As always, Garland’s library system has a full schedule of activities for September. The long list includes everything from cooking to baby art-making, from an ice cream social to craft nights and chess clubs to Lego clubs.
Early Literacy (Ages 0-5)
FALL STORYTIMES – Sept. 5 through Nov. 25 – All Libraries
Baby Bounce & Read (birth-18 months): 10 a.m. Mondays at Central Library Express, 10 a.m. Wednesdays at North Garland Branch and 10:15 a.m. Fridays at South Garland Branch
Toddler Time (18-36 months): 10 a.m. Tuesdays at Central Library Express and 10 a.m. Fridays at North Garland Branch and 11:15 a.m. Fridays at South Garland Branch
Preschool Discovery (3-5 years): 10 a.m. Thursdays at Central Library Express and 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays at South Garland Branch and 11 a.m. Fridays at North Garland Branch
Family Read & Play: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays at Walnut Creek Branch
Cuentos y Cantos: 10 a.m. Wednesdays at Central Library Express
Play & Learn – *Excludes major holidays – 10 a.m., Fridays, July 31 – Dec. 15 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Limited seating available. *Excludes Fridays, Aug. 11, Sept. 15 and Oct. 13
11 a.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 6 through Nov. 22 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2804
10 a.m., Saturdays, Sept. 9 through Dec. 30 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3933
LITTLE ART EXPLORERS – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 2 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3933
Little Art Explorers supports early child development by integrating activities that build motor skills, increase vocabulary, improve symbol recognition and encourage emotional awareness. Focus is on making art rather than the end product.
Sept. 2 theme: Tape Resist Watercolors
BABY ART CLUB – 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Babies (6-18 months) will listen to a short story and then work on a baby-safe painting activity related to the story. Be prepared to get messy, though mess-free options will be available. All supplies provided. Space is limited.
PAJAMA PARTY STORYTIME – 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 13 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Grab your favorite stuffie and put on your jammies, it’s time for a Pajama Party! Join us for a monthly evening story time featuring stories, songs, rhymes and activities to support early literacy development. Limited seating available.
LITERACY GYM (AGES 3-6) – 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 15 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Participants will play fun, active games focused on gaining literacy skills needed for lifelong readers. Each attendee will receive a literacy take-home gift. Registration is required and begins two weeks before the event. Limited seating available.
STUFFIE STORYTIME & SLEEPOVER (AGES 0-8) – 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3933
Bring a stuffie friend and wear your favorite jammies, it’s time for a Pajama Party! Join us for stories, songs and crafts to support early literacy development. And at the end of our story time we will tuck our animals in for a sleepover.
BLUEY FAMILY PLAY TIME (AGES 3-7) – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3933
Wackadoo! Families with children ages 3-7 years may spend quality time playing a variety of activities and games inspired by the Heeler Family’s playtimes in the TV Show “Bluey.”
Families
CRAFT NIGHT/NOCHE DE ARTE – 6 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 5 to Nov. 28 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Let’s get creative! Join us every Tuesday night for an hour of crafting the whole family can enjoy. Drop in between 6-7 p.m.
GRAND ICE CREAM SOCIAL (AGES 3-12) – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3933
Celebrate Grandparent’s Day at the South Garland Branch’s Ice Cream Social! Children and grands enjoy an ice cream sundae, make a family craft and enjoy fun games. Registration is encouraged and begins two weeks before the event.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH EVENT – 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2804
All ages celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the North Garland Branch! View the Garland Latino Heritage Cookbook Exhibit, watch the Ballet Folklórico program featuring the North Garland High School World Dance Team and enjoy locally made refreshments from Latinos Bakery.
Young Audiences (Ages 6-12)
LEGO® CLUB – 11 a.m., Saturdays, Sept. 2, Sept. 30 (ages 6-17) – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Lego® Club members (ages 6-15) will enhance their creativity by participating in STEAM-related challenges each month. Registration required. Begins two weeks before each event. Limited space, tickets available 30 minutes before event.
STEAM Lab – 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 16 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2804
Participants will explore science and engineering concepts while completing hands-on STEAM projects. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each event date. Sept.16 project: Mazes.
2:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 23 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Each STEAM Lab will consist of stations featuring activities on a centralized theme. Attendees may take home projects they complete. Sept. 23 theme: Autumn. Limited seating available.
CHESS CLUB – 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Come learn the basics of chess and test your skills in a match. All chess materials provided. For kids and teens (ages 6-17). Registration is required and begins two weeks before each event. Limited space, tickets available 30 minutes before event.
BOOK PARTIES – 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
Enjoy book celebrations that incorporate crafts, STEAM activities and book recommendations. September book series: Wings of Fire. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each event.
CHESS Lesson – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 23 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2804
Join an afternoon of chess with UTD Chess Team. Learn about chess, improve your game and play a team member.
Teen Audiences (Ages 13-17)
STUDY CAFE – 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Teens will find a calm, relaxing environment at Study Café to work on homework and other projects. Snacks provided.
TEEN ADVISORY BOARD – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Teens can make a difference in their community and earn volunteer hours by joining the Teen Advisory Board. Attend a meeting to apply and discuss future library events, services and materials for teens. Limited seating available.
CHESS CLUB – 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Make your move! Come learn the basics of chess and test your skills in a match. All chess materials will be provided. For kids and teens (ages 6-17). Registration is required and begins two weeks before each event. Limited space, tickets available 30 minutes before event.
TEEN ADVENTURING GUILD – 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Seeking teen adventurers! All Dungeons and Dragons skill levels welcome. New players can join at any time. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each event. Limited space, tickets available 30 minutes before event.
GET BREADY TO CRUMBLE! BAKE THE BOOK – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 – Theme: Don’t Sweet the Small Stuff – Cookie Bakes.
South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Teens and adults will sign up and select recipes two weeks before each event, then make their selection at home and bring it to the meetings. Participants can choose a recipe from the listed books or use a recipe of their own that fits the theme.
MIDDLE GRADE MAKERS – 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
Children in grades four through eight can explore STEAM concepts while completing fun, hands-on learning activities. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each event. Sept. 30 project: Mexican Folk Art Painting.
Adult Programs (Ages 18+)
BOOK CLUBS
BOOK CLUB – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21 – In Five Years by Rebecca Searle – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Library staff and attendees will discuss selected titles. Please visit www.Library.GarlandTX.gov for more information.
GRAPHIC NOVEL BOOK CLUB (ages 16+) – 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2 – 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Titles will be chosen by club members and publicized on social media.
GET BREADY TO CRUMBLE! BAKE THE BOOK – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 – Theme: Don’t Sweet the Small Stuff – Cookie Bakes – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Teens and adults sign up and select recipes two weeks before each event, then make their selection at home and bring it to the meetings. Participants can choose a recipe from the listed books or use a recipe of their own that fits the theme.
MYSTERY BOOK CLUB
6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28 – All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
ENTERTAINMENT
GAME NIGHT FOR ADULTS – 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Adults, ages 18 and older, can get together at a monthly event and play favorite games with friends or learn a new one. Library provides playing cards, various board games, puzzles and video games to play. Limited seating available.
CRAFTS
MAKER SPACE CLASSES – 2 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 8; Sept. 22 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Learn about and develop maker techniques like laser cutting, 3D design, 3D printing, vinyl cutting (Cricut), soldering and more. Open to ages 13-17 and adults. Registration required. Begins two weeks before event. Limited seating.
MINI MAKER SPACE: OPEN LAB – 3 to 5 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 8; Sept. 22 – 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 9; Sept. 23 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Teens (ages 13-17) and adults are welcome to use the library’s Maker Space tools and resources. A variety of craft supplies will be available to create with. Patrons must attend the maker space classes to use certain Maker Space equipment, such as the laser cutter, Cricut and 3-D printer, during Open Lab. Limited seating.
ADULT CRAFT WORKSHOP: MELTED WAX TREE ART – 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 7 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2804.
Turn used crayons into unique canvas artwork with your creativity and an iron. Supplies, refreshments provided. Registration required and begins two weeks before the event.
SQUEEGEE PAINTING – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
Participants will experiment with colors and put their creativity to the test. Simply drop some paint onto a canvas and spread it with a squeegee, no paint brushes needed. Registration is required and begins two weeks before the event.
CUT THE SCRAP: A SCRAPBOOK PROGRAM – 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Join this scrapbook program to discuss themes, techniques, preservation and articles while listening to music and enjoying refreshments. Supplies will be provided, bring your own scrapbook! If you do not have a scrapbook, the first 10 patrons to register for Sept. 19 meeting will receive a new scrapbook. Registration encouraged. Begins two weeks before meetings.
INSTRUCTIONAL/INFORMATIONAL
ESL CONVERSATION CLASSES – Improve general English skills in a casual setting. Also practice their conversation skills, build their vocabulary, learn about American culture and meet a diverse group of people. *Excludes major holidays
6:30 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 11 – Dec. 18 – Central Library Express, 972-205-2533 – Limited seating. Zoom option available.
6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 5 through Dec. 19 – South Garland Branch, 972-205-3931
6:30 p.m. First, second and third Thursday of each month, Sept. 7 – Nov. 16 – Walnut Creek Branch, 972-205-2585
Tech hour – 2 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 5 through Nov. 28 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Need help with a device or have a computer question? Visit South Garland Branch any Tuesday, 2-3 p.m. to get assistance!
How to write a professional essay (ages 16-25) – 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Join this three-part series in learning basics of professional writing to prepare for projects, college applications or career opportunities. Each session is focused on a step of the writing process. Snacks provided. Registration required. Begins two weeks before event.
Every Body Yoga: Yinyoga – 2 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 8 through Nov. 17 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Adults can learn the basics of yoga from a professional yoga instructor. Attendees must provide blanket, towel or yoga mat and are encouraged to exercise within limits of their abilities and fitness levels.
ESTATE PLANNING BASICS – 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Get your estate in order. Hear from a Dallas Association of Lawyers attorney about why estate planning is crucial, the different aspects of estate planning and helpful local resources.
Master gardener series: no more garbage trees – 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Learn from a Dallas County Master Gardener about the best trees for your space. Explore proper placement, function, watering needs and pest issues. Registration is required and begins two weeks before the event.
COMPUTER CLASSES – Participation is free and open to adult Garland residents. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each class. Call 972-205-3931 to register. All classes are at South Garland Branch.
MOUSE & KEYBOARDING FOR BEGINNERS – 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14
DESKTOP & FILE MANAGEMENT – 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28
Seniors (Ages 55+)
SENIOR SOCIAL HOUR – Senior Social Hour – Ages 55+ enjoy entertainers and light refreshments. No registration required. Seats fill up quickly. Doors open 30 minutes before performance. Visit www.Library.GarlandTX.gov, for information.
Vocalist Matt Tolentino – 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931 – Born in Dallas, Tolentino has been honing his skills since 1996. He’s well-versed in everything from ragtime, jazz and swing, to 50s, 60s pop and Scandinavian music.