Classes & Lectures

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Through the classes and seminars held at the library, you can:

  • Appreciate the genius of Shakespeare
  • Discover the hidden depths of film making
  • Feel the pulse of the inspired poet
  • Take a guided tour through literature, film, and history
  • Trace the development of the short story
  • View history in a whole new light

These programs are always insightful, but casual, and are taught by seasoned and knowledgeable teachers.

See below for our current and upcoming offerings.

Summer 2024 (June-Aug)

Space Talks

Discover the history and science behind our exploration of the moon, Mars, and the universe with these talks presented by docents Donn Anderson & John Jennings from Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum.

  • Ages: High School through Adult
  • Saturday, Jun. 1: Rockets, Rockets, and More Rockets!
  • Time: 11:00am-12:30pm
  • Location: Oak Room
  • No Charge
  • No programs in July and August

Author Talk: Lian Dolan

Lian Dolan, creator, producer, and host of Satellite Sisters, the award-winning podcast she created with her four real sisters, will talk about her latest novel The Marriage Sabbatical, a People Magazine Pick for April and a USA Today Bestseller.

  • Ages: High School through Adult
  • Tuesday, June 4
  • Time: 10:30am-12pm
  • Location: Oak Room
  • No Charge

 

PROFILES

Explore the people, places, and events that shape our lives, our world, our universe. Presented by Dr. Bill Thierfelder, Professor Emeritus and Docent Emeritus at the American Museum of Natural History. 

  • Ages: High School through Adult
  • Wednesday, Jun. 5
    • Juneteenth! In June of 2021, President Joseph Biden signed a bill making June 19th—known as Juneteenth—a federal holiday. Although Juneteenth has been celebrated in African-American communities since its inception over a century and a half ago, many white Americans only learned about it recently. If you’re among those still learning about the holiday and you’re not sure exactly what it’s about, this program explores the remarkable history behind this remarkable event, an event rooted in slavery but celebrating the triumph of freedom. Sign up to receive the Zoom meeting code.
  • Wednesday, Jul. 3
    • Roswell and Beyond. Since the beginning of recorded history, humans have been fascinated by the skies above them, especially when "visitors" seemed to descend from the stars. There are numerous accounts of these beings and their miraculous crafts in ancient religious texts (including the Bible), in artwork, and in epic legends of gods, angels, and other strange beings. Then in 1947, a reported crash of a "flying saucer" in Roswell, New Mexico opened up the proverbial floodgates. This presentation explores the possibilities of life beyond Earth and that we've been having alien visitations for thousands if not millions of years. The truth is out there! Sign up to receive the Zoom meeting code.
  • Wednesday, Aug. 7
    • Mark Twain. Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, Twain (1835-1910) was a humorist, journalist, lecturer, and novelist who garnered international fame for his travel narratives and for his adventure stories of boyhood. A gifted raconteur and irascible moralist, he transcended the apparent limitations of his humble Missouri origins to become one of America’s best and most beloved writers. Sign up to receive the Zoom meeting code.
  • Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
  • Location: Online - Zoom (Not sure what that is? Call us and we'll help you! 503-682-2744)
  • No Charge

 

"The Slow Way Home" Documentary & Discussion

Why do so few children in the U.S. walk to school, and what we can do to change that? A SMART Transit representative will lead a discussion after the one-hour film.

Presented by Patty Tiburcio, SMART Transit representative

  • Ages: High School through Adult
  • Thursday, Jun. 6 
  • Time: 6:00-7:30pm
  • Location: Oak Room
  • No Charge

History Talk: Samuel Boardman and the history of Oregon STate Parks

Explore the history of Oregon’s over 250 park properties and the man many consider to be the father of our State Parks: Samuel Boardman.

Presented by Darrell Jabin, Oregon's Traveling Historian

  • Ages: High School through Adult
  • Tuesday, Jun. 25
  • Time: 6:00-7:30pm
  • Location: Oak Room
  • No Charge

flash fiction writing workshop

Get ready for the August Short Story Contest with this fast-paced, fun, interactive workshop.

Presented by Andi Winter, local author

  • Ages: High School through Adult
  • Thursday, Jul. 25
  • Time: 6:00-7:30pm
  • Location: Oak Room
  • No Charge

Salvando Vidas: Entrenamiento de PPR (Preguntar, Persuadir, Referir) (Spanish Suicide Prevention)

Haz una diferencia en tu comunidad con nuestra capacitación en prevención del suicidio. Aprende a reconocer señales de alerta e intervenir eficazmente. Ideal para padres, maestros y trabajadores comunitarios, este entrenamiento te brinda herramientas para proteger y apoyar a los jóvenes en momentos críticos. Ideal para padres y maestros. REGÍSTRATE AQUÍ: https://tinyurl.com/entrenamientoPPR en Español

This educational program IN SPANISH teaches community members how to recognize that a person may be experiencing thoughts of suicide and offer first aid until more experienced help is available. Participants will learn about warning signs, risk factors, common myths about suicide and a three step suicide prevention first aid action plan. The training is for everyone aged 18 or over. 

Presented by NAMI (Alianza Nacional sobre Condiciones Mentales Clackamas)

Contacto: Eva Christensen latinxoutreach@namicc.org / 503-208-6067

Bike Repair 101

Want to learn how to adjust, clean, and repair your bicycle in a friendly, encouraging, and instructive atmosphere? Basic bike repair is much easier than you may think, and with a little instruction, anyone can learn the basics.

Come learn about basic bike maintenance and about basic tools and equipment to keep on you at all times so you don’t get stranded if you get a flat.

Bring your bicycle with you to get some hands-on experience with basic repairs!

Presented by  SMART.

Families welcome. Children must be 13 and older to participate. Registration required - sign up at RideSMART.com/BikeRepair

  • Ages: 13 and up
  • Wednesday, July 31
  • Time: 6-7:30pm
  • Location: Oak Room
  • Fee: No Charge
  • Seating is limited. Advance registration is required. Register at RideSMART.com/BikeRepair 

backyard birdwatching

If you’re just getting started with birdwatching, look no further! In this class you’ll learn what sort of equipment might be helpful, safe and ethical bird feeding, some common backyard birds to look for, and other useful tips and resources.

Presented by Rebecca Lexa, Naturalist

  • Ages: High School through Adult
  • Thursday, Aug. 29
  • Time: 6:00-8:00pm
  • Location: Oak Room
  • No Charge
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