The Garland Library System is offering a variety of programs and activities for December. Check it out to decide which to attend!
Early Literacy (Ages 0-5)
PLAY & LEARN
*Excludes major holidays
10 a.m., Fridays, July 31 through Dec. 15 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517 – Limited seating.
*Excludes Friday, Oct. 13
10 a.m., Saturdays, Sept. 9 through Dec. 30 – South Garland Branch Library – 972-205-3933
10 a.m., Fridays, Dec. 1 through Dec. 29 (18-36 months) – South Garland Branch Library – 972-205-3933
10 a.m., Wednesdays, Dec. 6 through Dec. 27 (3-5 years) – South Garland Branch Library – 972-205-3933
Families can participate in Play & Learn, a weekly event where families with children ages 0 to 5 can enjoy an assortment of toys, games and activities that foster imagination, creativity and problem-solving.
BABY ART CLUB
2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 – 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. Mess-free options will be available. All supplies provided. Space is limited.
PAJAMA PARTY STORYTIME
6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 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.
NOON YEAR’S EVE EVE (AGES 0-5)
11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 30 – South Garland Branch Library – 972-205-3933
Ring in the New Year in style with your little ones! We will celebrate the start of 2024 with crafts, snacks and dancing. Fancy attire is welcomed. (Older siblings are invited). Registration is encouraged and begins Dec. 16.
Families
FAMILY HOLIDAY CRAFTERNOON
2:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 – South Garland Branch Library – 972-205-3933
Join a holiday crafternoon! Make a family keepsake ornament as well as other pieces perfect for decorating your home or to gift to a loved one. Registration is required and begins two weeks before event.
FAMILY HAUL-IDAY SHOW/ESPECTACULO DE JUEGOS
6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Happy Haulidays! Join a game show extravaganza where families will complete fun challenges for prizes. Registration is required and begins two weeks before event. Limited seating.
Young Audiences (Ages 6-12)
CHESS CLUB
11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Come learn the basics of chess and test your skills in a match. Materials will be provided. For ages 6-17. A free ticket is required and will be available 30 minutes before the event. Limited space.
Teen Audiences (Ages 13-17)
STUDY CLUB
5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
A calm, relaxing environment for teens at Study Café to do homework and other projects. Refreshments provided.
TEEN ADVISORY BOARD
6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517 – Limited seating.
TEEN ADVENTURING GUILD
5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 21 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Seeking teen adventurers! All Dungeons and Dragons skill levels welcome. New players can join at any time. A free ticket is required be available 30 minutes before event. Limited space.
GET BREADY TO CRUMBLE! BAKE THE BOOK
2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 – Theme: We Whisk You Happy Holidays – Holiday Bakes.
Teens and adults sign up and select recipes two weeks before event, then make their selection at home and bring it to the meetings. Participants can choose a recipe from listed books or use a recipe of their own that fits the theme.
ART HACKERS: HOLIDAY SIGN (AGES 10-17)
2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Learn the science behind wood laser cutting while creating a holiday work of art! Registration is required and begins two weeks before the event.
Adult Programs (Ages 18+)
BOOK CLUBS
GRAPHIC NOVEL BOOK CLUB (ages 16+)
3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Titles will be chosen by club members and publicized on social media.
BOOK CLUB
6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 – “Favorite book of the year” – South Garland Branch Library – 972-205-3931
Library staff and attendees will discuss selected titles. Visit www.Library.GarlandTX.gov for more information.
ENTERTAINMENT
GAME NIGHT FOR ADULTS
6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Ages 18 and older get together and play favorite games with friends or learn a new one. Library will provide playing cards, various board games, puzzles and video games. Limited seating.
HARPESSENCE
2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 – South Garland Branch Library – 972-205-3931
This harp ensemble will perform a variety of holiday music. Pieces featured will be interspersed with explanations about history and mechanics of the harp. Event will close with Q&A and a chance to handle the instruments.
CRAFTS
SCRAP AND MEET: A SCRAPBOOK PROGRAM
6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Join scrapbook program to discuss themes, techniques, preservation and articles while listening to music and enjoying refreshments. Supplies provided. Bring your own scrapbook! Registration encouraged, begins two weeks before meeting.
MACHINE KNITTED HATS
Nov. 29 to Dec. 16 – Walnut Creek Branch Library – 972-205-2585
Adults and teens (12+) will knit a cozy hat using a circular knitting machine. Instructions and supplies will be provided. Staff will be on hand to assist. Registration required and begins two weeks before event start date. Dates and times vary. Call to register.
INTERACTIVE BOOK KIT: WINTER HOLIDAY ORNAMENT
Friday, Dec. 1 – for Pickup; Supplies Limited – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
These take-home kits follow along with a winter-themed book you can find at the library. While reading, unwrap the items in your kit, follow the instructions and discover all the pieces needed to craft your own ornament.
HOLIDAY MAKERFEST
2:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 – Walnut Creek Branch Library – 972-205-2585
Adults can enjoy making unique holiday ornaments and décor. There will be materials and tools for three different themed designs. Registration is required and begins two weeks before event.
2:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 – South Garland Branch Library – 972-205-3931
Create festive gifts and ornaments. Learn how to make a book page ornament, a decorative paper star, a pinecone penguin and a personalized holiday card. Registration required and begins two weeks before event.
3-D HOLIDAY CARDS
5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7 – North Garland Branch Library – 972-205-2804
Learn how to make Pop-Up Cube Cards with a matching envelope! Supplies and refreshments provided. Registration is required and begins two weeks before event.
INSTRUCTIONAL/INFORMATIONAL
ESL CONVERSATION CLASSES
Improve your general English skills in a casual setting. Attendees may 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 through 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 Library, 972-205-3931
Programas en Español
PARA ADULTOS Y FAMILIAS
CLASES DE CONVERSACIÓN EN INGLÉS
6:30 p.m. los martes, 5 de septiembre al 19 de diciembre – Sucursal de South Garland, 972-205-3931
6:30 p.m. los lunes, 11 de septiembre al 18 de diciembre – Biblioteca Central Express, 972-205-2533
Opción de Zoom disponible.
6:30 p.m. El primer, segundo, y tercer jueves del mes
7 de septiembre al 16 de noviembre – Sucursal de Walnut Creek, 972-205-2585
Mejore su inglés general en un espacio casual. Asistentes practicarán sus habilidades de conversación, armaran su vocabulario, aprenderán de la cultura americana y conocerán a un grupo de gente diverso. *Excluidos los días festivos
HACKERS DE ARTE: LETRERO NAVIDEÑO
2:30 p.m., sábado, 16 de diciembre – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
¡Aprende la ciencia detrás del corte de madera con láser mientras creas una obra de arte para las fiestas navideñas! Inscripción es requerida y comienza dos semanas antes de la fecha de cada evento.
FAMILY HAUL-IDAY SHOW/ESPECTACULO DE JUEGOS
6 p.m., viernes, 15 de diciembre – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
¡Feliz fiestas! Acompáñenos para un espectáculo de juegos donde las familias completarán divertidos desafíos para obtener premios. Gratis para jugar. Espacio limitado.