Library offers patrons Blind Dates with Books – In honor of Library Lovers’ Month, throughout February Garland’s Central Library patrons can go on “blind dates” with books by checking out a book without knowing the title or author. The books will be wrapped in brown paper and located on display shelving. The first line of the book and its genre—science fiction, romance, horror, YA— will be written on wrapping. Participants may also fill out a “Rate your Date” card to review the book they chose. 972-205-2501.
Kids make story quilts – In honor of African American Heritage Month, children 6-12 can create story quilts inspired by work of artist Faith Ringgold at Art Explorers event. The event is at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Walnut Creek Branch. Children will learn about different types of art, then develop STEAM art skills by creating masterpieces. Attendees will draw their own responses to the prompt “What place would you want to visit if you could fly there?” Once drawings are complete, artists will add precut pieces of recycled magazines to the borders of their quilts. Registration is required and is limited to 24 participants. Register by phone or in person at Walnut Creek Branch beginning Saturday, Jan. 19. Supplies are provided by library. 972-205-2585.
Kids explore world of mythical creatures – Children 6-12 can learn STEAM concepts while exploring the world of mythical creatures at Books and Beyond program at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Central Library. Program consists of book discussions and activities related to monthly themes. Each theme incorporates concepts from STEAM learning: science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Attendees can choose from activities related to unicorns, mermaids, and the Loch Ness Monster. Activities include making a unicorn lantern using stencils, Mason jars, glue and glitter; excavating mermaids frozen in ice with shells; making an origami Loch Ness Monster; or designing a mythical creature in an online video game. Due to construction, event locations may change. Visit www.library.garlandtx.gov for latest information. 972-205-2516.
Families build cat castles – Families can build their own cat castles for their felines at South Garland Branch Saturday, Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m. Cat castles are structures built for cats to climb, jump, and play on. The cat castles in this maker event will be made from cardboard boxes and other recycled materials. Decorating materials will be provided. Registration is required and limited to 24 participants. Registration will begin Saturday, Feb. 2. Call 972-205-3931. Participants under age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Adults make clothespin crafts – Adults can make clothespin crafts, including trivets, napkin holders, or coasters at next adult craft workshop at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 at South Garland Branch. Supplies are provided by library. Registration is required and limited to 24 participants. Registration begins Saturday, Feb. 9. Call 972-205-3931 to register. Event sponsored by Friends of the Nicholson Memorial Library System and open to adults ages 18+.
Library introduces online magazines – In addition to thousands of downloadable e-books and audio books, Garland library patrons can now download issues of selected magazines from the popular digital books service. The online magazine collection includes 75 titles on topics such as news, business, exercise, and lifestyle subjects. Some noteworthy titles include Newsweek, Marie Claire, Reader’s Digest, Us Weekly, Forbes, and Food Network Magazine. Magazine titles can be checked out similarly to other digital books through OverDrive’s Libby app or from Library’s OverDrive website, https://nmls.overdrive.com. Magazines may be checked out for 7 or 21 days and do not count toward 10 item limit. Patrons need a valid Garland library card. Magazines may be read in user’s Internet browser. An offline version is available, although sections of a magazine may have to be downloaded due to format’s high image content. 972-205-2501.
Percussion concert in honor of African American History Month – The South Garland Branch is hosting a concert called Percussion Things. This free concert is Saturday, Feb. 9, at 2:30 p.m. Percussion Things combines traditional and modern rhythms with jazz, AfroLatin, and AfroCaribbean influences, creating a fast-paced, entertaining show. Various percussion instruments will be played and the audience may participate. 972-205-3933.
Musician Matt Tolentino to appear at library – Local musician Matt Tolentino will perform polka music and standard pop tunes from 1920s to 1960s at Senior Social Hour. He takes the stage at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 28, at Central Library. Tolentino is a Dallas native who specializes in popular pre-swing music from the 1895 to 1935 period. He performs at theatres and clubs in Dallas and leads three bands: the four-piece Matt Tolentino Band; a seven-piece group, The Royal Klobasneks; and an 18-piece foxtrot orchestra, The Singapore Slingers.
Sponsored by Friends of the Library, these programs are free and open to anyone 55+. Donations of gently-used books and media for Friends of Library book sale will be accepted. Registration not required. Seats fill up quickly. Doors open 30 minutes before show. Due to construction, event locations might change. Visit www.library.garlandtx.gov, or call 972-205-2502.
Teens Craft for a Cause – Teens 13-17 can give back to the community and earn volunteer hours through the Craft for a Cause program. Interested teens can visit the Central Library Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. and learn how to make dog toys using old T-shirts and catnip toys using socks. Teens may then continue making toys at home and earn 30 minutes of volunteer time for each toy they return to Central Library. All toys will be donated to Garland Pawsibilities. Due to construction, event locations could change. Visit www.library.garlandtx.gov, for latest information. 972-205-2516.
Tweens make no-sew emoji pillows – Emojis have migrated from cellphones out into the physical world. There are emoji socks, purses, key chains, candy and more, and now tweens 10-13 can make their own emoji pillows for free at Tween Scene. Tween Scene consists of activities related to interesting themes. Participants receive book recommendations based on each theme. Attendees will use felt and hot glue guns to create no-sew emoji pillows. Templates of different combinations of facial features will be available for tweens to create the desired expressions for their pillows. The first Tween Scene is at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7, at South Garland Branch. Second is at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at North Garland Branch. 972-205-3933.
Kids create Valentine Origami – Kids 8-12 can create origami to give as Valentine’s Day gifts at South Garland Branch at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12. Kids will receive instruction for creating origami mini-stars, complete with motivational messages. Participants will fold enough stars to fill a small jar. 972-205-3933.
Central Library – 625 Austin Street
North Garland Branch – 3845 North Garland Avenue
South Garland Branch – 4845 Broadway Boulevard
Walnut Creek Branch – 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.