Language is one of the most important parts of any culture, and this September we’re exploring a variety of ways in which people—and animals—communicate. Analyze ancient pictographs created by Indigenous peoples and explore avian communication with a family birding expedition. Tap your toes to the timeless song craft of Erin Cole-Baker and learn basic ASL to develop language communication with your baby. Go beyond mere physical abilities with artificial intelligence reasoning and grasp the importance of color theory in art. All programs are free and open to the public. Programs marked with an asterisk (*) require registration.

Singer Erin Cole-Baker Performs on Guitar

Enjoy timeless songcraft and a gorgeous voice. Erin Cole-Baker is an American-born singer/songwriter who grew up in coastal Northland of New Zealand.

Saturday, September 16 • 10:00 a.m. Downtown Bend Library | 601 NW Wall Street, Bend

Sunday, September 17 • 1:00 p.m. Wild Ride Brewing | 332 SW 5th Street, Redmond

The Language of Music with Music Together*

Grow your child into a confident music maker. Young children learn best from the powerful role models in their lives, and music classes show parents and caregivers how to help their children become confident music-makers just by having fun making music themselves. Intended for children ages 0-5 and their caregiver. Registration required.

Sunday, September 17 10:00 a.m. • Sisters Firehouse Community Hall | 301 S Elm Street, Sisters

American Sign Language

American Sign Language (ASL) is an official third language in the United States. Hear from Monica Burdsall about Deaf culture, what it’s like to be Deaf, the language of ASL, and the benefits of learning ASL at a young age.

Wednesday, September 20 • 6:00 p.m. Downtown Bend Library | 601 NW Wall Street, Bend

Ho Mas Gi: To Be That Way Again!*

Learn about the journey of Ho Mas Gi meaning, “to be that way again” in the Klamath Language. In this talk, Gabriann Hall focuses on the Klamath Tribes and the resurrection of what was once described as a dead language.

Tuesday, September 26 • noon Online only | Registration required to receive Zoom link

ASL Baby Signs for Families*

Learn basic signs to communicate about family, food, feelings, and more. Meg Rozek, an instructor at the Bend Language Institute, introduces families to learn basic ASL. Intended for children ages six months to two years and their caregiver. Registration required.

Saturday, September 30 • 9:00 a.m. East Bend Library | 62080 Dean Swift Road, Bend

Tuesday, September 30 • 2:00 p.m. Becky Johnson Community Center | 412 SW 8th Street, Redmond

For more information about these programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz Goodrich at lizg@deschuteslibrary.org or 541-312-1032.