Library’s summer program winding down

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Roseburg Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is drawing to a close.

All participants must submit their reading logs and book reviews by 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, to be eligible for prizes.

“Please be patient as we sort entries and draw for prizes,” said Library Director Kris Wiley, adding that winners will be notified by Saturday, Aug. 30.

The library also is in the final week of programs for the summer. Youth Services Librarian Aurora Ropp will work behind the scenes next month to plan fall programs, which begin in October. Staff will update the library’s Events Calendar at www.roseburgpubliclibrary.org as they finalize activities.

One program staff already have plugged in is Chess Club, which is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays on Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6. Patrons consistently request this program, and staff said they are grateful Library Aide Gabby Allen not only plays the game, but is willing to step away from the front desk and manage the program.

Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. The library has four chess sets to share. Attendees also are welcome to bring their own boards. Registration is not required: Simply show up ready to meet new people and have fun.

Adult programs ramp up in the fall, as well. Retired geologist Larry Broeker will discuss the geology of southern Oregon’s iconic Table Rocks, located in Jackson County, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11. Broeker’s presentations always are entertaining and educational, Wiley said.

Up-and-coming romance author Lyla Sage will join library staff and patrons on Zoom at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6. 

That leaves readers plenty of time to binge-read her Rebel Blue Ranch series of four books, beginning with “Done and Dusted.” Get swept away with the saucy stories of Wyoming cowboys and the strong women who upend their lives.

Then check out Sage’s newest book, “Soul Searching,” dropping Tuesday, Sept. 30. Taking place up the road from Rebel Blue Ranch, this introduces Collins, who returns to her hometown to help her family. She boards with and works for the newly arrived, hunky furniture upholsterer, Brady, who doesn’t seem to have a problem with Collins’ ability to talk to ghosts. The library will give away copies of Sage’s books at the event, courtesy of Friends of the Roseburg Public Library.

The library’s Online Book Group continues at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Participants share brief reviews of the books they have read recently, and Wiley compiles and emails the list after every meeting.

The Silent Book Group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month at the library. Participants read quietly for about 45 minutes, and then talk about the books they’re reading for about 15 minutes.

All readers are welcome to attend book groups. Registration is not required.