always a wonderful opportunity. It is a chance to step into a whole new experience without having to go too far. Not only does Rogue River have a fantastic library, but it also has lovely parks, a charming and active downtown and is central to a variety of recreational activities. It’s a town that invites you to take a leisurely stroll, especially when several of the buildings have interesting and eye-catching murals painted on them.