The Garland Library System offers a great variety of activities for all ages. Check out the opportunities below!
Central Library Express – Children’s Services: 972 – 205 – 2517 – Adult Services: 972 – 205 – 2533
Early Literacy (Ages 0-5)
FALL STORYTIMES – Session 1: Sept. 1 – Oct. 5 – Session 2: Oct. 13 – Nov. 23
BABY BOUNCE & READ (BIRTH-18 MONTHS): 10 a.m. Mondays
TODDLER TIME (18-36 MONTHS): 10 a.m. Tuesdays * Excludes Oct. 29
PRESCHOOL DISCOVERY (3-5 YEARS): 10 a.m. Thursdays
SPOOKY STORYTIME (0-5 YEARS): 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29
Put on costumes for Halloween storytime! Books, songs and a Trick-or-Treat Walk in the library.
Session 1: Sept. 1 – Oct. 5 and Session 2: Oct. 13 – Nov. 23 – 10 a.m. Fridays
Children ages 0 to 5 and caregivers enjoy toys, games and activities that foster imagination.
Families
PUZZLES AND PIZZA (All Ages) – 12 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17
Exchange your puzzles for new puzzles, solve a puzzle with friends and have some pizza! Jigsaw puzzles available for swapping, children’s puzzles for playing.
PUMPKIN DECORATING – 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31
Grab your costumes and join us for pumpkin decorating! Candy, refreshments will be provided.
Young Audiences (Ages 6-12)
STEAM LAB: SOLVE THE CASE! – 2:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14
Learn about the science involved in detective work and use your skills to solve a case!
LEGO CHALLENGE: BALANCING ACT – 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15
Test building skills, create a structure with balance. Registration required.
LEGO CHALLENGE: RAMP RACE – 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Build a wheeled vehicle and structure that can support a cardboard ramp. Registration required. Begins one week before event.
Teens (Ages 13-17)
TEEN ADVISORY BOARD (TAB) – 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16
Earn volunteer hours for graduation, help plan events at the library! Snacks and drinks provided.
AI PAINTING – 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19
Recreate AI-generated image on canvas. Registration required. Begins one week prior to the event.
Makerspace (Adults and Teens 13+)
Central Library Express provides access to 3D printers, Cricut cutter, laser cutter and more. Once an intro course is completed, patrons may use machines during Open Lab hours or attend a master class!
MAKERSPACE INTRO CLASSES
INTRODUCTORY MAKER CLASSES
Learn about Central Express’s makerspace and develop techniques using our machines! These skills include laser cutting, 3D and 2D design, 3D printing, vinyl cutting (Cricut), soldering and more. Registration required and begins one week before event.
INTRO TO LASER CUTTING – 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14
INTRO TO SOLDERING – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
MAKERSPACE OPEN LAB – Noon-1:30 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 19 and 26
Adults and teens 13+ may use the Central Library Express’s makerspace tools and resources. Craft supplies available. Intro makerspace classes are required to use some of the tools during the Open Lab portion. Space is limited.
MAKERSPACE MASTER CLASSES – 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22
Join a makerspace master class! Use previously learned skills during intro maker classes to work on higher level maker projects. Open to adults 18+. Must have taken corresponding intro maker class. Registration is required and begins one week before class. Oct. 22: Vinyl cutting.
Adult Programs (Ages 18+)
BOOK CLUB – GRAPHIC NOVEL BOOK CLUB (Ages 16+) – 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 – “Lore Olympus, Volume One” by Rachel Smythe
ENTERTAINMENT – GAME NIGHT FOR ADULTS – 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3
Adults 18+ are invited to play games and socialize! The library will provide board games and card games or participants may bring their own. Light refreshments. Space limited.
CRAFTS /ACTIVIDADES DE MANUALIDADES
DRAWING SESSION – STILL LIFE DRAWING – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5
We will discuss some basic drawing techniques using graphite and shading. Supplies included. Registration required and begins one week before event.
DAY OF THE DEAD FLOWER HEADBANDS – 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23
Make Day of the Dead Flower Headbands! We will provide the materials. Registration required and begins one week before event.
CROCHET CORNER IN-PERSON – 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24
All skill levels are welcome! We will make a creation together. Basic guidance and some supplies available but limited. Participants are encouraged to bring supplies if possible. The patterns will call for a 3.5mm – 4 mm hook (E/F/G) and DK or worsted weight yarn.
MYSTERY CROCHET ALONG – 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30
We will post weekly patterns on the library’s Facebook page throughout October for our mystery project. Then, join an in-person gathering to put all the pieces together for the final product!
EDUCATIONAL
ADULT WALKING GROUP – 9 a.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 18 – Nov. 6* – *Excludes Oct. 9.
Weather permitting, we will take a weekly 25-40-minute walk in the Downtown Garland area and explore the health benefits of a regular walking program. All levels welcome!
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE WITH CHAT GPT – 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21
Create an adventure through Chat GPT! We will use Chat GPT to make our own Choose Your Own Adventure story. Between generations, we will use AI voice to narrate the story as we go.
South Garland Library – Children’s Services: 972 – 205 – 3934 – Adult Services: 972 – 205 – 3931
Early Literacy (Ages 0-5)
FALL STORYTIMES – Session 1: Sept. 1 – Oct. 5 and Session 2: Oct. 13 – Nov. 23
BABY BOUNCE & READ (BIRTH-18 MONTHS): 10:15 a.m. Fridays
TODDLER TIME (18-36 MONTHS): 11:15 a.m. Fridays
PRESCHOOL DISCOVERY (3-5 YEARS): 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays
HALLOWEEN STORYTIMES – Spooky morning at Halloween storytimes! Costumes welcomed.
BABY BOUNCE & READ (BIRTH-18 MONTHS): – 10:15 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25
TODDLER TIME (18-36 MONTHS): 11:15 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25
PRESCHOOL DISCOVERY (3-5 YEARS): 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30
LITTLE ART EXPLORERS
Ages 0–5 – strengthen early learning skills. Wear mess-friendly clothes. Supplies available while they last.
EXPLORING SHAPES – 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5
Explore shapes as we make paper collages and work on drawing skills!
WE’RE GOING ON A MONSTER HUNT (AGES 2-5) – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Little ones can crawl and tiptoe through a fun Halloween obstacle course inspired by the classic story “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”!
Families
HOMESCHOOL LIBRATORY
Enjoy an afternoon of exploring hands-on STEAM activities and a book club with fellow homeschoolers!
FAIRY TALES AND FOLKLORE – 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15
Adult Programs
BOOK CLUB – Library staff and attendees discuss selected titles. Visit www.Library.GarlandTX.gov.
FICTION BOOK CLUB (18+) – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 – “Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon
CRAFTS
DIY COTTAGECORE CRESCENT WREATHS (AGES 21+) – 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5
Decorate a crescent moon wreath with flowers, moss, mushrooms and other elements at this after-hours program! Wine will be served. Registration required. Begins one week before event.
BUILDING YOUR CROCHET BASICS (AGES 13+) – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Get started with a slip knot and chain, then learn how to single crochet. Bring your own crochet hooks, size G or H. Registration required. Begins one week before event.
INTRODUCTION TO CHATGPT AND AI – 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3
Join librarians for an interactive class about the most popular form of Artificial Intelligence: Chat GPT.
North Garland Library – Children’s Services: 972 – 205 – 2804 – Adult Services: 972 – 205 – 2803
Early Literacy (Ages 0-5)
FALL STORYTIMES – Session 1: Sept. 1 – Oct. 5 and Session 2: Oct. 13 – Nov. 23
*Excludes Sept. 6, Oct. 18 and 25
BABY BOUNCE & READ (BIRTH-18 MONTHS): 10 a.m. Wednesdays
TODDLER TIME (18-36 MONTHS): 10 a.m. Fridays
PRESCHOOL DISCOVERY (3-5 YEARS): 11 a.m. Fridays
FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM WITH GFD (AGES 2+) – 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18
Meet firefighters and tour a fire engine at this fire safety storytime with Garland Fire Department!
HALLOWEEN BOO BASH STORYTIME (18 MONTHS-5 YEARS) – 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25
18 mos. – 5 years invited for not-so-spooky stories, crafts and trick-or-treating in the library.
PLAY & LEARN
Ages 0-5 and their caregivers enjoy toys, games and activities that foster imagination, creativity.
Session 1: Sept. 1- Oct. 5 and Session 2: Oct. 13 – Nov. 23 – 11 a.m. Wednesdays
*Excludes Oct. 9
Families
DIWALI CELEBRATON – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24
Make Diwali decorations for your home and cards to give to family and friends.
Young Audiences (Ages 6-12)
ORIGAMI CLUB – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3
Origami enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to join us for Origami Club!
STEAM LAB: BUILD A PAPER ROLLER COASTER – 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16
Young engineers and roller coaster enthusiasts explore roller coaster physics and design by building a paper roller coaster from a template.
Tweens/Teens (Ages 10-17)
TEEN ADVISORY BOARD – 6:30p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15
Teens, make your voice heard! Join TAB.
TEEN NIGHT AT THE LIBRARY: SUPER SMASH BROS.™ GAME TOURNAMENT – 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17
Join Super Smash Bros.™ tournament! Registration required. Begins one week before event.
CHESS CLUB (AGES 6-17) – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Join a chess lesson before testing your skills in a match against your friends.
Walnut Creek Library – Children’s Services: 972 – 205 – 2585 – Adult Services: 972 – 205 – 2587
Early Literacy (Ages 0-5)
FALL STORYTIMES – Session 1: Sept. 1 – Oct. 5 and Session 2: Oct. 13 – Nov. 23
FAMILY READ & PLAY: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays
SENSORY ADVENTURES (AGES 3-5): 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25
An interactive, messy playtime that encourages preschoolers to learn using their five senses.
Families
HALLOWEEN PARTY – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19
Show off costume, enjoy games, crafts, cookies at Halloween party! Please no scary costumes.
Tweens/Teens (10-17)
TWEEN BLACK LIGHT PAINTING (AGES 10-14) – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15
No experience needed for this blacklight painting event. Supplies provided. Registration required. Begins one week before event.
VR ADVENTURE AT THE LIBRARY (AGES 10+) – Open Hours – Oct. 16 – 18
Explore virtual reality using Meta Quest 3 VR headset! Play games, explore new places and experience mixed reality. Registration required. Begins one week before event.
Adult Programs (Ages 18+)
BOOK CLUB
MYSTERY BOOK CLUB – Adult book club for mystery and thriller lovers!
6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 – “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman
CRAFTS
ADULT CRAFT WORKSHOP: DIY BIRCH TREE PAINTING (21+) – 6:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25
Create a birch tree painting. Instructions provided. Wine and snacks provided. For adults 21+. Registration required. Begins one week before event.
EDUCATIONAL / PROGRAMAS EDUCATIVOS
CONVERSATION CLASSES – 6:30 p.m., 1st, 2nd, 3rd Thurs. each month, Sept. 5–Nov. 21*
Improve general English skills, practice conversation skills, build vocabulary.