The Nicholson Memorial Library System has announced the April activity schedule for children and adults.
Teens take on STEAM challenges – Ages 13-17 can participate in a series of STEAM challenges Wednesday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library. There will be three STEAM challenges utilizing various materials. First, teens will use craft sticks, plastic cups, and wooden blocks to attempt to build a structure with only a single block as its base. Next, participants will gather a scoop of Lego® blocks in a plastic cup and build anything they like with just the gathered bricks. Finally, they will create a structure using only straws and foam then test the structure to see how much weight it can hold. 972-205-2516.
Adult Book Club – Ages 18+ are invited to join the book club at the South Garland Branch The next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16. Library staff and attendees will discuss News of the World by Paulette Jiles and enjoy light refreshments. Registration not required.
Adults make planters – Adults 18+ can celebrate Earth Day by making succulent planters. They will construct the planters out of wood, which they will stain and glass vases. Workshop is at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at South Garland Branch. Each workshop features a unique craft project or art piece. Supplies provided by library. Registration required and limited to 24 participants. Registration begins Saturday, March 28. 972-205-3931.
Kids weave Scottish tartan wall hangings – Children 6-12 weave tartan wall hangings in honor of Scottish American History Month at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4 at Walnut Creek Branch. Children attending Art Explorers learn about different types of art, then develop their STEAM art skills by creating masterpieces. Attendees will receive instruction then use paper strips to weave their own patterns. Registration is required and limited to 24 participants. Register by phone or in person at the Walnut Creek Branch beginning Saturday, March 21. 972-205-2585.
Kids celebrate spring with floral crafts – Children 6-12 celebrate spring by making floral crafts at Books and Beyond—2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Central Library. Program consists of book discussions and activities related to monthly themes. Each theme incorporates concepts from STEAM learning. Kids at April event will make three floral crafts: nature prints using plants as paintbrushes, floral origami and cardboard flower planters complete with soil and seeds.
HTML Course Series for adults – Adults can learn basics of HTML coding by attending a four-week course on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. from April 7 to 28. Participants will set up a free CodeAcademy® account and work through HTML lessons covering elements and structure, tables and form. Registration required, limited to 10. Must have email address, basic computer skills and plan to attend all four weeks. Registration begins Tuesday, March 24. 972-205-2501.
Little Art Explorers make bubble wrap art – Children 0-5 can participate in art series designed for their age group at the South Garland Branch Little Art Explorers event. Next event is at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 17. Program supports early child development by integrating activities that build motor skills, increase vocabulary, improve symbol recognition and encourage emotional awareness. Attendees focus on process of making art rather than end product. Children at April event will use bubble wrap to stamp paint of various colors on paper to make colorful abstract art.
Storyteller brings Texas tall tales to life – Senior citizens can listen to storyteller Gary Whitaker’s Texas tall tales at Senior Social Hour at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 16 at Central Library. Whitaker has performed for more than 20 years all over Texas in schools, libraries and at festivals. Sponsored by Friends of the Library, these programs are free and open to anyone 55+. Registration not required but seats fill up quickly. Doors open 30 minutes before performance.
Sensory-friendly storytime – Families with children 12 and younger with special needs are invited to attend sensory-friendly storytimes at South Garland Branch. Next storytime is at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Storytime gives children freedom to move, sing and play within a structured program. The storytimes are interactive and feature a visual schedule, carpet squares, fidget toys and noise-reduction headphones. Events focus on built-in playtime with movement activities, such as bubbles, sensory bins and balance beams, as well as craft time to promote socialization. Caregivers are asked to stay with children. Siblings may also attend. 972-205-3933.
Teens form advisory board – Teens 13-17 can make a difference in their community by joining the Teen Advisory Board. The next meeting is 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 at the Central Library. Teens will discuss how the library can serve their age group in terms of events, materials, and services. Teens will receive volunteer hours for attending. In addition to helping improve library service to teens, serving onboard allows teens to socialize with peers. Games are played and refreshments are provided. Teens that apply need parental consent and must attend two consecutive meetings and a total of eight meetings per year to serve as members. 972-205-2516.
Tweens take on art challenges – Tweens 10-13 take on three art challenges at the Tween Scene events, a program series 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. Using Van Gogh, Picasso and Seurat as inspiration, participants will attempt to reproduce the artists’ works or integrate their techniques into original art. First Tween Scene is at 6:30 p.m. April 2, at South Garland Branch. Second is at 6:30 p.m. April 9, at the North Garland Branch. Registration required and limited to 15 participants each. Registration begins two weeks before each event at location where event will be held. Call 972-205-3933 for South Garland Branch or 972-205-2804 for North Garland Branch.
Central Library, 625 Austin Street in downtown Garland
South Garland Branch Library, 4845 Broadway Blvd. at Oates Road
North Garland Branch Library, 3845 North Garland Avenue at Apollo Road
Walnut Creek Branch Library, 3319 Edgewood Drive
Be aware that photographs and video may be taken at library programs for use in print and/or electronic media at the discretion of NMLS.
Due to planned construction, event locations are subject to change. Visit www.Library.GarlandTX.gov, for up-to-date information or call 972-205-2516.