Events Calendar
River Talk with William Sullivan
River Talk with William Sullivan
Join us Saturday, September 26 at 2:00 PM for our final River Talk of the season!
We’re excited to welcome beloved Oregon author and hiking guide William Sullivan, who will share Wilderness Treasures of the Upper McKenzie. William has written more than twenty books about Oregon, including Oregon history, adventure memoirs, and short stories
Come explore the remarkable natural beauty of our local landscape while learning more about the wilderness treasures of the Upper McKenzie Valley and the important role rural libraries play in our communities.
These programs were made possible in part by a grant from Oregon Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Gardening Day
🌱 Garden Day at the Library! 🌱
Join us the first Friday of every month at 10 AM for a productive morning in the garden.
Stay as long as you can and help us care for the library gardens.
Bring your gardening tools, a bucket, gloves, or just yourself!
All help is welcome, and it’s a wonderful way to spend time outdoors with the community. 🌿
Art Talk with Alison “Ali” Hennes
Join us on October 3 for a Gallery Wall Art Talk with local artist Alison “Ali” Hennes of Walterville. A retired registered nurse, Ali discovered her passion for art through an unexpected inspiration while kayaking on the McKenzie River. She now creates whimsical ink and mixed-media artwork inspired by nature, animals, and the world around her. Come meet Ali, hear about her creative journey, and enjoy a closer look at her work.
Author Talk via Zoom with Rachel Carter
Join us at the library for a special Zoom Author Talk with Rachel Carter, author of Enduring the Cure. Stop by the library ahead of the event to check out a copy of her book and read before the talk!
Art Talk with Joanne Walch
Join us for Joanne Walch’s Art Talk.
More info on artist to come.
Community Financial Preparedness Class
Join us at the library for a free Financial Preparedness class. This informative discussion will introduce basic principles of personal finance and practical ways to prepare for the future. More information about the presentation and topics will be coming soon.
Unveiling of History Wall
All are welcome to the unveiling of the history wall at the O’Brien Memorial Library at 12:00 on September 12, 2026. The wall of historical panels chronicles the story of Blue River, the recovery of the community after the Holiday Farm fire, and the emergence of the new library out of the flames.
Called by William Sullivan, “the new center of gravity for library services in the upper McKenzie valley,” the O’Brien Memorial library is closing in on its second year of service to the community.
Annual Meeting
Join us for our Annual Meeting, September 4th at 1:30pm.
We will review the past year, all community members are welcome
Gardening Day
🌱 Garden Day at the Library! 🌱
Join us the first Friday of every month at 10 AM for a productive morning in the garden.
Stay as long as you can and help us care for the library gardens.
Bring your gardening tools, a bucket, gloves, or just yourself!
All help is welcome, and it’s a wonderful way to spend time outdoors with the community. 🌿
River Talk with Molly Gloss: Exploring The Jump-Off Creek
Join us on Saturday, August 15 at 2:00 PM as we welcome award-winning Oregon author Molly Gloss to the O'Brien Memorial Library.
In preparation for her visit, our community is reading her acclaimed novel, The Jump-Off Creek together. Stop by the library to check out a copy and join the conversation!
These River Talks explore and celebrate our local rivers and the many ways they shape our history, culture, and community.
This program is made possible through a grant from Oregon Humanities and is part of their Consider This Conversations series.