Garland’s library system has announced a full schedule of activities for February. There’s fun for all ages!
Early Literacy (Ages 0-5)
SPRING STORYTIMES – Jan. 10 – April 29 – All Libraries
Baby Bounce & Read (birth-18 months): 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Central Library, 10 a.m. Fridays at North Garland Branch Library, and 10:15 a.m. Fridays at South Garland Branch Library
Toddler Time (18-36 months): 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Central Library and 11 a.m. Fridays at North Garland Branch Library and
11:15 a.m. Fridays at South Garland Branch Library
Preschool Discovery (3-5 years): 9:30 a.m. Thursdays at Central Library and 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays at South Garland Branch Library
Family Read & Play: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays at Walnut Creek Branch Library, 10 a.m. Wednesdays at North Garland Branch Library
Cuentos y Cantos: 10:30 a.m. Thursdays at Central Library
Due to planned construction, event locations are subject to change. Visit www.Library.GarlandTX.gov, for the latest information.
Play & Learn – 11 a.m. on Wednesdays, Jan. 11 – April 26 – North Garland Branch Library – 972-205-2804
10 a.m. on Saturdays, Jan. 14 – April 29 – 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 free playtime.
BOOKWORM BOOK CLUB – 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21 – South Garland Branch Library
Each book club meeting will focus on a particular theme. Families are encouraged to read a picture book or an age-appropriate nonfiction book matching the theme and bring it to the meeting to share. Library staff will read another book on the theme aloud before book sharing and extension activities begin. Extension activities will promote early literacy practices and may include arts, crafts or other projects. February theme: construction or building.
LITTLE ART EXPLORERS – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4 – South Garland Branch Library
Little Art Explorers supports early child development by integrating activities that build motor skills, increase vocabulary, improve symbol recognition and encourage emotional awareness. Attendees focus on the process of making art rather than the end product. February theme: opposite paper collages.
Families
CREATIVITY NIGHTS – 6 p.m., Tuesdays, from Jan. 10 to March 28 – Central Library
Creativity Nights will feature a new, simple craft each week. Some crafts will utilize STEAM concepts and instructions will be available in English and Spanish. Families with children ages 3 to 9 may drop in between 6 and 7 p.m. to complete the crafts. Crafts in February will celebrate Black History Month. No registration is required.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH TAKE AND MAKE CRAFTS – Throughout February – Central Library
Each week’s takeaway kit will be unique and feature an art activity related to a historical figure. The kits include instructions and a suggested reading list. Kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, with new kits each Wednesday.
Young Audiences (Ages 6-12)
Lego® Club – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4 – Central Library
Lego® Club members will enhance their creativity by participating in new STEAM-related challenges each month. Lego® Club is limited to 15 participants. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each event. Call 972-205-2517 to register.
STEAM Labs – 2:30 p.m., Feb. 20 – Central Library – 972-205-2517
Each STEAM Lab will consist of stations featuring activities on a centralized theme. Attendees may take home any project they complete at the event. February theme: Valentine’s Day.
10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 – North Garland Branch Library
Participants will explore science and engineering concepts while completing hands-on STEAM projects. February project—Light up Paper Helicopter. Registration required, begins two weeks before event dates. Call 972-205-2804 to register.
BOOK EXPLORERS – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18 – Central Library
Attendees at Book Explorers will listen to a story on a specific theme, then complete related activities that connect literature, history and STEAM concepts. Registration is required and is limited to 15 participants. To register, please call 972-205-2517 beginning two weeks before the event dates. February book: Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee by Andrea Loney and Keith Mallett.
ESCAPE ROOM: STEAM EDITION – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 – Central Library
Participants will work in teams to solve multiple STEAM-related challenges and eventually escape the room. Tweens can sign up in teams of up to six, with a max of 12 tweens participating. Registration required and begins Jan. 28. Call 972-205-2517 to register.
VALENTINE’S DAY BUTTONS – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 – Walnut Creek Branch Library
Children ages 12 and younger can make customized Valentine’s Day buttons by drawing or coloring unique messages on pre-made templates. They will then use the library’s button maker to transform their design into a wearable pinback button. All supplies are provided by the library. Registration is not required.
CANVAS & COOKIES – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18 – South Garland Branch Library
Join us for an afternoon of painting! We will be painting pets to celebrate Love Your Pet Day (Feb. 20). All supplies will be provided. Registration is required and begins Saturday, Feb. 4.
Teen Audiences (Ages 13-17)
TEEN ADVISORY BOARD – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 – Central Library
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.
NOVEL IDEAS – 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16 – Central Library
Novel Ideas is sponsored by the library’s Teen Advisory Board and meets monthly to discuss any books the members have recently read. There is no assigned book, so members are encouraged to simply share their recent reads or old favorites.
ADULTING 101 – 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23 – Central Library
Teens and young adults ages 15 to 21 can get a crash course in basic life skills. Meeting topics may include college life, budgeting, job searching and apartment living. Attendees will participate in activities and play games that will further their understanding of the topics. Registration is required to attend and is limited to 15 young adults. Registration begins two weeks before each event date. Call 972-205-2517 to register.
MIDDLE GRADE MAKERS – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25 – Walnut Creek Branch Library
Children in grades four-eight can explore STEAM concepts while completing fun, hands-on learning activities. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each event. Call 972-205-2585 to register. February project: miniature convertible furniture.
CRAFT FOR A CAUSE – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 – North Garland Branch Library
Teens ages 12 to 17 can learn how to make dog and cat toys using old T-shirts. Teens may then continue making the toys at home and earn one hour of volunteer time for each toy they return to the North Garland Library between March 1 and May 1. All toys will be donated to the Garland Pawsibilities animal shelter. Registration is required to attend the instruction session and begins Saturday, Jan. 28. Please call 972-205-2804 to register.
TEEN CAFÉ – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 – South Garland Branch Library
Teens ages 13 to 17 can hang out at a coffee house-style social and enjoy games, activities and free refreshments while socializing with their friends. Teens can also earn volunteer hours by bringing nonperishable food items to donate. For every five items donated, teens will receive one hour of community service. Registration is required and begins Saturday, Jan. 28. Call 972-205-3934 to register.
Adult Programs (Ages 18+)
BOOK CLUBS
MYSTERY BOOK CLUB – 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23 – Central Library – 972-205-2533
Library staff and attendees will discuss the selected titles. Visit www.Library.GarlandTX.gov for February and March book selections.
BOOK CLUB – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 – White Ivy by Susie Yang – South Garland Branch Library – 972-205-3931
Library staff and attendees will discuss the selected titles.
BAKE THE BOOK – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 – Theme: Black History Month. Books: Carla Hall’s Soul Food by Carla Hall or In Pursuit of Flavor by Edna Lewis – South Garland Branch Library – 972-205-3931
Attendees 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.
ENTERTAINMENT
WINTER READING CHALLENGE – Saturday, Dec. 3 – Saturday, Feb. 4 – All locations
Are you up for a challenge? Be a part of the winter reading challenge this season at all Garland Library locations. Your task is to read three or more books between Dec. 3 and Feb 4.
Participation in the challenge is easy. Beginning Saturday, Dec. 3, pick up a reading log at the Adult Services Desks of any Garland Library. Read three books and turn in your completed log by Saturday, Feb. 4. Completed logs will be entered into a drawing for a winter-themed prize. For added fun, feel free to post about the books you read using the hashtag #GarlandLibraries on Twitter or Facebook, The Winter Reading Challenge is open to adults ages 18 and older. For more information, call 972-205-2533 or visit www.Library.GarlandTX.gov.
GAME TIME FOR ADULTS – 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2 – Central Library – 972-205-2533
Adults can get their game on at a new monthly event for patrons 18 and older. Play favorite games with friends or learn a new one. The library will provide playing cards, various board games, puzzles, and video games to play.
AFTERNOON BOARD GAMES – 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8 – Walnut Creek Branch Library – 972-205-2533
Adults ages 18 and older can socialize and play board games at a new monthly event featuring games such as Scrabble®, chess, backgammon, checkers, cards, and dominoes. Refreshments will be provided and no registration is required.
THE OFFICE TRIVIA NIGHT – 6:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24 – Central Library
Think you’ve got more trivia knowledge than your fellow Garland citizens? Show off your skills, win prizes, and earn bragging rights at Adult Trivia Night! The theme for this event is The Office. Come compete in teams and answer questions all about Scranton’s finest employees. The winning team will receive a Dundie Award. Registration is required and is limited to 12 teams of one to four players. Registration begins Friday, Feb. 10. Call 972-205-2533 to register. Snacks will be provided. Players must arrive before the library closes at 6 p.m.
CRAFTS
CROCHET BASICS – 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9 – South Garland Branch Library
Adults and teens 12 and older can learn the basics of crochet. Participants will begin by learning slip knots and chain stitches then progress to double and treble crochet, shell stitches and rib stitches, with the goal of creating granny squares. Registration is required and is limited to 24 individuals. Registration begins Thursday, Dec. 29. Call 972-205-3931.
PAINT PARTY – 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 – North Garland Branch Library
Participants can unwind and learn color theory as they choose one of two simple paintings to emulate. All supplies and refreshments will be provided. Registration is required and limited to 20 participants ages 18 and older. To register, call 972-205-2803 beginning Thursday, Feb. 9.
INSTRUCTIONAL/INFORMATIONAL
ESL CONVERSATION CLASSES – 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 9 – March 27 Central Library, 972-205-2533
6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 3 – April 25 – South Garland Branch Library, 972-205-3931
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.
Every Body Yoga – 2 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 13 – April 28 – South Garland Branch Library – 972-205-3931
Adults can learn the basics of yoga from a professional yoga instructor. Attendees must provide their own blanket, towel, or yoga mat and are encouraged to exercise within limits of their abilities and fitness levels.
COMPUTER CLASSES
Participation is free and open to adult Garland residents. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each class. Call 972-205-2533 to register. All classes take place at the Central Library.
DESKTOP & FILE MANAGEMENT – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14
GETTING ON THE INTERNET – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28
BACK TO BASICS GENEALOGY – 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8 – South Garland Branch Library -972-205-3931
Genealogist James Thornhill will present an information session on the basics of genealogy including how to start genealogical research and how to build on it. Mr. Thornhill will also provide direction on how to preserve your family history, keep it organized, and ensure it is error free.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH – 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9 – North Garland Branch Library 972-205-2803
In honor of Black History Month, Ricky McNeal, President of Garland’s NAACP Unit 6256, will present “Anti-Black Violence and Resistance in the Diaspora.” Mr. McNeal will describe the obstacles and barriers related to housing, education, employment, and community issues that African Americans had to overcome when they migrated to Garland. A display of “firsts” for Black community leaders in Garland will also be on display throughout the month.
Seniors (Ages 55+)
SENIOR SOCIAL HOUR
Senior Social Hour is for patrons aged 55+. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, SSH features entertainers, such as musicians and storytellers, on a monthly basis. Light refreshments are served. No registration is required to attend. Seats fill up quickly. Doors open 30 minutes before performance. Visit www.Library.GarlandTX.gov, for the latest information
Programas en Español
PARA NIÑOS
Cuentos y Cantos – 10:30 a.m. los jueves
NOCHES DE CREATIVIDAD – 6 p.m. los martes, 10 de enero a 28 de marzo – Biblioteca Central
Las Noches de Creatividad incluyeran manualidades nuevas y simples cada semana. Algunas manualidades utilizaran conceptos de STEAM y instrucciones serán disponibles en inglés y español. Familias con niños de 3 a 9 años pueden participar de 6 a 7 p.m. para completar sus manualidades. Manualidades en febrero celebrarán el Mes de la Historia Afroamericana. Registración no es requerida.
PARA ADULTOS –
CLASES DE CONVERSACIÓN EN INGLÉS – 6:30 p.m. los lunes, 9 de enero a 27 de marzo – Biblioteca Central, 972-205-2533
6:30 p.m. los martes, 3 de enero a 25 de abril – Sucursal de South Garland, 972-205-3931
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.
CLASES DE COMPUTACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL
Las clases de computación son gratis y disponible a los residentes de Garland. Registración es requerida y empieza dos semanas antes de cada clase. Llame al 972-205-2533 para registrarse. Todas las clases se llevarán a cabo en la Biblioteca Central.
INTRODUCCIÓN A SU ESCRITORIO – 10:30 a.m. el sábado 18 de febrero