(Photo courtesy Deschutes Public Library)
Get curious, think critically, and connect beyond the screen for “Know Media” this October with Deschutes Public Library. First-time voters can build civic literacy skills, explore reliable information tools, and take the conversation beyond the media by connecting directly with community leaders. Reflect on the stories we tell about our lives through an obituary-writing workshop or get hands-on creating a zine. Sharpen your scam-spotting skills with data-driven thinking and learn to separate common myths from the psychological realities behind them. Teens can test their wits in a K-pop-themed escape room at the library or get creative with needle-felted aliens. All programs are free and open to the public. Programs marked with an asterisk (*) require registration.
How Local News Shapes Civic Life*
Join a community conversation about how people find, share, and make sense of local news. This program will explore why local journalism matters, how social media and community networks shape what we know, and what is means to build a healthier, local information ecosystem. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
- Thursday, October 1 • 6:15pm Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond
- Friday, October 2 • 12pm Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend
Tools for First-Time Voters
A healthy democracy depends on people knowing how their government operates and where to find reliable, fact-based information about elections. This program covers what the Voter’s Pamphlet is, how to register to vote, and more.
- Friday, October 2 • 5pm Sisters Library | 110 N Cedar St., Sisters
- Tuesday, October 20 • 5:30pm La Pine Library | 16425 First St., La Pine
- Friday, October 23 • 6pm Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond
- Thursday, October 29 • 6pm Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend
How to Beat Misinformation (Before It Beats You)
We all believe lots of things that aren’t true, and most of us don’t even realize it. The result is a flood of misinformation that drives bad decision making at every level. Learn how to shut out misinformation with data-driven thinking.
- Sunday, October 4 • 10am Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend
- Tuesday, October 13 • 12pm Sisters Library | 110 N Cedar St., Sisters
Escape Room: Galaxy Challenge*
Join a K-pop-themed escape room at the library. In under an hour, track down whatever information you can to uncover the truth and spread the word. Intended for teens ages 13-17. Registration required.
- Monday, October 5 • 5pm Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend
- Wednesday, October 14 • 4pm Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond
Know AI: How to Stay Safe
Artificial intelligence now impacts nearly every part of our lives: from medicine, shopping and entertainment to travel, and even the way we communicate. Yet for many, AI still feels like a mystery. Build your awareness and prepare yourself against scams.
- Tuesday, October 6 • 10:30am Sisters Library | 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend
- Tuesday, October 13 • 12pm La Pine Library | 16425 First St., La Pine
Youth Media Literacy: Two Truths and AI
Can you tell the difference between an AI-generated photo or paragraph and the real thing? Come test your knowledge and test your friends with this fun competition game and win prizes. Intended for ages 6-11.
- Tuesday, October 6 • 4pm La Pine Library | 16425 First St., La Pine
- Wednesday, October 7 • 2pm Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond
- Monday, October 12 • 4pm Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend
- Friday, October 23 • 2pm Sisters Library | 110 N Cedar St., Sisters
Media en Pausa en español*
Vivimos rodeados de información, noticias, redes sociales y estímulos constantes. Media en Pausa es un espacio para detenernos, desconectar por un momento del caos exterior y volver a escuchar nuestro cuerpo. Se recomienda inscribirse previamente.
- Martes, 6 de octubre • 5:30pm Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend
Sculpture Needle Felt: Alien Autopsy*
Wool isn’t from outer space, but maybe you can make something that looks out of this world. Learn the skill and art of needle felting to make a 3D sculpture of an alien autopsy. Intended for teens ages 14+. Registration required.
- Wednesday, October 7 • 3pm La Pine Library | 16425 First St., La Pine
- Wednesday, October 14 • 2pm Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend
Guided Forest Bath*
Treat yourself to a media detox through a series of gentle invitations and forest-immersion meditation. Slow down, awaken your senses, and deepen your connection with the natural world. This event is full.
- Wednesday, October 7 • 5pm Shevlin Park | Meet-up instructions will be emailed to participants.
Myths, Monsters, and Media: The Psychology of True Crime
A growing interest has spawned a massive wave of true-crime podcasts, hit television series, and a surge in forensic science majors—all despite serial murder remaining an exceptionally rare phenomenon. Explore why we’re drawn to rare crimes and learn to separate myth from reality.
- Wednesday, October 7 • 6pm Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend
Write Your Own Obituary in Four Easy Steps
Writing your own obituary is an opportunity to reflect on your life, your accomplishments (and foibles), your passions, and your quirks. Attend a presentation and workshop that focuses on documenting your personal legacy.
- Thursday, October 8 • 5:30pm Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend
- Friday, October 9 • 10:30am Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond
Zine Crafting: From Sketchbook to Copy Machine
Zines are little books you write/draw, smash onto a copy machine, make prints, and give to your friends. This interactive workshop explores what zines are and together we’ll make a collective zine. Intended for ages 14+.
- Friday, October 9 • 1pm Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond
- Friday, October 16 • 3:30pm Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend
Arte en movimiento en español*
En este taller cada participante podrá diseñar y construir su propio proyecto incorporando papel, baterías y pequeños motores. Aprenderemos cómo conectar los diferentes elementos de un circuito y veremos cómo la electricidad puede convertirse en movimiento. Dirigida a niños a partir de 6 años y a sus familias. Se recomienda inscribirse previamente.
- Domingo, 11 de octubre • 1:30pm Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond
AI & 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth: Who Gets to Shape the Future?*
This interactive workshop invites 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and allies to explore how artificial intelligence is already influencing identity, education, creativity, social media, privacy, and the information we encounter every day. Intended for teens ages 13-18. Registration required.
- Monday, October 12 • 4pm Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend
Mrs. Doubtfire’s Fancy Valenti’s Dinner*
Join a demonstration creating the fancy Valenti’s takeout dinner that Mrs. Doubtfire orders in the movie after burning the hollandaise sauce (and getting set on fire). Intended for ages 18+. This event is full.
- Tuesday, October 13 • 5pm Arome | 432 SW 6th St., Redmond
Shock Rock: How Creepy Media Influenced Rock Music
Since the dawn of man, our fears, legends, and superstitions have found their way into our art. Paintings, literature, film, and music have long told the dark stories of humanity. From Screaming Jay Hawkins to Slipknot, explore what draws us to rock out on the dark side.
- Thursday, October 15 • 3:30pm Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend
- Friday, October 23 • 4:30pm Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond
Family Yoga*
Bring the whole family for a playful yoga class designed for all ages and abilities. Through fun movement, partner poses, breathing activities, and mindfulness, families will connect and create memories together. Registration required.
- Wednesday, October 21 • 6pm Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond
Civics Lab: Human Library Edition
Take a step past the media and connect with community leaders directly. We’ll start with a Human Library-style connection round: short, guided conversations between community members and local candidates/civic leaders, and then move into a moderated candidate panel based on community questions. Intended for ages 12+.
- Thursday, October 22 • 5:30pm Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend
Youth Media Literacy: Digital Detox
We are constantly bombarded by social media, screens, and advertisements. How can you take breaks away from this? Learn some practical techniques to take a healthy step back from technology. Intended for ages 6-11.
- Monday, October 26 • 4pm Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini St., Bend
Calligraphy en inglés y español
Learn basic strokes, letter formation, and the italic alphabet step by step in a beginner-friendly introduction to calligraphy. Intended for ages 12+. Aprende los trazos básicos, la formación de letras y el alfabeto itálico paso a paso en este taller para principiantes y descubre el arte de la caligrafía. Dirigida a participantes mayores de 12 años.
- Monday, October 26 • 4:30pm Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond
Halloween Art Play with Two Suns Art Studio*
Think pumpkin stamping, potion-making, sticky spiderweb walls, and plenty of orange and black creations to discover. Everything is process-based and age-appropriate, giving kids the chance to squish, splash, and experiment freely. Intended for ages 0-5. Registration required.
- Wednesday, October 28 • 11:45am Two Suns Art Studio + Makerspace | 70 SW Century Drive, Bend
For more information about these programs, please visit the library website at deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats or auxiliary aids) should contact Liz Goodrich at lizg@deschuteslibrary.org or 541-312-1032.