The Nicholson Memorial Library System has a long list of activities for Febrary. Check it out. There’s something for everyone!
Library Offers Resume Assistance – Book a librarian at Garland’s Central Library. Individuals interested in building resumes, finding templates, or getting feedback on previously written resumes may sign up for a 30-minute meeting with a librarian between 2 and 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10. Registration is required and begins Thursday, Jan. 27. Call 972-205-2501 to register.
Adult Book Club – Adults ages 18 and older are invited to join the Garland Library’s book club at the South Garland Branch Library. The next meeting of the book club is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17. Library staff and attendees will discuss My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite and enjoy light refreshments. Registration not required. 972-205-3931.
Adults Cook the Book – Adults and teens 13+ who enjoy cooking can learn new recipes and share their talents with fellow foodies at Cook the Book. Next event is at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at the South Garland Branch. To register, participants will choose a recipe from a pre-selected cookbook. They will prepare the recipe at home and bring it for a buffet-style meal at library. The selected cookbook will be available at the Reference Desk at the South Garland Branch beginning Jan. 22. The cookbook will consist of recipes from African American culture.
Adults Make Refrigerator Magnets – Crafters can make refrigerator magnets using mini calabash gourds at the South Garland Library’s next adult craft workshop Saturday, Feb. 26, at 4 p.m. Calabash gourds grow widely in Africa, and its uses will be detailed during the event in honor of Black History Month. The gourds have hard shells that make great canvases for painting or adding craft materials. Participants will create a customized magnet. Registration is required and limited to 24 and begins Saturday, Feb. 12. Call 972-205-3931. Open to adults ages 18+.
Children Celebrate Black History Month – In honor of Black History Month, children and their families can go on a scavenger hunt designed to teach them about Black authors and historical figures. Families may participate from Feb. 7 to Feb. 26 during normal hours of operation at the Central Library. Participants will be given clues that will introduce them to the library catalog. Once they find answers to all the clues, families receive a small prize. 972-205-2517.
STEAM Labs – Children 6-12 can participate in STEAM Labs at Central Library. The next is Saturday, Feb. 26, at 1 p.m. Each consists of stations featuring activities on a centralized theme. Attendees may take home projects they complete. Registration not required. 972-205-2517.
Children Celebrate Chinese New Year – Children 6-12 and their families can celebrate Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year. Families may attend the Central Library’s Year of the Tiger party Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 4 p.m. Attendees will create tiger masks, play Pin-the-Tail-on-the-Tiger and make no-sew tiger pillows. Registration is required and begins Jan. 18. Children can also create paper dragons at the North Garland Branch Saturday, Feb. 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 972-205-2517 or 972-205-2804.
Little Art Explorers Make Valentines – Children up to 5 can participate in an art series designed for their age group at the South Garland Library’s monthly Little Art Explorers event. The next event is at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5. Little Art Explorers supports early child development by integrating activities that build motor skills, increase vocabulary, improve symbol recognition and encourage emotional awareness. Children will make Valentine’s Day cards, and practice cutting, tearing and pasting. 972-205-3933.
Adults Create Art in the Style of Alma Woodsey Thomas – In honor of Black History Month, adults ages 18+ can learn about artist Alma Woodsey Thomas and create art in her style. This workshop is at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Central Library, Attendees will use acrylic paint to recreate the mosaic style for which Thomas is known. Supplies are provided by the library. Participants should wear clothes appropriate for painting. Registration is required and limited to 20. Registration begins Saturday, Jan. 29. Call 972-205-2501
Middle Graders Create a Lego® Code Maze – Children in grades four through eight can create an a-MAZE-ing code out of Lego® at the Walnut Creek Branch Saturday, Feb. 26, at 2:30 p.m. Attendees explore STEAM concepts while completing hands-on learning activities. Participants will build a maze with Lego®, then create code to move a miniature figure through their maze. Registration is required and begins Saturday, Feb. 12. Call 972-205-2585.
Adults Craft Valentine Bath Bombs – Adults can make heart-shaped bath bombs for Valentine’s Day at the North Garland Branch Adult Craft Workshop Thursday, Feb. 3, at 5 p.m. They make excellent gifts. Participants will add choice of colors and scents to pre-made bath bomb mixture then shape into hearts. Registration is required and limited to 15 and begins Thursday, Jan. 20.
STEAM Lab – The North Garland Branch is hosting STEAM Labs for families. Each will consist of a STEAM-based project that integrates science and engineering concepts. The next lab will be Saturday, Feb. 19, at 11 a.m. Participants will construct motorized robots then compete in the Saturday STEAM Lab Wiggle Bot race. Registration is required and limited to 20 families. Call 972-205-2804 beginning Saturday, Feb. 5.
Romancing the Book Club – Adults 18+ are invited to join a new romance book club at the Central Library. The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, at the Central Library. Staff and attendees will discuss While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory. Registration not required.
Jazz Ensemble at Senior Social Hour – Senior citizens can enjoy the musical stylings of the ensemble Jazzland at the Senior Social Hour. Jazzland will perform at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Central Library. Jazzland was formed in 2017 by New Horizons Band member Mica Calfee. They play light and contemporary interpretations of classic songs such as All of Me and Fly Me to the Moon. Sponsored by Friends of the Library, these programs are free and open to anyone 55+. Registration not required, Seats fill up quickly. Doors open 30 minutes in advance. Donations of gently-used books and media will be accepted.
Teen Advisory Board Meets – Teens 13 – 17 can make a difference by joining the Teen Advisory Board. The next meeting will be h.eld from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, 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. Teens who apply need parental consent and must attend two consecutive meetings and eight meetings per year.
Teens Create Valentines for Seniors – Teens 13-17 can earn volunteer hours by creating Valentine’s Day gifts for senior citizens Saturday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. at the Central Library. Teens will make bookmarks, candy jars and cards to be given to seniors at Senior Social Hour. Library provides supplies and refreshments. Registration required and begins Jan. 29. 972-205-2517.
Adults Learn Yoga – Adults can learn the basics of yoga at the Central Library on Fridays, Jan. 14 to April 29 at 2 p.m. A professional yoga instructor will introduce participants to basic poses. Attendees provide their own blanket, towel or yoga mat and are encouraged to listen to their bodies and exercise within their ability. If unsure, consult your physician before participating.
Central Library, 625 Austin Street in downtown Garland – 972-205-2516
South Garland Branch Library, 4845 Broadway Blvd. – 972-205-3934
North Garland Branch Library, 3845 North Garland Avenue – 972-205-2804
Walnut Creek Branch Library, 3319 Edgewood Drive – 972-205-2585
Please be aware that photos and video may be taken at library programs for use in print and/or electronic media at the library’s discretion. For more information, call 972-205-2501.