Library Events & Programming

Programs and events geared to elementary school age children plus toddlers and babies.

Art Explorers: Straw Loom Weaving at the Walnut Creek Branch Library

Children ages 6 through 12 can learn to weave on their own straw loom at this month’s Art Explorers program. Attendees at the November event will construct their own looms out of drinking straws, then feed separate strands of yarn though each straw to create the warp and wrap the yarn around the straws to make the weft. Participants will continue this method of weaving to complete a bookmark or bracelet. Staff will also explain how to mix yarn colors for those who wish to do additional weaving at home.

2:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2
Walnut Creek Branch Library
Registration opens Saturday, Oct. 19
972-205-2585

Children attending Art Explorers learn about different types of art, then develop their STEAM art skills by creating their own masterpieces. Registration is required to attend each Art Explorer program and is limited to 24 participants. Registration may be completed by phone or in person at the Walnut Creek Branch Library beginning Saturday, Oct. 19. All supplies are provided by the library. 

Books and Beyond: “Take Apart” Technology

Children ages 6 through 12 can discover what makes certain technology work at the Garland Library’s Books and Beyond program.  Attendees at the November event will take apart obsolete or nonfunctioning pieces of technology, such as old computers, keyboards, and phones, and analyze the parts they find inside. A functioning laptop will be made available for participants to look up the functions of the items they discover.

2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9
Central Library
972-205-2516

Books and Beyond consists of book discussions and activities related to monthly themes. Each theme incorporates concepts from STEAM learning: science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Children use their imaginations to explore the themes and complete the activities, all while socializing with others their age and having fun. 

Let’s Go to the Movies: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Families can enjoy free movies at the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s South Garland Branch Library this fall. The next event in the program series, Let’s Go to the Movies, consists of a screening of 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. In the film, Miles Morales is a teen in New York struggling with school and friends. After Miles encounters original Spiderman and NYC savior Peter Parker in the multiverse, he learns that he must begin training to become the new Spider-Man. The movie is rated PG. 

2:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 16
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

Doors open 15 minutes prior to the events. Seating is limited. No registration is required, and all ages may attend these events. Free popcorn and water are available while supplies last.

Programs and events for junior high and high school age kids.  Regular events include gaming parties.

Tween Scene: Indigenous Wall Hangings 

Tweens can make God’s Eye wall hangings at the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Tween Scene. Tweens ages 10 through 13 will use sticks and yarn to weave God’s Eye wall hangings. God’s Eyes are traditional spiritual objects among many indigenous American peoples. They are similar in appearance to macramé wall hangings.

6:30 p.m., Nov. 7
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

6:30 p.m., Nov. 14
North Garland Branch Library
972-205-2804

Tween Scene is a program series designed for youth ages 10 through 13, which consists of activities related to fun and interesting themes. Participants also receive book recommendations based on each theme. The program takes place twice a month at various library locations on Thursday afternoons and evenings.

Teens “Take Apart” Technology

Teens ages 13 through 17 can discover what makes certain technology work at the Garland Library’s Teen Take Apart program. Attendees will exercise their STEAM technology skills by taking apart obsolete or nonfunctioning pieces of technology, such as old computers, keyboards, and phones, and analyze the parts they find inside. A functioning laptop will be made available for participants to look up the functions of the items they discover.

6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 20
Central Library
972-205-2516

No registration is required and all supplies will be provided by the library.

 Senior Social Hour is for adults 55 years and older. Computer Classes are usually for adults 18 years and older.

Job Application Basics

Patrons ages 16 and older can learn the ins and outs of job applications at the library’s job application class. The class will cover the basics of filling out applications, explain how to implement keywords from job descriptions, suggest sources for researching a company, and discuss references and cover letters. No registration is required to attend. 

6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22
Central Library
972-205-2502

Due to planned construction, event locations are subject to change.

Stomp Rockets Workshop

Summer Reading may have ended, but adults and families can continue having space-themed fun by building and launching their own rockets this October. A stomp rocket is a small rocket that is placed on a launcher and powered by stepping on an air pump. Participants at the library’s Stomp Rockets Workshop will use a provided pattern to assemble and decorate a paper rocket. They may then take their rockets to the back lawn of the library to launch. 

2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26
Central Library
Registration opens Saturday, Oct. 12
972-205-2501

Registration is required to attend and is limited to fifteen families.  Due to planned construction, event locations are subject to change.

Adult Craft Workshop: Rock Magnets

Adults can turn smooth river rocks into decorative refrigerator magnets at the Garland Library’s next adult craft workshop. Workshop participants will use acrylic paints to decorate the rocks with personal designs before adding the magnets. 

2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9
South Garland Branch Library
Registration opens Saturday, Oct. 26
972-205-3931

Each adult craft workshop features a unique craft project or art piece. All supplies are provided by the library. Registration is required to attend and is limited to twenty-four adults ages 18 and older.  

Cook the Book - vegetarian style!

Adults who enjoy cooking can learn new recipes and share their talents with their fellow foodies at Cook the Book, a special program from the Nicholson Memorial Library System.  In order to sign up for the November event, Cook the Book participants will choose a recipe from "Meatless in Cowtown" and register their dish with the librarians at the South Garland Branch Library. They will then prepare the recipe at home and bring it to be enjoyed in a buffet-style meal at the library on the event date. 

1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12
South Garland Branch Library
Registration opens October 29
972-205-3931

The selected cookbook will be available at the Reference Desk at the South Garland Branch Library beginning Oct. 29.  November's selection "Meatless in Cowtown" is vegetarian cooking Texas-style. Cook the Book is open exclusively to adults ages 18 and older who register for the event. 

Library Computer Classroom: Internet for Beginners

Learn about the different parts that make up websites and practice basic Internet searching. The instructor will introduce the Internet browsers and select websites, discuss Internet safety and engage students with activities. Students will learn the basic parts of the Internet browser and become familiar with the Google search engine interface. At the end of the class, students will be familiar with the Internet and web browsers, understand the layout of a website, and have the ability to perform basic Internet searches.

6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 13
Central Library
Registration opens Wednesday, Oct. 30.
972-205-2501 

Participation is free and open to adult Garland residents with a library account in good standing. Registration required, limited to 10 participants.

Senior Social Hour: Dorayne Breedlove, Native American Storyteller  

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with storyteller Dorayne Breedlove at the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Senior Social Hour. In addition to the art of storytelling, Ms. Breedlove is well-versed in music, puppetry, and theatre, and has been performing for more than 20 years. For this appearance, Ms. Breedlove will present “Living the Life of Aloha,” which will consist of stories, music and a hula lesson. 

2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 14
Central Library
972-205-2502 

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Senior Social Hour programs are free and open to anyone 55 years of age and older. Donations of gently-used books and media for the Friends of the Library book sale are accepted during the program. No registration is required to attend the event, but seats do fill up quickly. Doors open 30 minutes prior to performance. 

Adult Book Club: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Adults ages 18 and older are invited to join the Garland Library’s book club at the South Garland Branch Library. Library staff and attendees will discuss Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman and enjoy light refreshments. 

6:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 21
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931

Search for the book: http://ow.ly/YpM150wPlTD

No registration is required to attend book club. 

Fall Storytimes for Children Begin Aug. 19

The Nicholson Memorial Library System announces Fall Storytimes for children and families, Aug. 19 through Nov. 23, 2019.

Central Library
625 Austin St., 972-205-2516
Toddler Storytime (18-36 mos.)        Mondays, 10 a.m.
Preschool Storytime (3-5 yrs.)          Mondays, 11 a.m.

North Garland Branch Library
3845 North Garland Ave., 972-205-2804
Wee Read (birth to 18 mos.)            Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Toddler Storytime (18-36 mos.)        Fridays, 10 a.m.
Preschool Storytime (3-5 yrs.)          Fridays, 11 a.m.

South Garland Branch Library
4845 Broadway Blvd., 972-205-3934
Toddler Storytime (18-36 mos.)        Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
Preschool Storytime (3-5 yrs.)          Wednesdays, 11 a.m.
Family Storytime                               Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.

Walnut Creek Branch Library
3319 Edgewood Drive, 972-205-2585
Family Storytime                               Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Please be aware that photographs and video may be taken at Library programs for use in print and/or electronic media at the Library’s discretion. For more information, please call 972-205-2516.