Press Releases

Winter 2025 library programs for youth

RoseburgAdmin


ROSEBURG, Ore. – Roseburg Public Library has a full slate of programs for children and teens beginning in January.

“Storytime with Aurora” won’t be offered on Wednesday, Jan. 1, as all City buildings, including the library, will be closed for the New Year’s Day holiday. “Storytime” returns at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2. The program, which is perfect for children aged 2 to 5 and their caregivers, includes stories, songs, movement rhymes and a craft.

Roseburg Youth Services Librarian Aurora Ropp will offer “Storytime” at 10:15 a.m. every Wednesday and Thursday through Thursday, April 17.

“Lap-Sit Storytime” for the youngest learners is scheduled at 10:15 a.m. on third Tuesdays: Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 18 and April 15. This program features 20 minutes of interactive rhymes and songs, props and books for babies from 6 months to 2 years old and caregivers. There will be a playtime at the end for babies and caregivers to connect. The structure is flexible and participants are welcome to attend for as long as babies are willing.

Young adults from 13 through 18 years old are invited to “Teen Drop-In Hangout” from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8, and first Wednesdays on Feb. 5, March 5 and April 2. Based on feedback from teens, they will paint miniature canvases, create origami and make baskets. Teens also can play games and use the library’s virtual reality headsets.

Teen volunteer hours are scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, and third Wednesdays: Feb. 19, March 19 and April 16. Under supervision by a library staff member, volunteers will perform activities that may include packaging craft kits, scanning book barcodes into a computer and alphabetizing books. This is a great time to earn volunteer hours needed for school or to gain experience for a first job application.

Teens under age 18 must have a Permission Slip and Liability Waiver signed by a parent or guardian before beginning service. The form is available on the library’s website or at the front desk.

From 4 to 5 p.m. on first Thursdays -- Jan. 2, Feb. 6, March 6 and April 3 -- Aurora will lead an artist exploration program that includes a story about a portion of an artist’s life, visuals of their art and a project to make a piece in their style! All supplies are provided and this is a fun time for kindergarteners and elementary-age children to explore different ways of making art.

From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on second Thursdays -- Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13 and April 10 -- 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 for display in the Children’s Room for one month. Note that the library shifted the program’s time slot after getting feedback from families that they wanted a program after traditional working hours.

From 4 to 5 p.m. on third Thursdays -- Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 20 and April 17 -- elementary-age youth are invited to drop in for a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) program. All materials will be provided.

From 4 to 5 p.m. on fourth Thursdays -- Jan. 23, Feb. 27 and March 27 -- youth from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade are welcome to drop in for seasonally themed crafts. 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 Tuesday, Jan. 14.

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

Best Books of the Year Survey

“The Women” by Kristin Hannah won staff’s unscientific survey of Roseburg readers’ favorite reads of the year.

Hannah’s novel about nurses serving in Vietnam resonated with many patrons, including Melia, who wrote, “Wow! … This book was a phenomenal telling of the women’s perspective of being in war. I felt the emotion Frankie was feeling. What a wonderful tribute to the nurses who have served our country in the States or overseas!”

Several other novels ranked high for local readers: “The Hunter” by Tana French, “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride, “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon, “James” by Percival Everett and “We Begin at the End” by Chris Whitaker.

The only nonfiction title that received more than one vote was the memoir “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy.

Library closed New Year’s Day

The library will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s Day. The outside book drop will be open for returns. Digital materials are available 24/7 on Libby and cloudLibrary.

This week’s library events:

• 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31: Grab-and-Go Craft Kits for youth while supplies last

• 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31: Maker Space Time

• 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2: Storytime with Aurora

• 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2: Artist Exploration for K-5th graders: Pablo Picasso

Posted by RoseburgAdmin