The Garland Library System will be hosting a variety of activities for all age groups. Check out the list below to decide which ones you’d like to attend.
Winter Reading Challenge | Dec. 1-Feb. 29
Join the Winter Reading Challenge! Registered participants who read at least three books and turn in at least one program reading log between Dec. 1, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, can enter to win a winter-themed prize pack! Maximum of five entries per participant. One entry equals one log. A completed reading log will have three books recorded as well as the participant’s full name and phone number. Prize drawings will be at Central Library Express.
Winter Reading Events
Exploding Valentine’s Gift Box – 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2803
Celebrate the last month of the Winter Reading Challenge by creating Exploding Valentine’s Gift Boxes! For ages 18+. All supplies included. Registration is required and begins Jan. 23.
Early Literacy (Ages 0-5)
SPRING STORYTIMES – Jan. 8 – April 27 – 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, 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, 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 & 10:30 a.m. Fridays at Walnut Creek Branch.
Play & Learn
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.
*Excludes major holidays
10 a.m. Fridays, Jan. 12 – April 26 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
11 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 10 – April 24 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2804
10 a.m. Saturdays, Jan. 13 – April 27 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3934
LITTLE ART EXPLORERS – 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3934
Little ones will build early learning skills as make art. Wear mess-friendly clothing! Materials available while supplies last. Feb. 3 theme: Woven Art.
PAJAMA PARTY STORYTIME – 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Grab your favorite stuffie and put your jammies on for a Pajama Party -an evening story times, songs, rhymes and activities to support early literacy development.
SENSORY ADVENTURES (AGES 3-5) – 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
An interactive, messy playtime that encourages preschoolers to learn to use their five senses.
Families
ICE CREAM SOCIAL: CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH – 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
Celebrate Black History Month with our Ice Cream Social! Enjoy a sweet treat while browsing our Black History Display and learn about the Father of Ice Cream. Ice cream will be served while supplies last.
HAPPY HEARTS VALENTINE’S DAY CRAFTS – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2804
An afternoon of Valentine’s Day card making and crafting! Create cards from materials provided by the library or make cards from pre-selected designs. All ages are welcome. Space is limited and a free ticket is required for the event. Tickets will be available 30 minutes before event.
LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2804
Celebrate Lunar New Year making crafts! We will create dragon masks, lion masks and more. Light refreshments.
HOMESCHOOL LIBRATORY – 12:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20-South Garland Branch – 972-205-3934
Drop in for an afternoon of exploring hands-on STEAM activities and a book club with your fellow homeschoolers each month! Families who are considering homeschooling are also welcome. Feb. theme: Architects vs. Engineers.
MYSTERY BAG CRAFT (AGES 4+) – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2804
Families are invited to come grab a mystery bag of craft materials and make whatever you like. Use your imagination! Space is limited and a free ticket is required for the event. Tickets available 30 minutes before event.
CRAFT NIGHT – 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Let’s get creative! Join us Tuesday night for an hour of crafting for the whole family. Drop in between 6-7 p.m.
Young Audiences (Ages 6-12)
CANVAS & COOKIES: ALMA THOMAS-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10-South Garland Branch – 972-205-3934
Afternoon of painting and cookies! Create beautiful works of art in the style of famed African American artist Alma Thomas! Participants are encouraged to wear paint-friendly clothes. Registration required, begins Jan. 27.
MAKE A 3-D DRAGON HEAD – 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
Happy Lunar New Year! The year of the dragon is here so stop by to make a 3-D Dragon Head you can display on your wall. Space is limited and a free ticket is required. Tickets available 30 minutes before event.
LIBRARY LEGO® CLUB – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Library Lego® Club members (ages 6-17) will create Lego designs based on new challenges each month. Space is limited and a free ticket is required for event. Tickets will be available 30 minutes before event.
STEAM Lab – 2:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Enjoy fun STEAM challenges while learning problem-solving skills at this drop-in program!
10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2804
Participants explore science and engineering concepts while completing hands-on STEAM projects. Space is limited. A free ticket is required. Tickets available 30 minutes before event. Feb. 17 project: Rib Bots Rib Bots.
ART CLUB – 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Art Club members explore the world of art by using different art mediums to create a masterpiece! Wear paint-friendly clothing. Space is limited. Free ticket required. Tickets available 30 minutes before event.
Tween and Teen Audiences (Ages 10-17)
CUSTOM HOLIDAY BUTTON – During open hours, Feb. 1 – 29 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
Create a holiday button. Choose from Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, Lunar New Year or Leap Year!
COCOA CLUB – 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Relax as we listen to a book and enjoy hot cocoa and popcorn! Bring blankets and pillows. A drawing and painting station will be available. Permission slips are required if attending without parent or guardian. Space is limited and a free ticket is required. Tickets available 30 minutes before the event.
STUDY CAFE – 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Teens will find a calm and relaxing environment at our Study Café to work on homework and other projects. Snacks and refreshments provided.
TEEN ADVISORY BOARD (AGES 13-17) – 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.
6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517 – Limited seating available.
2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2517
6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3934
CHESS CLUB (AGES 6-17)
Join us for a quick chess lesson before testing your skills in a match against friends. Space is limited and a free ticket is required for the event. Tickets will be available 30 minutes before the event.
10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2517
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
TEEN AFTER HOURS (AGES 13-17)
Teens ages 13 to 17 can hang out at the library after closing. Snacks are provided. Registration is required and begins two weeks prior to each event. Participants need a permission slip from a parent or guardian.
RECORD BREAKERS
6 to 7:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Do you have what it takes to break a world record? Come try different records and see if you can beat them!
MIDDLE GRADE MAKERS: DIY WHEEL CIPHER
3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
Create a Jefferson Wheel Cipher! Thomas Jefferson devised an ingenious method to encode and decode messages: the wheel cipher. Learn to use your wheel cipher to encode and decode your messages. Space is limited and a free ticket is required. Tickets will be available 30 minutes before event.
TEEN ADVENTURING GUILD
3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Seeking Dungeons and Dragons adventurers of all skill levels! Adventure is afoot. New players can join at any time. Space is limited and a free ticket is required for the event. Tickets will be available 30 minutes before the event.
ADULTING 101 (AGES 13-17)
6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Join us for these crash courses in Adulting 101 – learn some basic life skills for being a grown-up. Space is limited and a free ticket is required for the event. Tickets will be available 30 minutes before the event.
BAKE THE BOOK
2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 – Theme: Wake Me Up Before You Cocoa – Chocolate Bakes – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3934
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 selected books or use a recipe of their own that fits the theme.
ANIME CLUB (AGES 13-17)
6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Join us to watch and talk anime, make themed crafts and enjoy snacks. Space is limited.
Maker Lab (Adults & Teens 13+)
The Maker Lab at the Central Library Express provides access to maker machines such as 3-D Printers, a Cricut machine, a Laser Cutter and Soldering Irons. Once an introductory course is taken, patrons may use the machines during Open Lab hours or attend one of our Master Classes!
MAKER LAB INTRO CLASSES
INTRODUCTORY MAKER CLASSES – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Learn about the Maker Space and develop maker techniques! These skills include Laser Cutting, 3-D Design, 3-D Printing, Vinyl Cutting (Cricut), Soldering and more. Registration required and begins 2 weeks before the class.
INTRO TO CRICUT MACHINE – 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Patrons learn basics of using the Cricut Machine and be set up to use the Cricut at the library for free! Ages 13+.
TEEN MAKERSPACE (AGES 13-17) – 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Teens are invited to learn about the Central Library Express Maker Space and create fun projects with Maker Technology! Once an introductory course is complete, teens can take part in Open Lab. Registration is required and begins one week before each class. Feb. 23 project: Cricut.
MAKER SPACE OPEN LAB
11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Jan. 6 – April 27 – * Excludes April 6 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Adults and teens are welcome to use the library’s Maker Space tools and resources. A variety of craft supplies will be available. Maker Space classes are required to use some of the tools during the Open Lab portion. Space limited.
MAKER LAB MASTER CLASSES
5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Challenge your Maker skills by joining a Maker Space Master Class. Patrons will use the skills that they have previously learned during other Maker Classes to work on higher level Maker projects. Open to adults and teens ages 13+. Registration is required and begins 2 weeks before the class.
Adult Programs (Ages 18+)
BOOK CLUBS
BOOK CLUB – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 Paper Names by Susie Luo – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Library staff and attendees will discuss selected titles. Visit www.Library.GarlandTX.gov for more information.
GRAPHIC NOVEL BOOK CLUB (ages 16+) – 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 Heartstoppers volume 1 by Alice Oseman – Central Library Express – 972-205-2535
Dive deep into discussing graphic novels and share your opinions over refreshments.
BAKE THE BOOK – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 – Theme: Wake Me Up Before You Cocoa – Chocolate Bakes – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Teens, adults sign up and select recipes two weeks before each event, then make their selection at home and bring it to the meetings. Participants choose a recipe from selected books or use a recipe of their own that fits the theme.
MYSTERY BOOK CLUB – 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 The Midnight Witness by Sara Blaedel – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2587
An adult book club for lovers of mysteries and thrillers! Light refreshments will be served.
ENTERTAINMENT
GAME NIGHT FOR ADULTS – 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Adults are invited to gather at this monthly event to play games and socialize. The library will provide playing cards, various board games and puzzles. Patrons are also welcome to bring their own games! Space is limited.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION: STORYTELLER TONI SIMMONS –4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Come celebrate Black History Month with storyteller Toni Simmons who will bring African and African American stories to life with songs, rhythms, chants, drama and audience participation. Discover Black culture through the exploration of the folklore. All ages are welcome to join in and help tell the stories. Funded in part by the Texas Commission of the Arts.
CRAFTS
VALENTINE’S DAY CARDS – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3934
Make a one-of-a-kind card for your one-of-a-kind love! Use a variety of supplies such as ribbon, stickers, glitter and more to create a card for someone special. Registration is required and begins Jan. 20.
HAND SEWING – 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Learn the basics of sewing. Create a small hand sewn project that incorporates the very basic stitches. Open to adults and teens ages 13+. Registration is required and begins Feb. 3.
SCRAP AND MEET – 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
All you need is your scrapbook and creativity! We will discuss themes, techniques, preservation and articles all while enjoying relaxing music and light refreshments.
BOHO VIBES PAINTING – 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2587
Make a custom landscape painting on canvas. Relax and have fun as you meet other fellow craft enthusiasts! Light refreshments provided. This event has two sessions, registration is required for each session and begins Feb. 10.
EDUCATIONAL
ESL CONVERSATION CLASSES
Improve your general English skills in a casual setting. Attendees may practice their conversation skills, build their vocabulary, and meet a diverse group of people. *Excludes major holidays.
6:30 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 8 – April 29 – Google Meet, 972-205-2533 – Link in our calendar on library’s website.
6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 2 – April 30 – South Garland Branch, 972-205-3931
6:30 p.m. First, second, third Thursday of each month, Jan. 4 – April 18 – Walnut Creek Branch, 972-205-2587
Tech hour – 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 2 – April 30 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Need help with a device or have a computer question? Come by the South Garland Branch any Tuesday from 2-3 p.m. to get assistance with your technology needs!
Every Body Yoga – 2 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 12 – April 26 – South Garland Branch – 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 abilities and fitness levels.
GARLAND ISD: MAKING STRIDES – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2804
Panelists will discuss the desegregation of GISD and integration challenges. Panelists include Mrs. Bertha Wallace, CAPS Historian; Ms. Carol Montgomery, GISD teacher and the Honorable Linda Griffin, President, GISD Board of Trustees. Attendees may view related short films. Refreshments at 6 p.m.
LET’S WRITE! WRITING WORKSHOP – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2587
Explore fiction writing and receive encouragement and thoughts from other writers! All skill levels welcome!
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 take place at the South Garland Branch.
GETTING ON THE INTERNET – 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22