Listed below are free scheduled events at all Jackson County Libraries this January, including author talks, lectures, musical performances, crafting programs, movies, and more. Movie listings may include plot summaries in place of movie titles, as per our licensing agreement.
Applegate Library
Decorative Painting with Local Artist Lois Robinson, 18+ YRS
Saturday, January 4, 11, & 18 • 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Learn the techniques of decorative painting in this progressive series of classes. Learn how to paint on almost anything! Pre-registration required.
Color Happy!
3rd Wednesdays • 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Drop-in, enjoy freshly-brewed hot drinks and treats, and have fun coloring!
Ashland Library: Kids & Family
LEGO Builders, Architects, & Engineers, 4+ YRS
1st Sundays • 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 18, • 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Build and display your own LEGO creations. DUPLO bricks are available for younger kids.
Second Saturday Fun: Geometric Window Stars, 7+ YRS
Saturday, January 11, • 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Create beautiful geometric window stars with colorful waxed paper.
Ashland Library: Teens
Queer Coffee House at the Library
1st Saturdays • 1:00–3:00 p.m.
LGBTQ+ identified people and their allies meet to share coffee, snacks, news, LGBTQ+ books, and discussion.
Teen Video Game Tournament
1st Mondays • 4:30–6:30 p.m.
The battle to be #1 in a video game tournament starts at 4:30 p.m., or drop in from 4:30–6:30 p.m. to play PS4, Nintendo, and computer games.
New Year’s Time Capsule
Monday, January 13 • 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Seal your New Year’s goals and hopes for 2020 in a time capsule. When you open it sometime in the future, you’ll be able to look back to see how much has changed.
Board Game Afternoon, 8+ YRS
3rd Saturdays • 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Drop in to play a variety of board games from Funagain Games and the Ashland Library Teen Department.
Teen Workshop: Stop Motion Animation
Saturday, January 25, • 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Make a stop motion animated short film using the Stop Motion Studio app.
Ashland Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.), 12-18 YRS
4th Mondays • 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Improve the Teen Space at the Ashland Library by brainstorming ideas for teen programs, displays, and more while enjoying treats.
Ashland Library: Adults
Spanish Conversation Group
Thursdays • 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Increase your fluency in Spanish through casual conversation. All levels welcome, as are drop-ins.
Queer Coffee House at the Library
1st Saturdays • 1:00–3:00 p.m.
LGBTQ+ identified people and their allies meet to share coffee, snacks, news, LGBTQ+ books, and discussion.
Books@Noon
1st Tuesdays • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Share what you are reading, and find new books to read.
Windows in Time Lecture
Fire History: Indigenous Burning to Recent Wildfires, What Have We Learned?
Wednesday, January 8, • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
The Shasta and Takelma tribes had extensive use of fire, which affected the forest and landscape. Chris Chambers will discuss how changes since that time over 150 years ago have led us to our current fire situation.
Inner Peace Series
2nd Sundays • 1:00–2:30 p.m.
Reverend Jim Hatton will lead a panel discussion titled “Peace: An Inside Job” with Reverend Kimberly Hawkins and Michael Thomas, RScP Emeritus.
Cello Concert featuring Daniel Sperry
Sunday, January 19, • 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Sperry is a cellist, composer, singer, songwriter, poet, spoken-word artist, street musician, and community artist living in Ashland. His albums feature instrumental “musical portraits” as well as spoken word poetry with musical landscapes.
Author Talk: Only Hope: A Survivor’s Stories of the Holocaust
Sunday, January 26, • 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Before she passed away in 1974, Felicia Bornstein Lubliner wrote about her internment in Polish ghettos and two concentration camps, Auschwitz and Gross-Rosen. Her powerful stories were published by her son, Irving Lubliner, who will share excerpts that shed light on his mother’s experiences and indomitable spirit, as well as his experience as a child of Holocaust survivors.
Getting Started with Facebook
Tuesday, January 28, • 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Get started with the basics of Facebook: the profile, settings, privacy, and more. If you would like to create a Facebook account during this workshop, bring your email login. Pre-registration required.
Brain Books
4th Tuesdays • 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Discuss Blueprint: The Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society by Nicholas A. Christakis.
Movie & Popcorn
Wednesday, January 29, • 2:00–4:00 p.m.
A Cincinnati librarian helps a group of homeless people take refuge at the free public library in order to survive a brutal winter night. (2018/122m/PG-13)
Siskiyou Sleuths Book Group
Last Wednesdays • from 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Discuss interesting mysteries. Check jcls.org for book selection.
Central Point Library
Central Point Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.), 11–18 YRS
1st Thursdays • 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Teens from Central Point and surrounding communities meet to plan events, decorate bulletin boards, recommend materials for the YA collection, and more.
Book Buffs, 18+ YRS
1st Fridays • 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Help sort book and movie donations with the Central Point Library Friends, a group of book buffs who support library services in countless ways. If you enjoy books and conversation, you will love Friday mornings at your library.
LEGO Builders, Architects, & Engineers, 4+ YRS
Tuesdays • 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Build and display your own creations. DUPLO bricks are available for younger kids.
Teen Writers, 11–18 YRS
Saturdays • 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Sharpen your mind and your writing with an enthusiastic group of teen writers. Each week we’ll focus on a different aspect of writing fiction.
Spark Space Maker Project, K–12 grade
1st and 3rd Wednesdays* • 2:00–4:00 p.m.
*Date changes in January to 2nd & 4th Wednesdays
Wednesdays, January 8 & 22 • 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Build a fun maker project with electronics, cardboard, robotics, and more.
Spark Space LEGO WeDo Robotics, 7–10 YRS
2nd Thursdays • 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Build LEGO models using LEGO WeDo and program them to move and react. Pre-registration required.
Brain Time, 55+ YRS
2nd Fridays • 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Want to keep those gray cells active? Encourage brain strength with Scrabble, Boggle, coloring, and puzzles.
Family Game Play
2nd Saturdays • 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Enjoy a variety of ever-changing games for the whole family.
Art in the Library, 8+ YRS (7 AND UNDER W/ ADULT)
2nd & 4th Wednesdays* • 2:00–4:00 p.m.
*January dates are moved to 3rd and 5th Wednesdays
Wednesdays, January 15 & 29 • 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Explore art with a variety of creative projects.
Central Point Friends of the Library Friday Afternoon Book Sale
3rd Fridays • 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Shop for new or gently used items including books, CDs & movies! All proceeds help provide programming and materials for your local branch library.
Library Downloads Workshop: Getting Started with Libby and Hoopla
Thursday, January 23, • 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Learn how to download eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, and music for free with your library card. Bring your device to this hands-on workshop where you’ll set up an account, have your questions answered, and get started downloading items in our digital collection. Please bring your app store login information, library card number, and PIN. Pre-registration required.
Eagle Point Library
Library Downloads Workshop: Getting Started with Libby and Hoopla
Tuesday, January 7, • 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Learn how to download eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, and music for free with your library card. Bring your device to this hands-on workshop where you’ll set up an account, have your questions answered, and get started downloading items in our digital collection. Please bring your app store login information, library card number, and PIN. Pre-registration required.
Eagle Point Friends Book Club
1st Tuesdays • 1:00–2:30 p.m.
Discuss The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.
Eagle Point Friends of the Library Open Cupboards Book Sale
Wednesdays • 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Shop for new or gently-used items including books, CDs & movies. Proceeds benefit the Eagle Point Library.
LEGO Builders, Architects, & Engineers, 4+ YRS
Wednesdays • 1:00–3:30 p.m.
Build and display your own creations. DUPLO bricks are available for younger kids.
Yarnia!, 8+ YRS
Wednesdays • 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Learn to knit or crochet. Supplies provided. For all levels.
Author Book Signing: Tales of the Oregon Country with Carole Nielson
Thursday, January 9, • 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Local author Carole Nielson will present her book Tales of the Oregon Country, about westbound emigrants looking for homes and opportunities in the fabled “Oregon Country.”
Saturday Movie Matinee & Popcorn
2nd Saturdays • 1:00–3:30 p.m.
Nancy Drew is a smart high schooler with a penchant for keen observation and deduction who stumbles upon the haunting of a local home. A bit of an outsider struggling to fit into her new surroundings, Nancy and her pals set out to solve the mystery, make new friends, and establish their place in the community. (2019/89m/PG)
Teen Gamer Day, 10-18 YRS
3rd Saturdays • 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Get your game on with our new Nintendo Switch!
Library Ukuleles, 18+ YRS
4th Tuesdays • 2:30–4:00 p.m.
Bring your own ukulele or check one out at the library and join friends in the “play along” ukulele group. All levels welcome.
Rogue River Indian Wars
Thursday, January 30, • 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Kevin Keating will discuss new interpretations of the Rogue River Indian Wars of the 1850s and provide an overview of the history of relations between the Indians of Southern Oregon and the locals, the Indian agency, and others from the pioneer era to today.
Gold Hill Library
Movie Classics & More: Don Knotts
Select Mondays • 1:00–3:00 p.m.
January 6: A vertigo-prone young man decides to become an astronaut at the urging of his father. (1967/101m/NR)
January 13: Remake of “The Paleface,” about a dentist whose misadventures make him a hero of the Old West. (1968/100m/NR)
January 27: A football-playing mule aids a winless team. (1976/96m/G)
LEGO Builders, Architects, & Engineers, 4+ YRS
2nd & 4th Wednesdays • 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Build and display your own LEGO creations. DUPLO bricks are available for younger kids.
Gold Hill Library Book Club, 18+ YRS
3rd Fridays • 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Discuss The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg. Books are available for pick up one month prior to the meeting date.
Altered Book Arts and Crafts, 10+ YRS (5–9 W/ ADULT)
Saturday, January 25, • 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Make Valentine and other arts and crafts with recycled books, paint, markers, and other materials. We have ideas for all ages.
Jacksonville Library
Siskiyou Mountain Wildlife
Saturday, January 25, • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Take a walk on the “wild side” and learn about the wildlife, geology, and rare plants of the Siskiyou Mountains with Bugs-R-Us Educational Services.
Medford Library: Kids & Family
Frozen Sing-along
Saturday, January 4, • 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Join us for a sing-along to the movie Frozen in the Medford Library Children’s Department. Bring your singing voice and a good set of lungs. Be ready to let it go!
Homework Hub, 5–12 YRS
Mondays and Tuesdays* • 3:00–5:00 p.m.
*No tutoring 12/23–1/3, 1/20, or 2/17
Free homework help is available by appointment. Learn more at jcls.org/homeworkhelp.
Mammals of Southern Oregon
Wednesday, January 15, • 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Explore real animal skulls, furs, scat, and tracks with Bugs-R-Us Educational Services. This program features 16+ real animal skulls and furs for the audience to touch as we explore the wide variety of our four-legged friends.
Medford Matinee & Popcorn
Saturday, January 18 • 11:15 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Max and his pet friends explore the idyllic farm they now call home once their owner is absent. Hilarious circumstances ensue as the formerly urban denizens acquaint themselves with their new pastoral neighbors. (2019/86m/PG)
LEGO Builders, Architects, & Engineers, 4+ YRS
Last Saturdays • 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Build and display original creations. DUPLO bricks are available for younger kids.
The Library Design Squad, 7–12 YRS
Last Sundays • 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Join us for a fun afternoon of creativity and collaboration designing and decorating the Children’s Library bulletin board.
Medford Library: Teens & Tweens
Teen Gamer Day, 10–18 YRS
1st Saturdays • 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Get your game on! Join us in playing classic and fun board games, Giant Jenga, Nintendo Switch, or Wii.
Silent Library Challenge
Tuesday, January 7, • 4:30–6:00 p.m.
Can you keep quiet while encountering and enduring unique and weird “challenges” in the Medford Teen Library? Prizes for those who can!
Medford Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.), 13–18 YRS
2nd Tuesdays • 4:30–5:30 p.m.
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.
Teen Movie Matinee
Saturday, January 18, • 1:00–3:00 p.m.
We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson’s case, by shouting out one word—SHAZAM!—this streetwise 14-year-old foster kid can turn into the adult Super Hero Shazam, courtesy of an ancient wizard. (2019/132m/PG-13)
Bad Art Contest
Saturday, January 25, • 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Some art is just not good. This event allows you to create and showcase that art to your peers. The “worst” piece of art will win a tacky trophy.
Medford Library: Adults
Lunchtime Movie & Popcorn
2nd Wednesdays • 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Watch the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is but discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be… a king. (2018/143m/PG-13)
Makers & Hackers Night After Hours
2nd Thursdays • 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Exercise your creativity and tap into your inner geek with Rogue Hack Lab.
Introspective Writing Group
2nd Saturdays • 1:00–2:30 p.m.
Use writing to explore your inner self in a supportive group setting.
Library Ukuleles (LUKEs), 16+ YRS
2nd Sundays • 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Join Plaza Players & Friends to learn ukulele chords and tuning, then play as a group from a fun selection of sheet music. All levels welcome.
Medford Library Book Chat
2nd Tuesdays • 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Discuss Frog Music by Emma Donoghue.
Windows in Time Lecture
Fire History: Indigenous Burning to Recent Wildfires, What Have We Learned?
Wednesday, January 15* • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
*Note date change due to New Year’s holiday.
The Shasta and Takelma tribes had extensive use of fire, which affected the forest and landscape. Chris Chambers will discuss how changes since that time over 150 years ago have led us to our current fire situation.
Improv Show with the Mighty Medford Improvers
Wednesday, January 15, • 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Like to laugh? Need some humor? Enjoy a free improvisational show by the Mighty Medford Improvers. Light snacks provided.
Make It Art Monday, 18+ YRS
3rd Mondays* • 12:00–2:00 p.m.
*Date changes in January & February
Monday, January 27, • 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Monday, February 24, • 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Create a variety of crafts.
Small Business Workshop: Research to Strengthen or Start Your Small Business
Last Tuesdays • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Learn how to use digital research for business planning, customize national data for future growth, participate in free online courses, and reserve meeting rooms for free with your library card. For details, contact Business Librarian Elanna Erhardt at (541) 734-3992 or EErhardt@jcls.org.
Library Ukuleles (LUKEs), 16+ YRS
2nd Sundays • 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Join Plaza Players & Friends to learn ukulele chords and tuning, then play as a group from a fun selection of sheet music. All levels welcome.
Phoenix Library
January Kids’ Movies
Tuesdays • 2:45–4:30 p.m.
January 7: Major complications ensue when Bonnie turns a spork into a toy, but he sees himself as an eating utensil instead. Woody, Buzz, and Co. have to set out into the world to find him, reunite with Bonnie, and resolve his existential crisis. (2019/100m/G)
January 14: Spaceslobber and Skyfetcher are two pioneering canines on an intergalactic adventure. Together with their trusty spaceship, The Hound Express, they fly to parts unknown and back again. (2019/63m/NR)
January 21: Fly into a world of buzzing creatures. When the insects of the micro-world get together, they learn their similarities and differences and, most importantly, what it means to live as a team. (2019/75m/NR)
January 28: Trying to put their mystery-solving days behind them, the Scooby gang arrives at a mysterious tropical island where their vacation is cut short… by an army of marauding zombies! (2019/80m/NR)
Learn to Play “Deal With It!” (aka Clag!)
Thursday, January 16, • 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Clag, or “Deal With It!” is an English trick-taking card game played by 3–8 people. Easy to learn and fun to play!
Olive Oatman Day
Saturday, January 18, • 12:00–4:00 p.m.
In 1851, 14-year-old Olive Oatman was kidnapped by a Yavapai tribe in Arizona. She was traded to a Mohave tribe and lived with them until she was ransomed by her brother and returned to white society. Known for the blue tattoo on her chin that she received when she was with the Mohaves, she lived in Phoenix, Oregon, for about 3 months before writing her memoir, getting married, and moving to Texas. Her story was national news and continues to draw interest today. Join the Phoenix Library to learn about Oatman’s life and fame.
Rogue River Library
Calendar Making
Saturday, January 4, • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Make a new calendar for the New Year.
Siskiyou Mountain Wildlife
Saturday, January 11, • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Take a walk on the “wild side” and learn about the wildlife, geology, and rare plants of the Siskiyou Mountains with Bugs-R-Us Educational Services.
Paper Tube Craft of the Month
3rd Saturdays • 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Make wintry recycled paper tube craft, including penguins, snowmen, reindeers, and more.
Online Resources for Local History
Thursday, January 30, • 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Learn how to find websites that are useful in researching Rogue Valley people, places, and events with local historian and researcher Ben Truwe.
Ruch Library
LEGO Builders, Architects, & Engineers, 4+ YRS
Saturdays • 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Build and display your own LEGO creations. DUPLO bricks are available for younger kids.
Friends of Ruch Library 1st Saturday Book Barn $5 Bag Sale
1st Saturdays • 12:00–4:00 p.m.
The Book Barn is regularly used to sort donations and opens every 1st Saturday for a special sale. Books are $1 each or a grocery bag full for $5.
Shady Cove Library
Outlaws of the Old West
Tuesday, January 21, • 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Learn about the bandits, desperados, bank and train robbers, and gunfighters like Jessie James, Doc Holiday, Black Jack and others who made the West popular with many authors and producers. Presented by Dan and Carole Nielson.
Talent Library
Scrabble Club, 18+ YRS
Saturdays • 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Play Scrabble with an active group for challenge & fun.
Strategy Board Game Day, 13+ YRS
1st Saturdays • 12:00–4:00 p.m.
Join Funagain Games to learn and play new and popular board games like Catan, Dixit, Mysterium, Dominion, and other Euro-style tabletop games, which emphasize strategy while downplaying luck and conflict.
Watching the Detectives
Wednesdays • 2:00–4:00 p.m.
January 8: In this film based on S.S. Van Dine’s detective novel, quick-witted private investigator Philo Vance is in search of a cryptic killer. The body of Joseph Cochrane Robin is discovered pierced by an arrow, with a note that contains a snippet of the nursery rhyme “Who Killed Cock Robin,” which is curiously signed “The Bishop.” Vance is on the case, but the pressure to uncover the Bishop’s identity heats up when more bodies begin to turn up with nursery rhymes attached. (1929/88m/NR)
January 15: A school teacher-turned-sleuth investigates when she finds a dead body at a New York City aquarium, where she runs afoul of a police officer working the case. (1932/70m/NR)
January 22: Perry Mason takes a case involving an estate, a howling dog and murder. The first of the Warner Bros. 1930s Mason series. (1934/74m/NR)
January 29: A sleuth becomes involved in underworld activities in San Francisco. (1939/64m/NR)
Birds and Bird Nests
Thursday, January 30, • 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Learn about local backyard birds, including how they live, their importance to the world, and their life spans with Bugs-R-Us Educational Services.
White City Library
Spark Space LEGO WeDo Robotics, 7–10 YRS
1st Wednesdays* • 2:00–3:00 p.m.
*Date change in January
Wednesday, January 8, • 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Build LEGO models using LEGO WeDo, then program them to move and react.
S.T.E.A.M. Coding Lab: Learn How to Program Using Scratch, 10–14 YRS
2nd Mondays • 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Learn how to use Scratch, a programming language, to create animated programs.
Board Game Day
3rd Wednesdays • 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Play popular board games and the Wii with your friends.
Library Bingo, 6+ YRS
3rd Saturdays • 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Join us for some family-friendly fun. Win prizes: books, gift certificates, swim passes, and more!
Spark Space: Make Your Own Blue-Bot Map, 6+ YRS
Tuesday, January 21, • 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Design your own neighborhood map, then learn to program a Blue-Bot robot to navigate your neighborhood!
White City Friends of the Library Welcome Reception
Tuesday, January 28, • 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Meet your White City Friends of the Library, and learn how you can enhance Library programs and services. Light refreshments will be served.
Community Programs
Medford Kaleidoscope Play and Learn, 0–5 YRS
Every Tuesday • 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Community room and indoor playground at the Concord Apartments
100 N. Grape Street, Medford
Perfect place to play and learn on rainy days.
Talent Kaleidoscope Play and Learn, 0–5 YRS
BILINGUAL Spanish-English program