Library’s youth programs return in October

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Roseburg Public Library has a slate of programs scheduled for youth this fall.

For a full list of events, visit the library’s website at www.roseburgpubliclibrary.org; click on Events Calendar. Patrons also may stop by the library, call 541-492-7050 or email library@roseburgor.gov for information.

The calendar will be updated throughout the fall, so check in regularly.

Storytime is a mainstay, and the library’s first event will be a special program to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in our community. On Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 10:15 a.m., join Youth Services Librarian Aurora Ropp for stories, songs, movement rhymes and a craft. This program is perfect for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers.

Following Storytime, the Friends of the Roseburg Public Library will thank those who have helped fund the local program, and the event will end with social hour. Light refreshments for children and adults will be served.

Starting Wednesday, Oct. 9, Ropp will offer the same Storytime program twice a week. The Wednesday session will be held at 10:15 a.m. Most Thursday sessions also will start at 10:15 a.m., except for Oct. 10, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12, when Storytime will start at 11:15 a.m.

New this year for the library’s littlest patrons, Ropp will present Lap-Sit Storytime at 10:15 a.m. on third Tuesdays: Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. This program -- perfect for children from 6 months to 2 years old -- will feature 20 minutes of interactive rhymes and songs for babies and caregivers, props to play with and books. There will be a playtime at the end for babies and caregivers to connect. The structure is super-flexible, and participants are welcome to attend for as long or short as babies are willing.

Young adults between 13 and 18 years old are invited to Teen Drop-In Hangout from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on first Wednesdays: Oct. 2, Nov. 6 and Dec. 4. Ropp will be in the Teen Room with games, PlayStation, virtual reality headsets, crafts, Magic: The Gathering card game and snacks. Craft activities could include fiber pumpkin making, Perler beads or soaps. Ropp also is open to trying to facilitate different craft ideas teen attendees express interest in doing.

Teen volunteer hours are scheduled for third Wednesdays: Oct. 16, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18. Volunteers will perform supervised activities that may include packaging craft kits, light housekeeping and alphabetizing books. This is a great time to earn volunteer hours needed for school or to gain experience for a first job application, said Ropp.

Teens under age 18 must have a Permission Slip and Liability Waiver, which is available to pick up at the library front desk or download from the library’s website. The form must be signed by a parent or guardian before beginning service.

From 4 to 5 p.m. Thursdays on Oct. 10, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5, the artist-focused program for elementary school-aged kids will be offered. Listen to Ropp read a story about a portion of an artist’s life, look at some examples of their art and then try making an artwork in their style! All supplies are provided, and this is a fun time for elementary-age children to explore different ways of making art, according to Ropp.

From 4 to 5 p.m. Thursdays on Oct. 17, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12, all of the library’s Legos, Duplos and building objects will be available for all ages to enjoy on a drop-in basis. Library staff will have a monthly theme, and three creations that fit the theme will be chosen to be on display in the Children’s Room for one month.

“This is a great opportunity for parents, grandparents and caregivers to create with the youngsters in their lives,” said Ropp.

From 4 to 5 p.m. Thursdays on Oct. 24 and Nov. 21, elementary-age youth are invited to drop in for a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) program. All materials will be provided. Staff will have hands-on interaction with 3D pens and other fun projects.

From 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, youth from pre-K through fifth grade are welcome to drop in for Halloween and fall-themed crafts. All supplies will be provided.

From 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, staff offer Christmas-themed crafts available for all ages to create. All supplies will be provided.

Finally, grab-and-go craft kits for youth will be available on a first-come, first-served basis every other Tuesday at 10 a.m. beginning Oct. 1.

“We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new visitors this fall at the library!” said Ropp.

This Week’s Library Event

• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 – Silent Book Group