Free author talks this month begin with award-winning journalist Ted Rall on his graphic bio of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden (10/3). Bestseller A.S. King speaks about her extraordinary books for teens, loved by adults as well (10/7). Marja Mills (shown) shares her news-making memoir of friendship with Harper Lee, "The Mockingbird Next Door" (10/26).

Get One-on-One Job Hunt Help (10/8 and 10/22) or the bottom line on Franchising (10/8). Get advice at the Small Business Clinic (10/15) or the inside scoop on Insurance for Small Business (10/22). And get this: free online access to Lynda.com (shown): 3500+ professional-grade video courses on software, web design, programming, business skills, and more!

Back for the school year: Family Fun offers a new activity every Sunday, from science to games to arts. Also, Saturday Dog Tale Time (shown), where kids build reading skills with supportive canine listeners. Available year-round and especially helpful right now: free online Live Homework Help with professional tutors! Lessons, practice tests, and flashcards too.

This season, Eugene Opera features works based on literature, paired with Library talks and films. First up: Henry James' gothic novella "The Turn of the Screw." See the 1961 film "The Innocents" (10/6; shown) - it's on Scorsese's list of 11 scariest films of all time. Or join UO's Brendan O'Kelly to explore the ambiguity of reality in James' original (10/27).