The Garland libraries will host a variety of activities throughout October. Check out the list now and make plans to join in the fun.
Early Literacy (Ages 0-5)
FALL STORYTIMES – Sept. 5 – Nov. 25 – 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 and 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 – South Garland Branch, 11 a.m. Fridays – 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
Play & Learn – *Excludes major holidays
10 a.m., Fridays, July 31 – Dec. 15 – Central Library Express -972-205-2517 Limited seating – Excludes Oct. 13
11 a.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 6 – Nov. 22 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2804
10 a.m., Saturdays, Sept. 9 – Dec. 30 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3933
LITTLE ART EXPLORERS – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3933
Little Art Explorers supports early child development with activities that build motor skills, increase vocabulary, improve symbol recognition and more. Focus is on making art rather than the end product. Oct. 7 theme: Ball Art.
BABY ART CLUB – 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7 – 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, though mess-free options will be available. Supplies provided. Space limited.
PAJAMA PARTY STORYTIME – 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 11 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
It’s time for a Pajama Party! Evening story time features stories, songs, rhymes and activities. Limited seating.
LITERACY GYM (AGES 3-6) – 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 13 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Participants will play fun, active games focused on gaining literacy skills. Each attendee will receive a literacy take-home gift. Registration required and begins two weeks before the event. Limited seating.
FAMILY PLACE PLAYTIME WORKSHOPS – 12:15 p.m., Thursdays, Oct. 5 to Nov. 2 – South Garland Branch
During this five-week program series, ages 1-3, and their caregivers enjoy playtimes featuring toys, books and art activities. Families spend quality time together, make friends and talk one-on-one with local childhood development professionals. Registration required. Call 972-205-3934 for info and to register beginning Sept. 21.
FUN WITH FINGER PAINTING – 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 9 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Make a mess and have fun learning about colors at fingerpainting party! Ages 1-5 (and caregivers). Limited seating.
Families
CRAFT NIGHT/NOCHE DE ARTE – 6 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 5 to Nov. 28 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Let’s get creative! Join us Tuesday nights for an hour of crafting for the family can enjoy. Drop in between 6-7 p.m.
FUN FRIGHT FIESTA – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 28 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Join spooky family event with games, treats and piñata filled with prizes! Piñata event – 3 p.m. Costumes encouraged.
Young Audiences (Ages 6-12)
LEGO® CLUB – 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 28 – (ages 6-17) – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Lego® Club members (ages 6-15) enhance their creativity participating in STEAM-related challenges each month. Registration is required and begins two weeks before event. Limited space, tickets available 30 minutes before event.
STEAM Lab – 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 21 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2804
Participants explore science and engineering concepts while completing hands-on STEAM projects. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each event date. Oct. 21 project: Candy Science.
Monday – Thursday, Oct. 9-12 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Each STEAM Lab consists of stations featuring activities on a central theme. Attendees take home projects they complete. October theme: Spooky. Limited seating.
BOOK PARTIES – 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
Book celebrations that incorporate crafts, STEAM activities and book recommendations. Book series: Dog Man. Registration required, begins two weeks before event.
DIY Shrinky Dinks – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3933
Participants design their own Shrinky Dink charms by drawing on shrink plastic with markers. Once designs shrink, charms can be made into keychains or necklaces. Registration required, begins two weeks before event.
BLING YOUR OWN BUCKET (AGES 5-12) – 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 31 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3933
You bring the bucket; we provide the decorations. Decorate your trick-or-treating bucket (or bag) with us.
Teen Audiences (Ages 13-17)
STUDY CAFE – 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Teens will find a calm environment at Study Café to work on homework and other projects. Refreshments provided.
TEEN ADVISORY BOARD – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517 -Limited seating.
6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
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.
TEEN ADVENTURING GUILD – 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Teen adventurers – all Dungeons and Dragons skill levels welcome. New players can join at any time. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each event. Limited space, tickets available 30 minutes early.
GET BREADY TO CRUMBLE! – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 – Theme: Love at First Bite – Creepy Bakes.
Teens and adults sign up and select recipes two weeks before event, then make their selection at home and bring it to meetings. Participants can choose a recipe from the listed books or use a recipe of their own that fits the theme.
MACRAME TODAY (AGES 12+) – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3933
Grasp the basics of macramé while making your own decorative wall tapestry. We will practice various knots. These make beautiful wall décor or a unique gift. Registration required, begins two weeks before event.
TEEN AFTER HOURS
Teens 13-17 hang out at library after closing. Event includes a group activity. Snacks provided. Registration required, begins two weeks before each event.
MINUTE TO WIN IT – 6:30 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7 – North Garland Branch
Minute to win it games; compete for prizes, bragging rights! Snacks provided. Call 972-205-2804 to register.
ESCAPE ROOM: HAUNTED LIBRARY – 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 – Central Library Express -972-205-2517
The Haunted Library – A complex Teen After Hours escape room event. Call 972-205-2519 to register.
LIFE-SIZE CLUE – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21 – South Garland Branch
A spooky night of fun at the South Garland Branch. Play game of life-sized “Clue” where you are the player, moving around the mansion to solve a mystery. Snacks provided. Call 972-205-3933 to register.
Adult Programs (Ages 18+)
BOOK CLUB – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19- Pieces of Her – Karin Slaughter-South Garland Branch-972-205-3931
Library staff and attendees will discuss selected titles. Please visit www.Library.GarlandTX.gov for more information.
MYSTERY BOOK CLUB – 6 p.m. Thurs, Oct. 26 – Falling by T.J. Newman – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
GAME NIGHT FOR ADULTS – 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Ages 18+, play games with friends. Library provides cards, games, puzzles, video games. Limited seating.
MAKER SPACE CLASSES – 2 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 6, Oct. 20 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Learn about Central’s Maker Space. Develop maker techniques like laser cutting, 3D design, 3D printing, vinyl cutting (Cricut), soldering. Ages 13-17 and adults. Registration required, begins two weeks before events. Limited seating.
MINI MAKER SPACE: OPEN LAB – 3 to 5 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 6, Oct. 20 – 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 7, Oct. 21 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Ages 13-17 and adults use the library’s Maker Space tools and resources. A variety of craft supplies will be available. Patrons must attend maker space classes to use certain Maker Space equipment. Limited seating.
SCRAP AND MEET: A SCRAPBOOK PROGRAM – 6 p.m. Wed., Oct. 18 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Join scrapbook program and discuss themes, techniques, preservation and articles while enjoying music and refreshments. Supplies provided, bring your scrapbook! Registration encouraged, begins two weeks before program.
MACRAME TODAY (AGES 12+) – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3933
Grasp basics of macramé while making a wall tapestry. Practice lark’s head knots, square knots, half knot spirals and clove hitch knots. These make beautiful décor or a unique gift. Registration required, 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 – Dec. 18 – Central Library Express, 972-205-2533 – Limited seating. Zoom available.
6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 5 – Dec. 19 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
6:30 p.m. First, second, third Thursday of each month, Sept. 7 – Nov. 16 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
Tech hour – 2 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 5 – Nov. 28 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Need help with device or have computer question? Go by South Garland Branch any Tuesday, 2-3 p.m. for help.
very Body Yoga: Yinyoga – 2 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 8 – Nov. 17 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Adults learn basics of yoga from a professional yoga instructor. Attendees provide their own blanket, towel or yoga mat and are encouraged to exercise within limits of their abilities and fitness levels.
intro to canva – 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 5 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Learn basics of Canva, an online graphic design website where you create designs from scratch. Class covers the program’s setup, templates, design elements and more. Registration required, begins two weeks before event.
COMPUTER CLASSES – Participation is free and open to adult Garland residents. Registration required, begins two weeks before each class. Call 972-205-3931 to register. All classes at South Garland Branch.
GETTING ON THE INTERNET – 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12
INTRO TO WORD – 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26
Seniors (Ages 55+)
Animal adventures with dallas zoo – 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2804
Dallas Zoo will bring live animals for a fun afternoon featuring creatures from around the world. No refreshments served.