Tweens conduct candy science experiments – Tweens can use STEAM skills to conduct experiments with candy at Nicholson Memorial Library System Tween Scene programs, designed for ages 10-13. Participants receive book recommendations based on theme. Attendees will perform four science experiments with candy: dissolving M&Ms in water, bending licorice with vegetable oil, predicting which candy bars will float in water and inflating a balloon with mixture of Pop Rocks and Sprite. Tween Scene is at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at South Garland Branch. and at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at North Garland Branch. 972-205-3933.
Kids create wax resistant watercolor paintings – Children can create wax resistant watercolor paintings at Art Explorers, a monthly NMLS program for ages 6-12. Next event is at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at Walnut Creek Branch. Attendees will learn about wax resistance by using a white wax crayon to draw a design on watercolor paper. Participants will then add watercolors which will be absorbed by all of the paper except the area containing the wax crayon design. This will result in a colorful masterpiece surrounding white design. Registration required and limited to 24 participants. Register by phone or in person at Walnut Creek Branch beginning Saturday, Aug. 18. Supplies provided by library. 972-205-2585.
Kids paint by sticker – Children 6-12 can create a work of art using only stickers at Books and Beyond program at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at Central Library. 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. Participants will learn how to “paint by sticker,” a process similar to the classic “paint by number” art. Registration not required. Event is free. 972-205-2516.
Adults attend string painting class – Adults can learn string painting techniques and use string, watercolors and recycled book pages to create art at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 at South Garland Branch. Each workshop features a unique craft project or art piece. Supplies provided by library. Registration required, limited to 24 adults. Registration begins Saturday, Sept. 8. 972-205-3931. Event sponsored by Friends of Nicholson Memorial Library System and open to adults ages 18+.
Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale – The Friends organization will host Fall Book Sale at South Garland Branch. Adult and children’s books, fiction and nonfiction, paperback and hardcover, reference books and puzzles, DVDs, audio books, computer games and more will be available. Public Book Sale dates are Friday-Saturday, Sept. 14-15, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. It is open to Friends members only Thursday, Sept. 13, after annual membership meeting. Preview sale will last until 8:30 p.m. Membership forms available at all library locations during open hours and at www.library.garlandtx.gov. To find printable form online, click on Library Portal, then Friends of the Library, then click on Membership Form. Those who plan to apply on day of membership meeting should arrive 30 minutes early. 972-205-2543.
Brass Quintet show – Enjoy popular music by Recast Brass at Senior Social Hour. Recast Brass performs at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20 at Central Library. Group is a quintet featuring two trumpets, a trombone, a French horn and a tuba. Group is directed by Anne Allred and will present Your Brassport to the World, tunes from and about major world cities. Sponsored by Friends of the Library, Senior Social Hour programs are free and open to anyone 55+. Donations of gently-used books and media for book sale will be accepted. Registration not required. Seats fill up quickly. Doors open 30 minutes before performance. 972-205-2502.
Kids take on STEAM engineering challenges – Kids 6-12 can practice STEM engineering skills at South Garland Branch STEM Challenge event at 2:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29. Attendees will participate in challenges using wood blocks, plastic cups and craft sticks.
South Garland Branch – 4845 Broadway Boulevard at Oates Road
Central Library – 625 Austin Street, downtown Garland
Walnut Creek Branch – 3319 Edgewood Drive
North Garland Branch – 3845 North Garland Avenue at Apollo Road
Be aware that photographs and video may be taken at library programs for use in print and/or electronic media at library’s discretion. 972-205-3933.