September 2014 – book-lover and writerly events at Eugene Public Library
All events FREE.
Physics for Rock Stars
Saturday, September 13, 3:00 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th & Olive
Ever wonder why nature abhors a vacuum, what causes magnetic attraction, how to jump off a moving train, or do a perfect stage dive? Find answers and laughs at this talk by Christine McKinley based on her book “Physics for Rock Stars.” She will demonstrate how physics can help you perform fancy microphone throws, escape a sinking car, discover your true identity, stop spinning your wheels, handle chaos, and keep secrets No equations, numbers, or tricky concepts — just an inspiring and comical romp through the basics of physics and the beauty of the organized universe. Christine McKinley is a licensed mechanical engineer and hosts the History channel’s series “Brad Meltzer’s Decoded.” Free. Information: 541-682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library.
Windfall Reading: David Axelrod and Jodi Varon
Tuesday, September 16, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th & Olive
This month’s Windfall Reading features David Axelrod and Jodi Varon, who co-direct the MFA in Creative Writing program at Eastern Oregon University and co-edit the literary arts journal “basalt.”
David Axelrod is the author of six poetry collections, including “The Cartographer’s Melancholy,” a finalist for the 2006 Oregon Book Award, and his most recent, “What Next, Old Knife?” His book of essays about the interior Northwest is titled Troubled Intimacies. Jodi Varon wrote the non-fiction “Drawing to an Inside Straight: The Legacy of an Absent Father.” She also translates poetry from the Chinese, including “The Rock’s Cold Breath: Selected Poems of Li He.”
The Windfall Reading Series is sponsored by Eugene Public Library, Lane Literary Guild, Friends of Eugene Public Library, Eugene Public Library Foundation, and Cultural Services Division of Lane Arts Council. Refreshments served at intermission. Free. Information: 541-682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library.
Print Your Book
Wednesday, September 17, 2:30 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th & Olive
This two-hour class offers an introduction to the many self-publishing resources available online. Whether you have written a book you want to print and sell widely, or you want to print just a few copies of a family history or recipe collection, self-publishing is now easier and more affordable than ever. Intermediate computer and Internet skills required. Free. Information: 541-682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library.
Intro to Blogging
Thursday, September 18, 1:30 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th & Olive
Create your own blog with the free website Blogger. Plus an introduction to RSS and Google Reader, tools that deliver automatic updates from your preferred online sources for news, opinion, entertainment, and more. Internet experience and e-mail account required. Free. Information: 541-682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library.
Banned Books Read-Outs at Eugene and Springfield Public Libraries
Springfield Public Library: Saturday, September 20, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.,
Eugene Public Library: Saturday, September 27, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
To celebrate free speech and honor defenders of First Amendment rights, local public libraries and the Lane County Chapter of ACLU of Oregon will host two Banned Books Read-Out events. Admission is free.
On Saturday, September 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., catch the Banned Books Read-Out at Springfield Public Library, 225 5th Street, inside Springfield City Hall, kicked off by Library Director Rob Everett. On Saturday, September 27, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., hear the Banned Books Read-Out at the Downtown Eugene Public Library, featuring Mayor Kitty Piercy and Library Director Connie Bennett.
Both events will include a variety of community members reading aloud passages from books that have been challenged or banned. Everyone is invited to stop by to listen and to borrow books from the libraries that have been targeted by would-be censors.
Many people are under the impression that attempted censorship is a thing of the past or that “it doesn’t happen here.” In fact, individuals and groups continue to request — or demand — that public and school libraries remove or restrict access to particular books, music, films, and other resources. For information about recent censorship attempts in Oregon, visit the ACLU of Oregon website: www.aclu-or.org/bannedbooks. For more information about the local Banned Books Read-Out events, contact Eugene Public Library at 541-682-5450 or Springfield Public Library at 541-726-3766.
Tween Scene
Thursday, September 25, 4:00 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th & Olive
This month’s book is “Ella Enchanted” by Gail Carson Levine. In this novel based on the story of Cinderella, Ella struggles against a childhood curse that forces her to obey any order given to her. For grades 4 through 6. Pre-register and pick up the book at the Children’s Center starting September 1. Free. Information: 541-682-8316 or www.eugene-or.gov/library.
Teen Book Group
Thursday, September 25, 4:00 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th & Olive
This month’s book is “Eleanor and Park” by Rainbow Rowell. This award-winning novel tells a story of first love between two teens who don’t fit in. Sharing comics and music, they begin to realize that they might just fit together. For middle and high schoolers. Visit the Downtown Teen Desk to pre-register and pick up your copy of the book starting September 1. Free. Information: 541-682-8316 or www.eugene-or.gov/library.