The Nicholson Memorial Library System has announced a schedule that contains a variety of January activities for adults and children.
Adults Cook the Book – Adults 18+ who enjoy cooking can learn new recipes and share their talents with fellow foodies at Cook the Book. The next event will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7 at the South Garland Branch. To register, participants will choose a recipe from a pre-selected cookbook, then prepare the recipe at home and bring it to be enjoyed in a buffet-style meal at the library on the event date. The selected cookbook will be available at the Reference Desk at the South Garland Branch beginning Dec. 24. The cookbook for January will consist of breakfast food recipes.
Adults make rustic rope baskets – Adults 18+ use rope and hot glue to transform metal baskets into containers that will add a rustic touch to any décor. The workshop is at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at the South Garland Branch. All supplies are provided by the library. Registration is required and is limited to 24 participants. Registration begins Saturday, Dec. 28. Call 972-205-3931.
Kids make new year lanterns – Children 6-12 can celebrate both the solar new year (Jan. 1) and the lunar new year (Jan. 25) by making lanterns at Art Explorers at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4 at the Walnut Creek Branch. Attendees learn about types of art, then develop STEAM art skills by creating masterpieces. Attendees will learn about the difference between the solar, or western new year, and the lunar, or eastern new year. They will then use watercolors to hand-paint lanterns to light their way into 2020. Registration is required and is limited to 24 participants. Register by phone or in person at the Walnut Creek Branch beginning Saturday, Dec. 21. 972-205-2585.
Kids play life-sized games – Children 6-12 can play life-sized versions of classic board games at Books and Beyond at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Central Library. Books and Beyond consists of book discussions and activities related to monthly themes. Each theme incorporates concepts from STEAM learning: science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Attendees can choose from four different life-sized games to play: Connect Four, Jenga, Memory, and Checkers. 972-205-2516.
Garland library fosters literacy – Parents of Garland’s youngest citizens can help develop children’s early literacy skills at Wee Read storytime, designed for children 18 months and younger. Wee Read is at the Central Library Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. beginning Jan. 16 and consists of stories, rhymes, songs, flannel boards, fingerplays and general play. Activities build language proficiency, strengthen listening skills, encourage socialization, tie images to reading and connect feelings and emotions with words. Wee Read promotes bonding between infants and caregivers, teaches caregivers ways to promote early literacy at home and shows caregivers as reading role models. 972-205-2516.
Lady & the Tramp Vocal Duo sings hits – Lady & the Tramp brings rock and roll hits to Senior Social Hour at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Central Library. Performance features rock, pop and country hits from the 1940s – 1980s. Their repertoire includes tunes by artists such as Elvis, The Beatles, Billy Haley & the Comets, The Everly Brothers, and Carole King. Sponsored by Friends of the Library, Senior Social Hour programs are free and open to anyone 55+. Donations of gently-used books and media for Friends of Library book sale will be accepted. Registration not required. Seats fill up quickly. Doors open 30 minutes before the performance. 972-205-2502.
Library to host sensory-friendly story-times – Families with children 12 and younger with special needs are invited to attend sensory-friendly storytimes each month at the South Garland Branch. The first will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. Storytime gives children the freedom to move, sing and play within a structured program. The sensory-friendly storytimes will be interactive and feature a visual schedule, carpet squares, fidget toys and earmuffs. Events focus on built-in playtime with movement activities, such as bubbles, sensory bins, and balance beams, as well as craft time to promote exploration and socialization. Caregivers are asked to stay with children and engage in the activities. Siblings may also attend. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Library 972-205-3933.
ESL conversation classes – The library will introduce ESL conversation classes beginning Jan. 8. Class will meet once a week on Wednesdays, 2:30 to 4 p.m. at South Garland Branch. It is geared toward improving English skills in a casual setting. Attendees may practice conversation skills in a friendly environment, build vocabulary, learn about American culture and meet a diverse group of people. Light refreshments provided. 972-205-3931.
Spring storytimes for children and families – Jan. 13 – May 2, 2020. 972-205-2516.
Central Library
Toddler Storytime (18-36 mos.) Mondays, 10 a.m.
Preschool Storytime (3-5 yrs.) Mondays, 11 a.m.
Wee Read (birth to 18 mos.) Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
North Garland Branch
Wee Read (birth to 18 mos.) Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Toddler Storytime (18-36 mos.) Fridays, 10 a.m.
Preschool Storytime (3-5 yrs.) Fridays, 11 a.m.
South Garland Branch
Toddler Storytime (18-36 mos.) Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
Preschool Storytime (3-5 yrs.) Wednesdays, 11 a.m.
Super Saturdays (all ages) Saturdays, 10 a.m.
Walnut Creek Branch
Family Storytime Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Super Saturdays debut – Families can enjoy free playtime and STEAM activities at the South Garland Branch weekly event, Super Saturday. It will debut at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 and continue each Saturday through May 2. Super Saturday will largely consist of free playtime but may incorporate themes and elements from traditional storytime. 972-205-3933.
Teens form advisory board – Teens 13-17 can make a difference in their community by joining the Teen Advisory Board at Garland Libraries. An informational meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 at the Central Library. Teens will fill out applications and discuss how the library can serve their age group in terms of events, materials and services. The group will also determine how often they would like to meet and finalize other goals. Serving on the board will allow teens to socialize and play games at the meeting. Refreshments provided. Teens who apply need parental consent and will need to attend two consecutive meetings and eight meetings per year to officially serve as members.
Teens Craft for a Cause – Teens 13-17 can give back to the community and earn volunteer hours through the Craft for a Cause program at the Central Library Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required. Participants will learn the stockinette stitch and knit two blanket rectangles. Teens may keep the knitting needles and continue making the rectangles at home. They will earn one hour of volunteer time for each rectangle they return to the Central Library. All knitted rectangles will be donated to Warm up America. Registration begins Thursday, Jan. 2. 972-205-2516.
Adult Book Club – Adults 18+ are invited to join the book club at the South Garland Branch. The next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. Library staff and attendees will discuss Warlight by Michael Ondaatje and enjoy light refreshments. Registration not required. 972-205-3931.
Central Library, 625 Austin Street in downtown Garland
South Garland Branch Library, 4845 Broadway Blvd. at Oates Road
North Garland Branch Library, 3845 North Garland Avenue at Apollo Road
Walnut Creek Branch Library, 3319 Edgewood Drive
Be aware that photographs and video may be taken at library programs for use in print and/or electronic media at the library’s discretion.
Due to planned construction, event locations are subject to change. Please visit our website, www.Library.GarlandTX.gov, for the latest information. 972-205-2516.