The Nicholson Memorial Library System has announced a wide range of activities for children and adults.
Adult Book Club…Adults 18+ are invited to join the adult book club at the South Garland Branch at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19. Library staff and attendees will discuss Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng and enjoy light refreshments. Registration not required.
Adults Cook the Book…Adults 18+ learn new recipes and share talents with fellow foodies at Cook the Book. The next event is at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 at South Garland Branch. To register, participants will choose a recipe from a pre-selected cookbook. They will prepare a recipe at home and bring it to a buffet-style meal at the library on the event date. The selected cookbook will be available at Reference Desk at South Garland Branch as of Nov. 26. December cookbook will contain German food recipes.
Kids create holiday cutouts…Children 6-12 celebrate the holiday season by making evergreen tree cutouts at Walnut Creek Branch Art Explorers event at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Children learn about different types of art, then develop STEAM art skills by creating masterpieces. Attendees at the December event will learn about the Polish craft wycinanki, or paper cutting. Using a technique similar to paper snowflake creation, participants will fold paper and make specific cuts that result in an evergreen tree shape. Finished trees may be mounted on black paper with glitter added for embellishment. Registration required and limited to 24 participants. Register by phone or in-person at Walnut Creek Branch beginning Saturday, Nov. 23. Supplies provided by the library. 972-205-2585.
Access the library on the go…Access library anytime, anywhere, from smartphone. Download free Garland PL app for iPhone and Android phones from app store. App replaces library’s BookMyne app and offers mobile access to online catalog. Use app to access your account, search for materials, place item holds and view location and hours of operation. App also allows you to keep a digital version of a library card for convenience when checking out materials and includes functions for paying library fees and scanning ISBN barcodes to search for item availability at the library. App is specially designed for users to access Garland libraries. To get the app, visit iTunes App Store or Google Play Store and search for Garland Library. Download the free app to begin experience. 972-205-2502.
Children’s crafts at Christmas on the Square booth…Children can make free holiday crafts at NMLS Christmas on the Square booth from 5 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, in downtown Garland. Stop by for information about library services and meet Paddington Bear from popular children’s picture book series by Michael Bond. Visit the Friends of the Library booth for an additional craft. Due to weather conditions, Christmas on the Square events are subject to change and/or cancellation. Crafts available while supplies last. Central Library will close at 5 p.m. Dec. 5. 972-205-2516.
Children decorate cookies…Children 6-12 are invited to decorate holiday cookies at Central Library Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. Participants will each be given three pre-baked cookies and a variety of decorating ingredients such as frosting and sprinkles. Attendees may take their cookies home. Registration is required and limited to 24 participants. Registration may be completed by phone or in person at the Central Library beginning Dec. 4. Library will provide all supplies. 972-205-2516.
Adults make ornaments at holiday maker fest…Adults can attend two craft workshops. The festival begins Tuesday, Dec. 3 and ends Tuesday, Dec. 17, consists of four events each featuring a different holiday ornament craft. Registration required, begins two weeks before each workshop. Register by phone at the library hosting workshop. Due to construction, event locations might change. Visit www.Library.GarlandTX.gov, for latest information. 972-205-2502.
The schedule follows:
Gingerbread House Ornaments – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3 – South Garland Branch. Registration begins Tuesday, Nov. 19
Cross Stitch Ornaments – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 – Central Library. Registration begins Wednesday, Nov. 27
Snowman Ornaments – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 – North Garland Branch. Registration begins Saturday, Nov. 30
No-Sew Gnome and Scandinavian Wood Ornaments – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 – Walnut Creek Branch. Registration begins Tuesday, Dec. 3
Catch Pokémon and Earn Z-Crystals…Pokémon fans can earn Pokémon Z-Crystals this December. Saturday, Dec. 28, Pokémon enthusiasts may visit North Garland Branch between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and participate in a Pokémon-themed scavenger hunt that will help patrons learn about the library. Participants will earn one Z-Crystal from the Alola region for each activity completed. 972-205-2804.
“Premier” Storyteller of Dallas…Elizabeth Ellis, lauded by Dallas Morning News as city’s “premier” storyteller, will appear at Senior Social Hour at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at Central Library. Ellis has enjoyed a 30-year career as a storyteller and is a repeat favorite at National Storytelling Festival. She is a recipient of the Circle of Excellence Award from National Storytelling Network and has been Teller in Residence at the International Storytelling Center. Adults 18+ may attend. Registration not required. Due to construction, locations are subject to change. www.Library.GarlandTX.gov.
Families enjoy free movie…Bring a blanket and attend a free movie. Walnut Creek Branch is showing The Lego Movie 2 at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10. In Lego Movie 2, five years have passed and everything is no longer awesome in Bricksburg. Aliens from planet Duplo have invaded and are destroying everything. It will take all the courage and creativity Emmett, Lucy and Batman have to set things right. Rated PG. Doors open 15 minutes early. Seating limited. No registration required. All ages welcome. Refreshments are available while supplies last. 972-205-2585.
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 library’s discretion.