The Nicholson Memorial Library System has announced a new schedule of activities for every age – adults to toddlers.
Monthly STEAM Labs – Children 6-12 and their families can participate in monthly STEAM Labs at Garland’s Central Library. The first lab will be Saturday, Jan. 29, at 1 p.m. Each STEAM Lab will consist of stations featuring activities Book Club – Adults 18+ are invited to join the Garland Library’s book club at the South Garland Branch Library. The next meeting of the book club will be 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20. Library staff and attendees will discuss The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth. Registration not required.
Walnut Creek Library Hosts Maker Lab – Children in grades four-eight can explore STEAM concepts while completing fun, hands-on learning activities. The next event is Saturday, Jan. 29, at 2:30 p.m. Participants will construct a race course using recycled materials, then race marbles to the finish line. Registration is required and begins Saturday, Jan. 15. 972-205-2585. Supplies provided by the library.
STEAM Lab – The North Garland Branch hosts monthly STEAM Labs for families. Each lab will consist of a STEAM-based project that integrates science and engineering concepts. The first is Saturday, Jan. 15, at 11 a.m. Participants will learn science behind modern skyscrapers, then test their knowledge by building tower structures with marshmallows and toothpicks. Registration required. Call 972-205-2804.
Kids Play and Learn – Children can Play and Learn at the North Garland Branch Library’s weekly event, where families with children of all ages can enjoy playtime and STEAM activities. Play and Learn begins at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, and continue each Wednesday through April 27. Creative play allows children to build cognitive, physical and social skills. Playtime is important for children and parents to enjoy together so that parents can play a role in their child’s development.
Romancing the Book Club Debuts – Adults 18+ are invited to join a new romance book club at the Central Library. The inaugural meeting of the book club will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, at the Central Library. At the first meeting, staff and attendees will determine the club’s direction, goals, style and reading list. Participants are encouraged to bring title selections. Registration not required.
Family Painting – Join us for an afternoon of painting at Canvas & Cookies at the South Garland Branch. Children of all ages can register for this free painting event Saturday, Jan. 15, at 4:30 p.m. We will be painting Hot Cocoa Mugs to celebrate winter. Supplies will be provided. Registration is required.
Enjoy Kids’ Game Night – Children of all ages and their caregivers may drop in to the South Garland Branch Library’s Wii Aren’t Board event every Tuesday from Jan. 11 to April 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and play some games. Both video games and board games will be available.
Enjoy a Cup of Tea and a Cozy Mystery – What’s better than getting cozy with a cup of tea and a good mystery? How about free tea and mugs when you check out a mystery book? To get your free tea and mug visit the South Garland Branch Library in January and check out a tea-themed cozy mystery. Once you have read the book, check in with the library, either in person or online at https://forms.gle/aJzyBcsbqM3W9gY98, to let staff know you have finished the book. At the end of January, the library will hold a raffle and select two winners from those who checked in during the month. The winners will receive another free mug, more tea and a gift card to Pink Coffee, a local coffee shop.
Teens Hang out After Hours – Teens 13-17 can hang out at the South Garland Branch after closing, as part of a new event series, Teen After Hours, Saturday, Jan. 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Snacks will be provided. At the January event, teens will be challenged to build domino obstacle courses, then test them. Registration is required and begins Tuesday, Jan. 4. 972-205-3934.
ESL Conversation Classes – The library will introduce ESL conversation classes at the Central Library and the South Garland Branch Library beginning the week of Jan. 10. The class will meet once a week at the Central Library on Mondays from Jan. 10 to April 25 at 6 p.m. and at the South Garland Branch Library on Tuesdays from Jan. 11 to April 26 at 6:30 p.m. The class is geared toward improving general English skills in a casual setting. Attendees may practice conversation skills, build their vocabulary, learn about American culture and meet a diverse group of people.
Spring Storytimes for Children = Begins Jan. 10 and run through April 30.
Central Library
Toddler Storytime (18-36 mos.) Mondays, 10 a.m.
Baby Storytime (birth to 18 mos.) Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.
Preschool Storytime (3-5 yrs.) Tuesdays, 11 a.m.
Spanish Storytime (all ages) Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m.
North Garland Branch Library
Play and Learn Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Family Storytime (all ages) Thursdays, 6 p.m.
Baby Storytime (birth to 18 mos.) Fridays, 10 a.m.
Toddler Storytime (18-36 mos.) Fridays, 11 a.m.
South Garland Branch Library
Zoom into kindergarten (3-5 yrs.) Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m.
Family Storytime (all ages) Thursdays, 6 p.m.
Baby Storytime (birth to 18 mos.) Fridays, 10:15 a.m.
Literacy in Motion (18-36 mos.) Fridays, 11:15 a.m.
Walnut Creek Branch Library
Family Storytime Tuesdays, 6:15 p.m.
Teens Form Advisory Board – Teens 13-17 can make a difference in their community by joining the Teen Advisory Board. Next meeting will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, at the Central Library. Teens will discuss how the library can serve their age group in terms of events, materials and services. Participants will receive volunteer hours for attending. In addition, serving on the board allows teens to socialize with peers. Games are played at the board meetings and refreshments are provided.
Adults Learn Yoga – Adults can learn the basics of yoga at the Central Library on Fridays, Jan. 14 to April 29. A professional yoga instructor will introduce participants to basic yoga poses. Attendees will need to provide their own blanket, towel or yoga mat. Participants are encouraged to listen to their bodies and exercise within the limits of their ability and fitness levels. Anyone unsure if this program is right for them, they are asked to consult their physicians before participating.
Central Library, 625 Austin Street in downtown Garland – 972-205-2516
South Garland Branch Library, 4845 Broadway Blvd. at Oates Road 972-205-3934
North Garland Branch Library, 3845 North Garland Avenue at Apollo Road 972-205-2804
Walnut Creek Branch Library, 3319 Edgewood Drive 972-205-2585
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.