Summer Reading Kickoff Celebrates Tahitian Culture at Springfield Public Library and History Museum

Free multicultural event featuring Anavai O Te Ora launches summer series June 17

The Springfield Public Library and History Museum will kick off the 2026 Summer Reading Program with a free multicultural celebration featuring Tahitian dance and storytelling by Anavai O Te Ora of Vancouver, Washington, on Wednesday, June 17, from 10:30 to 11:30am at the City Hall Fountain Plaza in Downtown Springfield.

The program will introduce attendees to ‘ori tahiti, the traditional dance of Tahiti, through live performance, music, storytelling, and opportunities for audience participation. The event is free and open to all ages.

“We do our best to represent Tahitian culture with authenticity, respect, and heart, so it is deeply meaningful to know others feel the mana and aloha we bring to every performance.”

– Charlie O., Studio Manager and Event Coordinator, Anavai O Te Ora

The June 17 program is made possible through partnerships with local organizations including Springfield Utility Board (SUB), H.O.N.E.Y., the Asian Foundation of Oregon, the Oregon Multigenerational Community Center, and the Eugene-Springfield NAACP.

The event launches nine weeks of free multicultural programming hosted by the Springfield Public Library and History Museum on Wednesday mornings from June 17 through August 12. The series celebrates arts, culture, heritage, literacy, and community connection through performances and interactive experiences from a wide range of cultures and traditions.

Other highlights include the Urban Jazz Dance Company from California on Wednesday, July 29, featuring professional deaf and hearing dancers who combine innovative dance with American Sign Language.

Another highlight is the 4th annual Indigenous Cultural Celebration on Wednesday, August 5, from 10:00am to 12:00pm, featuring award-winning hoop dancers Lane, Tyrese, and Kailayne Jensen of the Navajo (Diné) and Maricopa Tribes of Arizona. Their performances celebrate Indigenous storytelling, heritage, and intergenerational traditions through hoop dance and powwow culture.

The multicultural series is part of the Springfield Public Library and History Museum’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, which runs Monday, June 8 through Saturday, August 22. The program includes free activities, performances, reading challenges, and prizes for all ages. No library card is required to participate.

Free Lunch for Youth All Summer
Food for Lane County will provide free weekday lunches for youth ages 0 to 18 at the Library Plaza from June 22 through August 21, from 11:30am to 12:30pm.

Media Opportunities
Local media are invited to attend and cover the kickoff event and multicultural programs throughout the summer. These programs offer opportunities to highlight cultural enrichment, youth literacy, and community connection in Springfield.

More Information

• Summer Events Page
• Email or call Abigail Craig, Youth Services Librarian.
• Email or call Mindy Linder, Community Engagement Specialist

About the Springfield Library and History Museum
The Springfield Public Library and History Museum are welcoming community spaces dedicated to helping people discover, connect, and grow. Through diverse programs, collections, cultural experiences, and partnerships, the Library and Museum foster lifelong learning, creativity, and community connection for all.
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About the City of Springfield
The City of Springfield serves the community with a focus on safety, accountability, and high-quality public services. Grounded in its rich history and driven by innovation and strong partnerships, the City works to enhance quality of life and build a connected, resilient Springfield for all who call it home.
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