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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Another wolf makes its way into Southern Oregon ... Our View: Let Medford voters decide on marijuana sales ... Reopening of the Siskiyou Line means trucking companies will take a hit ... Another wolf makes its way into Southern Oregon ... Our View: Let Medford voters decide on marijuana sales ... Reopening of the Siskiyou Line means trucking companies will take a hit ... SOUTHERN OREGON JOURNAL Southern Oregon Journal: Summer fun at a library near you Comment By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 22, 2015 at 12:01 AM By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 22, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News I was a little kid in Roseburg the first time I entered a public library. I still recall the thrill as I trudged home with Mom, my arms full of free books with the promise of a regular supply. I’ve told that story here. There were more books than I could read in a few lifetimes, but I was 5 and hadn’t learned time was my enemy. Books were and still are a huge component in my life story. I’m happy to see our libraries thriving and not only brimming with books, magazines, CDs and DVDs, but the Summer Reading Program is in full swing. This year’s theme in Jackson County is, “Every Hero has a Story.” A bit of research revealed an astounding number of activities happening throughout valley locations — everything from art to educational displays, a mystery lovers group, informational talks on subjects from bats to bells (hand bells), and so much more. The best part, and the one thing I couldn’t get over as a child, it’s all free to the public. Of course, I wasn’t paying property taxes. Taxes and time did not threaten, but it’s still a bargain when you consider the community good. I checked the online calendar for the coming week alone and found programs for everyone — from infants and toddlers to the ultra-mature types, with enough diversity to satisfy the most eclectic interests. I thought it fitting that during the month of June in rootin’ tootin’ Gold Hill, with its lingering Old West nuance, they show John Wayne westerns on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Then return at 3:30 p.m. to join a new junior program for kids 8 to 12 and their parents. Learn to crochet and make projects while listening to a children’s classic book being read aloud. I may not need a child escort because my love for children’s classics hasn’t faded. In the Ashland teen library, they’re crafting animals, faces, monsters — whatever your imagination dreams up — for Super Cardboard Creations Monday from 1 to 3 p.m., or become part of the lively discussions in the film vs. book group. They meet Mondays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. The Talent branch shows classic Errol Flynn swashbuckling (sword fighting) movies Wednesdays. As a fan of classic film, I heartily approve this option. Interesting speakers tour branches with talks in their area of expertise. Take John “Aquaman” Johnson of Bugs R Us, for example. Johnson delivers the slippery truth on sea life from Oregon beaches with models and real specimens. He’s yet to visit the Talent, Rogue River, Ashland and Applegate branches. The Rogue River library will celebrate its annual town crow-off with the Rooster Crow book sale June 26 and 27. All four counties that comprise Southern Oregon have public libraries. Josephine County supports four branches. Klamath County has 13, some wherever they can squeeze one in for the smaller communities, but they’re available. You’ll even find one inside The Hitching Post in Sprague River. And from Canyonville to Reedsport, Douglas County boasts 11 branches to serve their population. With 15 branches in Jackson County alone, there’s no excuse for crying boredom this summer. When the sun bears down, and there’s no lake in sight, head inside the library for a cool reprieve. Check out their website at www.jcls.org and click on the calendar for a complete listing of activities and times at various locations. Get involved, join a book discussion group, volunteer, or just stretch your imagination. Adventure through a few good books this summer. Your gray matter will thank you, and you’ll feel smart and compelled to enter into lively banter with your friends. Happy reading. Peggy Dover is a freelance writer in Eagle Point. Reach her at [email protected] and visit her Facebook page at Peggy Dover-writer. By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 22, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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