The Garland library system has put together a wonderful schedule of activities for March. There are fun, interesting activities for all age groups.
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.
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 latest information.
Play & Learn
11 a.m. on Wednesdays, Jan. 11 – April 26 – North Garland Branch, 972-205-2804
10 a.m. on Saturdays, Jan. 14 – April 29 – South Garland Branch, 972-205-3933
Families can participate in Play & Learn, a weekly event where families with children ages 0 to 5 enjoy free playtime.
LITTLE ART EXPLORERS
2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 4 – South Garland Branch
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. March theme: sculpture. April theme: Big Art Day mural painting.
FINGER PAINT PARTY
10:30 a.m., Monday, March 13 – Central Library
Attendees will learn about mixing colors before making their own paintings using their fingers! Paint-friendly clothing is encouraged. Registration is required and begins Monday, Feb. 27. Call 972-205-2517 to register.
BOOKWORM BOOK CLUB
1 p.m., Tuesday, March 21 – South Garland Branch
Each book club meeting will focus on a particular theme. Families are encouraged to read a picture book or an age-appropriate non-fiction book matching the theme and bring it to the meeting to share. 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. March theme: weather.
FAMILY PLACE PLAYTIME WORKSHOPS
12:15 p.m., Thursdays, March 23 to April 20 – South Garland Branch
During this five-week program series, toddlers, ages 1 to 3, and their caregivers can enjoy a special playtime featuring toys, books and art activities. Each week families get to spend quality time together, make new friends, and talk one-on-one with a different local professional that specializes in early childhood development areas like early literacy, speech and language, nutrition and music and movement. Registration is required. Call 972-205-3934 to register beginning March 9.
Families
CREATIVITY NIGHTS
6 p.m., Tuesdays, from Jan. 10 to March 28 – Central Library
Creativity Nights 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. No registration is required.
Young Audiences (Ages 6-12)
Lego® Club
2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 4 – Central Library
Lego® Club members 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 events. Call 972-205-2517 to register.
STEAM Labs
2:30 p.m., March 13-17 – Central Library, 972-205-2517
STEAM Lab consists of stations featuring activities on centralized theme. Attendees may take home projects completed. March theme: spring.
10 a.m. Saturdays, March 18 and April 15 – North Garland Branch
Participants will explore science and engineering concepts while completing hands-on STEAM projects. March project—rubber band racers. April project—stomp rockets. Registration required, begins two weeks before event dates. Call 972-205-2804.
STEAM CARDBOARD CREATIONS
2 p.m. Thursday, March 16 – North Garland Branch
Children will use their art, engineering, and math skills to design and build with cardboard boxes at this event. They can make butterfly wings, cars, and houses using cardboard and chipboard boxes provided by the library.
BOOK EXPLORERS
2:30 p.m., Saturdays, March 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 limited to 15 participants. To register, call 972-205-2517 beginning two weeks prior to the event. March book: The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons by Natascha Biebow and Steve Salerno.
Teen Audiences (Ages 13-17)
TEEN ADVISORY BOARD
6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 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, March 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 share recent reads or old favorites.
ADULTING 101
6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 23 – Central Library
Teens and young adults ages 15 to 21 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 and is limited to 15 young adults. Registration begins two weeks before each event. Call 972-205-2517 to register.
MIDDLE GRADE MAKERS
2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 25 – Walnut Creek Branch
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. Call 972-205-2585 to register. March project: bridge construction.
TEEN AFTER HOURS
Teens ages 13 to 17 can hang out at the library after closing. Each Teen After Hours event consists of a group activity. Snacks are provided. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each event.
6:30 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 10 – Central Library
Teens play “Among Us” and complete challenges that help identify an imposter trying to sabotage a spaceship. Call 972-205-2517 to register.
6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 11 – North Garland Branch
Teens can play glow-in-the-dark mini golf. Call 972-205-2804 to register.
Adult Programs (Ages 18+)
BOOK CLUBS
MYSTERY BOOK CLUB
6 p.m., Thursday, March 23 – Central Library, 972-205-2533
Library staff and attendees will discuss the selected titles. Visit www.Library.GarlandTX.gov for March book selection.
BOOK CLUB
6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16 Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri – South Garland Branch, 972-205-3931
Library staff and attendees will discuss selected titles.
BAKE THE BOOK
2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18 – Theme: Indian baking (Holi). Books: Indian Cooking Unfolded by Raghavan Iyer or My Indian Kitchen by Swayampurna Mishra – South Garland Branch, 972-205-3931
Attendees 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 the listed books or use a recipe of their own that fits the theme.
ENTERTAINMENT
GAME TIME FOR ADULTS
6 p.m. Thursday, March 2 – Central Library, 972-205-2533
Adults can get their game on at an event for patrons 18+. Play favorite games with friends or learn a new one. The library will provide playing cards, board games, puzzles and video games.
AFTERNOON BOARD GAMES
2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 8 – Walnut Creek Branch, 972-205-2533
Adults ages 18+ socialize and play board games at an event featuring games such as Scrabble®, chess, backgammon, checkers, cards and dominoes. Refreshments are provided and no registration is required.
CRAFTS
SPRING WREATHS
2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11 – Walnut Creek Branch
Participants will use embroidery hoops, tulle, embroidery floss, and artificial flowers to craft wreaths. Supplies are provided by the library. Registration is required and limited to 12 individuals. Call 972-205-2587 to register beginning Saturday, Feb. 25.
BOOK NOOKS
5 p.m. Thursday, March 23 – North Garland Branch
Participants will be given precut, wooden sheets to assemble into a miniature library. The pieces snap together similar to a three-dimensional puzzle. Supplies are provided. Registration required and limited to 15 people ages 18+. Call 972-205-2803 beginning Thursday, March 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, 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, 972-205-3931
Adults can learn the basics of yoga from a professional 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
Classes free and open to adult Garland residents. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each class. Call 972-205-2533 to register. Classes are at the Central Library.
INTRO TO WORD – 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 14 and INTRO TO EXCEL – 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 28
CAREER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
6 p.m., Tuesdays, March 7,14, and 21 – Central Library
Adults ages 18+ learn how to market themselves in the workforce at this three-part career development workshop. The first workshop will cover basic resources, such as career placement tests, resume builders and job search tools. The second workshop will help participants prepare for applications and interviews. The third will focus on networking and professional goals. Attendees may have a free headshot taken at third event to use for professional purposes. Registration is required and begins Feb. 21. Call 972-205-2533 to register.
POLLINATOR GARDENING
2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 11 – South Garland Branch
A master gardener will teach participants how and what to plant to create a pollinator garden, which attracts hummingbirds, bees and other beneficial pollinators. Staff from Garland Code Enforcement will be available to answer questions regarding what is allowed in residential gardens. Registration required and limited to 50 individuals. Registration begins Saturday, Feb. 25. Call 972-205-3931.