Our buildings may be closed, but we're still here to bring you virtual events and services! Stay connected with the library and tune in for weekly storytimes, virtual book club meetings, craft projects from home, and more. Check back here for a growing list of library programs you can enjoy from home!

For Adults

Benton County Quaranzine

What are the stories we will remember about this time of pandemic and protest in 2020? Corvallis-Benton County Public Libraries will be compiling a zine consisting of submissions from Benton County residents, and you are welcome to send in a page to be included. Write, draw, collage, scrapbook, or in some way document your experience during COVID-19 times. Submit it via mail or email to the Corvallis-Benton County Public Libraries by Monday, November 2nd, 2020. Click here for more information.

The library is closed for now, but many of our book clubs are still meeting -- online or over the phone! Please see the links below for more information and contact us if you would like to join!

Benton County Quaranzine

What are the stories we will remember about this time of pandemic and protest in 2020? What lessons do we want to remember, and how will our choices shape the legacy of these times?  Corvallis-Benton County Public Libraries will be compiling a zine consisting of submissions from Benton County residents, and you are welcome to send in a page to be included. Write, draw, collage, scrapbook, or in some way document your experience during COVID-19 times. The original deadline has been extended, so you may submit it via mail or email to the Corvallis-Benton County Public Libraries by Monday, November 2, 2020. Click here for more information.

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Virtual Craft and Chat for Adults: Zines and Zentangles

If you have always wanted to doodle or draw but didn’t know where to start, consider joining us for a relaxing session of Zines and Zentangles. We will show you how to fold a piece of paper into a little notebook, or Zine, then teach you Zentangles to draw in it. They are relaxing and fun – come join us! (Supplies needed: paper, pen, pencil, and optional scissors)

Hang out and chat with other crafters! Meetups are every 1st Friday of the month from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Email MariBeth.Hackett@corvallisoregon.gov with any questions.

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Craft-at-Home: simple, family-friendly crafts and activities you can do at home!

Plot Planning Party

Get ready to write your novel in November! The Plot Planning Party is where you will learn what NaNoWriMo is (and how to say it), create an outline or storyboard for your novel, name your characters, build your world, and bounce ideas off of other local writers.

Still not sure if you want to participate in NaNoWriMo? This is your chance to learn more and join a supportive community of writers!

Writing Sessions

  • Through the month of November: Tuesdays from 7:00-9:00 pm and Saturdays from 2:00-5:00 pm via Discord. Sign up here!

In the Discord group, Wrimos can get to know each other and share about their writing projects. In addition to social engagement, the Discord group will host these weekly write-ins on Tuesdays and Saturdays with optional video/audio, automated sprint sessions, and daily discussions to get the creativity flowing. Join us for a month full of writing fun here: https://discord.gg/ucruMxS

October 21, 12:00 - 1:00 pm: The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom, reviewed by Fay Stetz-Waters

Held virtually for now, Random Review is a monthly exploration of a selected book by a reviewer with expertise on the topic or theme of that book. Sometimes reviewers cover a classic, series, genre, or author, but usually they cover a specific title. Whether you have read the selection or not, you will love Random Review! Register to watch here.

We're creating short video presentations on a variety of topics including identifying misinformation online and using digital services from the library.

Misinformation Online: COVID-19 Edition
Learn tips and strategies for recognizing and debunking misinformation online.

Library Digital Resources
Explore the resources we have to offer in this ongoing video series.

Youth Resources

Unemployment Benefits & Assistance

Subscribe to our Youtube channel to receive notifications when we post a new video.

Misinformation & Fake News: Friday, October 16, 10:30-12:00 pm via GoToWebinar.

Learn strategies for identifying misinformation and disinformation online and in news media in this librarian-led workshop. You will learn how and why misinformation proliferates online, how to identify and find authoritative online information, how to find the source of viral content, and more.

Register here: bit.ly/misinfoworkshop. Anyone who registers will receive a recording of the workshop by email.

For Children

Read 1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Sharing just one book a day gives your child the building blocks for lifelong success! Your child will receive a prize at the 500 and 1000 books milestones.

Want to get started?

This year there are two ways you can choose to participate!
Option 1: Request a Starter Pack to track your child's reading using paper logs. Starter packs are available by delivery or pick-up at the library.
Option 2: Participate online with the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge on Beanstack, a free website and app for tracking reading. You'll earn digital badges as you share books with your child!

For more information: https://cbcpubliclibrary.net/1000books/

Craft-at-Home: simple, family-friendly crafts and activities you can do at home!

Kids Book Club: At-Home Edition! Please contact us if you would like to join the next available Kids Book Club.

Mother Goose Asks Why? is a program for preschool age children brought to you by the staff of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library! Watch the video below for a storytime, songs and rhymes, and a fun STEAM activity.

Find the instruction sheet for the activity here: Flower Smash Art

Young readers can read online with a trained, friendly Reading Education Assistance Dog. While the library building is closed, we are offering READ Dog sessions online through GoToMeeting, a video call service that can be used on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can even dial in to the session through a phone line. Registration is required; for upcoming dates and registration information click here.

Join our Youth Services team for new recorded storytimes, songs, and rhymes every week, suitable for kids of all ages. Subscribe to our Youtube channel to get notified when we post a new video!

Beginning June 9, every Tuesday at 10:30 am, our Youth Services team will be presenting Facebook Live Storytime on our Facebook page.

Try our new 24/7 storytime service Telephone Tales! Listeners can call at 541-766-6568 any time to hear a story recorded by our staff, in English or in Spanish. New stories every Tuesday!

For Teens and Tweens

Benton County Quaranzine

What are the stories we will remember about this time of pandemic and protest in 2020? Corvallis-Benton County Public Libraries will be compiling a zine consisting of submissions from Benton County residents, and you are welcome to send in a page to be included. Write, draw, collage, scrapbook, or in some way document your experience during COVID-19 times. Submit it via mail or email to the Corvallis-Benton County Public Libraries by Monday, November 2nd, 2020. Click here for more information.

Events for teens in grades 6-12 have moved online! Events will be held virtually, using GoToMeeting. Contact Kristy, Teen Services Librarian, for info about how to join, including links and passwords for each event: kristy.kemperhodge@corvallisoregon.gov.

  • Teen Support Series: Handling Emotions, with Old Mill Center
    • 5-week series for teens ages 14+ due to mental healthcare consent laws
    • Meets weekly on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:15pm
    • Starts Tuesday 11/10/2020, ends Tuesday 12/8/2020
    • Focus: exploring emotions, learning coping skills, and safe-space sharing
    • Moderated by therapists from Old Mill Center, acting in non-clinical support capacity
    • Teens register for entire series, and registration closes when series begins
  • Anxiety Support for Teens, with Benton County Mental Health
    • 3-month series for teens ages 14+ due to mental healthcare consent laws
    • Meets monthly on 3rd Wednesdays in November, December, and January, 4-5pm
    • Dates: Wed 11/18/2020, Wed 12/16/2020, Wed 1/20/2021
    • Focus: exploring anxiety, learning coping skills, and safe-space sharing
    • Moderated by a therapist from Benton County Mental Health, acting in non-clinical support capacity
    • Registration required; teens register for each monthly meet-up
    • Materials for each meet-up provided monthly for registered teens

Other Resources for Teens!

Events for tweens in grades 4-6 have moved online! Events will be held virtually, using GoToMeeting.  Email Elizabeth.Johnson@corvallisoregon.gov for the link and password. Only tweens who are signed up will be given links and passwords to events.

Stay At Home Storytime

Kristin reads Plumply, Dumply Pumpkin, written by Mary Serfozo and illustrated by Valeria Petrone.

Heidi reads Mouse's First Fall, written by Lauren Thompson and illustrated by Buket Erdogan.

Elizabeth reads Hat Tricks written by Satoshi Kitamura.

Heidi reads Move Over Rover written by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by Jane Dyer.

Kristin shares a pizza-themed storytime.

Heidi reads The Bear Who Shared by Catherine Rayner.

Elizabeth reads The Bear In My Family by Maya Tatsukawa.

Local author Emily Merrell reads her book Whirl of a Girl.