Library Events & Programming

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

Super Saturdays Debut at South Garland Branch Library

Families with children of all ages can enjoy free playtime and STEAM activities at the South Garland Branch Library’s new weekly event, Super Saturday. Super Saturday will largely consist of free playtime but may incorporate themes and elements from traditional storytime. Activities may include sensory bins, blocks and Lego®, toy cars, pretend play, coloring sheets, STEAM challenges, and a selection of books for checking out.

10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18 and continuing each Saturday through May 2
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

No registration required.

Sensory-Friendly Stortyimes at the South Garland Branch Library

Families with children ages 12 and younger with special needs are invited to attend sensory-friendly storytimes each month at the South Garland Branch Library. Storytime gives children the freedom to move, sing, and play within a structured program. The sensory-friendly storytimes will be interactive and feature a visual schedule, carpet squares, fidget toys, and earmuffs. The events will focus on built-in playtime with movement activities, such as bubbles, sensory bins, and balance beams, as well as craft time to promote exploration and socialization. 

2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22  
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

2 p.m., Saturday, March 28
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

2 p.m., Saturday, April 25  
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Nicholson Memorial Library System. Caregivers are asked to stay with their children and engage in the activities. Siblings may also attend.

Art Explorers: African American History at the Walnut Creek Branch Library

Children ages 6 through 12 can celebrate African American History Month by learning about artist Alma Woodsey Thomas at Art Explorers. Attendees at the February event will learn about Ms. Thomas and her expressionist paintings. Attendees will then use tempera paint to create a field painting using the work of Ms. Thomas as inspiration.

2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1
Walnut Creek Branch Library
Registration opens Saturday, Jan. 18.
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. All supplies are provided by the library. 

Books and Beyond: Land of Stories at the Central Library

Fans ages 6 to 12 of the Land of Stories book series by Chris Colfer can take part in a mini “Fantasy-Con” at the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Books and Beyond program. Participants at the February event will enjoy activities inspired by the Land of Stories series including constructing a portal book cover, creating a peg doll inspired by one of the characters, writing an original story based on a provided prompt, designing a map of an imaginary land, and making a “wanted” poster of a character.

2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8
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. 

Little Art Explorers at the South Garland Branch Library

Children ages 0 to 5 can participate in an art series specifically designed for their age group at the South Garland Branch Library’s new Little Art Explorers event. Little Art Explorers will support early child development by integrating activities that build motor skills, increase vocabulary, improve symbol recognition, and encourage emotional awareness. Attendees will focus on the process of making art rather than the end product. Children at the February event will learn about artist Piet Mondrian and make art inspired by his work.

10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28.  
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

Parents should be aware that paint will be used at this event and dress the children accordingly. 

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

Tween Scene: Papermaking

Tweens ages 10 to 13 can make their own paper at the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Tween Scene events in February.  Participants at the February events will learn how to make new paper out of recycled newsprint and office paper. Tweens can emboss their newly-made paper with buttons, letters, seeds, and other decorative items before taking it home to dry. 

6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6
South Garland Branch Library
Registration opens Thursday, Jan. 23
972-205-3933

6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13
North Garland Branch Library
Registration opens Thursday, Jan. 30
972-205-2804

Registration is required to attend the February Tween Scene events and is limited to fifteen participants each.  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 evenings.

Stranger Things Party for Teens at the Central Library

Teens ages 13 through 17 can travel back in time to the 1980s by attending the Garland Library’s Stranger Things Party.  Attendees can enjoy 80s tunes while making Stranger Things crafts like slogan buttons, Demogorgon finders, and 80s cropped T-shirts. Snacks will be provided. 

6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 19
Central Library
972-205-2516

No registration required.  Teens will need to provide their own T-shirts.

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

ESL Conversation Class at the South Garland Branch Library

The Nicholson Memorial Library System will introduce ESL conversation classes beginning Jan. 8. The class will meet weekly and will be geared toward improving general English skills in a casual setting. Attendees may practice their conversation skills in a friendly environment, build their vocabulary, learn about American culture, and meet a diverse group of people. Light refreshments will be provided.

Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931

No registration is required to attend.

Cook the Book African American Style at the South Garland Branch Library

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 register for the February event, Cook the Book participants will choose a recipe from Sweet Home Cafe, a cookbook of African American recipes. 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. The selected cookbook, Sweet Home Cafe by Albert Lukas, will be available at the Reference Desk at the South Garland Branch Library beginning Jan. 21. 

6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931

Cook the Book is open exclusively to adults ages 18 and older who register for the event. 

Job Application Class at the Central Library

Learn the basics of filling out an online job application, including the importance of keywords, required fields, and creating a username and password. 

6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11,
Central Library
Registration opens Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m.
972-205-2502

Registration is required and limited to 10 participants age 16 and older.

Getting started with Google Docs at the South Garland Branch Library

Get a basic overview of Google Docs and learn how to create, share, save, and edit documents. A Google account is required to attend.

10:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 15
South Garland Branch Library
Registration opens 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 1.  
972-205-3931

Participation is free and open to adult Garland residents with a library account in good standing. Registration required and is limited to 12 participants.

Desktop and File Management at the Central Library

Learn the basics of computer desktop and file management. Gain an understanding of the three major sections of a desktop, learn how to open and close files, folders and programs, and distinguish between file types.

6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18
Central Library
Registration opens 10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4.
972-205-2501

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

Adult Book Club: Before We Were Yours at the South Garland Library

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 Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate and enjoy light refreshments. 

6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20.
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931

No registration is required to attend book club. 

Senior Social Hour: Jerry Barlow, Celtic Guitar Player and Storyteller at the Central Library 

Senior citizens can learn about the history of Celtic music and hear it played by guitarist Jerry Barlow at the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Senior Social Hour program.  Mr. Barlow is a guitarist who performs Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Britain. He uses fingerstyle techniques that imitate instruments, like the harp, bagpipes, and fiddle, for which the music was originally written. He is also a storyteller and enjoys regaling audiences with the history, legend, and humor of the music he plays. 

2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27
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. No registration is required to attend the event, but seats do fill up quickly. Doors open 30 minutes prior to performance. 

Adult Craft Workshop: African-Inspired Picture Frames at the South Garland Branch Library

In honor of African American History Month, adults can make picture frames using the mud cloth design that originated in West Africa. Mud cloth designs consist of simple motifs that have specific meanings. Participants may choose from a selection of provided motifs. 

2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 29
South Garland Branch Library
Registration opens Saturday, Feb. 15
972-205-3931

Registration is required to attend and is limited to twenty-four adults ages 18 and older.  All supplies are provided by the library. 

Spring Storytimes for Children Begin January 13

The Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Spring Storytimes for children and families begin Jan. 13 and run through May 2, 2020.

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.
Wee Read (birth to 18 mos.)            Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.  **NEW**

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.
Super Saturdays (all ages)               Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  **NEW**

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

Due to planned construction, event locations are subject to change. Any changes will be posted here and sent out to calendar subscribers or call the library for the latest information.

Sensory-Friendly Stortyimes at the South Garland Branch Library

Families with children ages 12 and younger with special needs are invited to attend sensory-friendly storytimes each month at the South Garland Branch Library. Storytime gives children the freedom to move, sing, and play within a structured program. The sensory-friendly storytimes will be interactive and feature a visual schedule, carpet squares, fidget toys, and earmuffs. The events will focus on built-in playtime with movement activities, such as bubbles, sensory bins, and balance beams, as well as craft time to promote exploration and socialization. 

2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22  
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

2 p.m., Saturday, March 28  
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

2 p.m., Saturday, April 25  
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Nicholson Memorial Library System. Caregivers are asked to stay with their children and engage in the activities. Siblings may also attend.