The Garland Library System has announced a full list of activities for Jan. 2024. Check it out and decide which you’d like to attend!
Winter Reading Challenge | Dec. 1-Feb. 29
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 held at Central Library Express. Drawings will take place from the pool of system-wide entries.
Winter Reading Events
Bookmark Party (AGES 18+) – 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13 – South Garland Branch 972-205-3931
Celebrate the Winter Reading Program and join our Bookmark Party! Show off your creative side with three different styles of bookmarks you can make for yourself or a friend. Registration is required and begins Dec. 30.
Alcohol Ink Art Keychain (AGES 18+) – 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 23 – Walnut Creek Branch 972-205-2587
A local art instructor will lead a class on how to make alcohol ink art. Participants will make one or two paintings, one of which will be turned into art for a keychain. Registration is required and begins Jan. 9.
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 Library
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 and 10:30 a.m. Fridays at Walnut Creek Branch
Play & Learn
Families can participate in Play & Learn 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
PAJAMA PARTY STORYTIME
6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Grab your favorite stuffie and put your jammies on! Join us for evening story times, songs, rhymes and activities to support early literacy development.
LITTLE KID OBSTACLE COURSE
11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 20 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3934
Hop, skip, crawl and roll through our fun obstacle course designed for families with little ones! There will be a course for toddlers and preschoolers and a special Baby Gym just for our littlest library friends.
SENSORY ADVENTURES (AGES 3-5)
11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 26 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
A sensory adventure! An interactive, messy playtime that encourages preschoolers to learn using their five senses.
Families
HOMESCHOOL LIBRATORY – 12:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16 – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3934
An afternoon of exploring hands-on STEAM activities and a book club with your fellow homeschoolers! Families who are considering homeschooling are also welcome. Jan. 16 theme: Weather. Feb. 20 theme: Architects vs. Engineers. March 19 theme: Solar System & Eclipse. April 16 theme: Espionage & Mysteries.
MYSTERY BAG CRAFT (AGES 4+)
10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 27 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2804
Families are invited to grab a mystery bag of craft materials and make whatever you like. No instructions included, use your imagination! Space is limited. A free ticket is required. Tickets will be available 30 minutes before event.
CRAFT NIGHT
6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Get creative! Join us Tuesday night for an hour of crafting the family can enjoy. Drop in between 6-7 p.m.
Young Audiences (Ages 6-12)
STEAM Lab
2:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
STEAM challenges while learning problem-solving skills at this drop-in program!
10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 20 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2804
Explore science and engineering concepts while completing hands-on STEAM projects. Space is limited and a free ticket is required. Tickets will be available 30 minutes before the event. Jan. 20 project: Crazy Contraptions. Feb. 17 project: Rib Bots Rib Bots. March 16 project: Codes and Ciphers. April 20 project: Soda Bottle Terrarium.
LIBRARY LEGO® CLUB (AGES 6-17)
6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18 –Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Library Lego® Club members (ages 6-17) create Lego designs based on new challenges each month. Space is limited and a free ticket is required. Tickets will be available 30 minutes before the event.
ART CLUB
6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 22 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Art Club members explore the world of art by using different art mediums and techniques to create masterpieces! Everyone is encouraged to wear paint-friendly clothing. Space is limited. Free ticket required. Tickets available 30 minutes before event.
Tween and Teen Audiences (Ages 10-17)
COCOA CLUB
6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 5 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
We’ll listen to a book and enjoy hot cocoa and popcorn! Bring blankets and pillows for an even comfier time. A drawing and painting station will also be available. Permission slips are required if attending without a parent or guardian. Space is limited. A free ticket is required. Tickets will be available 30 minutes before the event.
HOW TO BULLET JOURNAL
2:30 and 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 6 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
Bullet Journals are a unique way to organize your notes, goals, assignments and more in creative ways! Students, writers and planners ages 13+ are welcome to join us to create your own 2024 Bullet Journal. Event is Jan. 6 at 2:30 then repeated with same content at 3:30 p.m. Registration required for each session and begins Saturday, Dec. 9.
STUDY CAFE
5 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 10 – 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 are 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, Jan. 11 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517 – Limited seating.
2:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2517
6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 25 – 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 your 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, Jan. 13 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2517
6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 24 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
TEEN ADVENTURING GUILD
3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20 – 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, Jan. 25 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Crash courses in Adulting 101 – learning some basic life skills for being a grown-up. Space is limited. A free ticket is required. Tickets will be available 30 minutes before the event.
TEEN K-POP CRAFT (AGES 13-17)
3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
Explore the world of K-Pop music! Show off your photocard collection and create a personalized keychain while enjoying authentic Asian treats. Space is limited. A free ticket is required. Tickets available 30 minutes before event.
BAKE THE BOOK
2:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27 – New Year, Old Recipes – Nostalgic Bakes – South Garland Branch -972-205-3934
Teens and adults sign up and select recipes two weeks before each event, then make 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, Jan. 31 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Join us to watch and talk anime, make themed crafts and enjoy snacks. Space is limited. We will share our chosen titles at a later date on lbrary’s Facebook page.
Maker Lab (Adults & Teens 13+)
Maker Lab at the Central Library Express provides access to 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 a Master Class! This is a small sample of what is to come once our Central Library is complete.
MAKER LAB INTRO CLASSES
INTRODUCTORY MAKER CLASSES
Central Library Express
972-205-2533
Learn about Central Express’s Maker Space and develop maker techniques using machines! These skills include laser cutting, 3-D design, 3-D printing, vinyl cutting (cricut), soldering and more. Registration is required and begins two weeks before class.
INTRO TO 3-D PRINTING
10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 6 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Patrons will learn the basics of 3-D printing! This class will set patrons up to use the 3-D printers at the library for free! Open to adults and teens ages 13+.
INTRO TO LASER CUTTING
10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 20 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Patrons will learn the basics of using the laser cutting machine! This class will set patrons up to use the laser cutter at the library for free! Open to adults and teens ages 13+.
TEEN MAKERSPACE (AGES 13-17)
4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 26 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Teens learn about Central Library Express Maker Space and create projects! When the introductory course is complete, teens can take part in Open Lab. Registration required, begins one week before each class. Jan. 26 project: 3-D Printing. Feb. 23 project: Cricut. March 22 project: Laser Cutter. April 19 project: Soldering.
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 supplies will be availableh. Maker Space classes are required to use some of the tools during the Open Lab portion. Space is limited.
MAKER LAB MASTER CLASSES
5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Challenge skills by joining a Maker Space Master Class. Patrons use skills they’ve previously learned to work on higher level projects. Open to ages 13+. Registration required, begins 2 weeks before the class.
Adult Programs (Ages 18+)
BOOK CLUBS
6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18 Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli – 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, Jan. 6 Snotgirl volume 1, by Bryan Lee O’Malley –Central Library Express – 972-205-2535. Dive deep into discussing graphic novels and share opinions over refreshments.
BAKE THE BOOK
2:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27 – New Year, Old Recipes – Nostalgic Bakes – South Garland Branch – 972-205-3931
Teens and adults sign up and select recipes two weeks prior to each event, then make selection at home and bring it to meetings. Participants can choose a recipe from selected books or use a recipe of their own that fits the theme.
MYSTERY BOOK CLUB
6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 25 Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister – 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, Jan. 4 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Adults invited to gather at this monthly event to play games and socialize. The library provides playing cards, various board games and puzzles. Patrons can also bring their own games! Space is limited.
VOCALIST BRAD ACKLAND (AGES 55+)
2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2803
Hear Brad Ackland sing Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin standards. He was featured in a Dallas Morning News article about the active “Silver Circuit” in the area.
CRAFTS
DIY BOOK TRACKING BOOKMARKS
6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 9 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Keep track of what you have read or plan to read this year. Create a Book Tracking Bookmark! Space is limited.
NO-SEW SCARVES
5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16 – North Garland Branch – 972-205-2517
Make an easy, no-sew fleece scarf with fringe for yourself or as a gift! Registration is required. Begins Jan. 2.
SCRAP AND MEET
6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 23 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
All you need is scrapbook and creativity! We will discuss themes, techniques, preservation and articles while enjoying music and refreshments. The first three newcomers to sign up on the library’s website will receive a new scrapbook at the Jan. 23 kick-off.
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 calendar on library’s website.
6:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 2 – April 30 – South Garland Branch Library – 972-205-3931
6:30 p.m., First, second, third Thursday of each month, Jan. 4 – April 18 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-258
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.
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 the limits of their abilities and fitness levels.
LET’S WRITE! WRITING WORKSHOP
6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2587
Explore fiction writing and receive encouragement and thoughts from other writers! All levels of skill are 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 are at the South Garland Branch.
MOUSE & KEYBOARDING FOR BEGINNERS – 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 11
DESKTOP & FILE MANAGEMENT – 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 25