The Garland Library System has a great offering of activities for the month of April. Be sure and check the list to see which you’d like to attend.
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 Library
Cuentos y Cantos: 10 a.m. Wednesdays at Central Library Express and 10:30 a.m. Fridays at Walnut Creek Branch
Play & Learn – Families with children participate in Play & Learn. Children 0-5 enjoy toys, games and activities that foster imagination, creativity, 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, April 6 – South Garland branch – 972-205-3934
Little ones will learn to make art. Wear mess-friendly clothes! Materials available. April 6 theme: Puffy Paint Moon
PAJAMA PARTY STORYTIME – 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 10 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Grab your favorite stuffie, put your jammies on and join us for evening story times, songs, rhymes and activities to support early literacy development.
TINY TOT PROM (AGES 1-3) – 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13 – South Garland branch – 972-205-3934
Join our springtime Tiny Tot Prom! Dress up in your best for a fun time groovin’ to music, crafts, a photo booth and snacks. Registration required and begins March 30.
SENSORY ADVENTURES (AGES 3-5) – 11 a.m. Friday, April 26 – Walnut Creek Branch Library – 972-205-2585
This is an interactive, messy playtime that encourages preschoolers to learn using their five senses.
BUBBLE BASH (AGES 2-5) – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27 – North Garland branch – 972-205-2804
Make bubble art, giant bubbles and explore simple science concepts! Space is limited and a free ticket required. Tickets available 30 minutes before event.
Families
READ ART DISPLAY – During Open Hours, April 1 – 13 – Walnut Creek Branch Library – 972-205-2585
Help create a collaborative art display to celebrate National Library Week! We will use cardboard and string to make beautiful creations. Drop in and help make the word READ in different languages to display in the library.
BOOKMARK DESIGN CONTEST (ALL AGES) – During Open Hours, April 1 – 25 – All Libraries
Choose from one of three themes to design bookmark and make bookmark to later be judged by librarians of their chosen branch. Each age group will have a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner. The 1st place winners of each age group will have their bookmarks printed and distributed at their branch
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ECLIPSES – 2 p.m. Saturday, April 6 – South Garland branch – 972-205-3934
Ever wonder how people throughout history have viewed eclipses? Wonder no more with this lively reenactment by the South Garland Library Puppeteers!
BIG ART DAY: POUR PAINTING – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6 – North Garland branch – 972-205-2804
Make a pour painting on Big Art Day! Space limited. Free ticket required. Tickets available 30 minutes before event.
ECLIPSE MAKER PARTY – 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6 – South Garland branch – 972-205-3934
Make eclipse-themed crafts, play a game. All ages welcome! Free solar eclipse glasses while supplies last.
SOLAR ECLIPSE DAY – 12:23 p.m. to 3:02 p.m. Monday, April 8 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Solar viewers available in limited supply. Don’t forget chairs and blanket! The eclipse peaks at 1:40 p.m.
SPRING CARNIVAL – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
We will be outside on the portico. Stations include face painting, balloon burst game, cupcake walk, Connect 4™.
HOMESCHOOL LIBRATORY – 12:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 – South Garland branch – 972-205-3934
Hands-on STEAM activities and a book club with homeschoolers! Families considering homeschooling are welcome.
FAMILY BUSY BOARDS – 10 a.m. Saturday, April 27 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Families select their own sensory and fidget elements to create a unique activity board. One board per family group. Registration is required and begins April 13.
Young Audiences (Ages 6-12)
LIBRARY LEGO® CLUB (AGES 6-17) – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18 – 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. Tickets will be available 30 minutes before the event.
STEAM Lab – 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 20 – 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. April 20 project: Soda Bottle Terrarium.
DIY PLARN JUMP ROPES – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20 – South Garland branch – 972-205-3934 -Celebrate Earth Day. Recycle plastic shopping bags and make them into jump ropes. Registration required. Begins April 6.
Tween and Teen Audiences (Ages 10-17)
COCOA CLUB – 6 p.m. Friday, April 12 –
Listen to a book, enjoy hot cocoa and popcorn! Bring blankets and pillows for a comfy time. Drawing and painting station available. Permission slips required if not with parent/guardian. Space is limited and a free ticket is required. Tickets available 30 minutes before the event.
STUDY CAFE – 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Teens will find a relaxing environment at our Study Café to work on homework and other projects. Snacks provided.
TEEN ADVISORY BOARD (AGES 13-17) – Teens make a difference in the community, earn volunteer hours by joining Teen Advisory Board. Attend meeting to apply and discuss library events, services and materials for teens.
6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11- Central Library Express – 972-205-2517 – Limited seating available.
2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20 – North Garland branch -972-205-3934
6 p.m. Thursday, April 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. Space is limited and a free ticket is required. Tickets available 30 minutes before the event.
10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13 – North Garland branch -972-205-3934
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 –Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
ANIME CLUB (AGES 13-17) – 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 24 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Watch and talk anime, make themed crafts, enjoy snacks. Space limited. Will share chosen titles later on Facebook.
ADULTING 101 (AGES 13-17) – 6 p.m. Thursday, April 25 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Join us for these crash courses in Adulting 101 – learning some basic life skills for being a grown-up. Space is limited and a free ticket is required. Tickets available 30 minutes before event.
TEEN ADVENTURING GUILD – 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2517
Seeking Dungeons and Dragons adventurers of all skill levels! New players can join any time. Space is limited and a free ticket is required. Tickets available 30 minutes before event.
MIDDLE GRADE MAKERS: STAR WARS – 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2585
Create a Star Wars Perler Bead keychain and enjoy a snack! Free ticket required, available 30 mins. before event.
Maker Lab (Adults & Teens 13+)
The Maker Lab provides access to maker machines – 3-D Printers, Cricut machine, Laser Cutter and Soldering Irons. When introductory course is finished, patrons may use machines during Open Lab hours or attend a Master Class!
MAKER LAB INTRO CLASSES
INTRODUCTORY MAKER CLASSES – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Learn about the Central Express’s makersrpace and develop maker techniques using our machines! These skills include Laser Cutting, 3-D Design, 3-D Printing, Vinyl Cutting (Cricut), Soldering and more. Registration is required and begins 2 weeks before the class.
INTRO TO SOLDERING – 10 a.m. Saturday, April 13 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Learn basics of soldering! This class will enable patrons to use Soldering Irons at library-free! Open to all ages 13+.
TEEN MAKERSPACE (AGES 13-17) – 4 p.m. Friday, April 19 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Come learn about the Central Library Express makerspace and create fun projects with our 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. March 22 project: Laser Cutter. April 19 project: Soldering.
MAKERSPACE 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 makerspace tools and resources. Space is limited.
MAKER LAB MASTER CLASSES
5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Patrons will use skills they have learned during other Maker Classes to work on higher level Maker projects. Open to adults and teens ages 13+. Registration begins 2 weeks before class.
Adult Programs (Ages 18+)
BOOK CLUBS
BOOK CLUB – 6:30 p.m. Thurs., April 18 The Housekeepers by Alex Hay – 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, April 13 Mao volume 1 by Rumiko Takahashi – Central Library Express – 972-205-2535 – Discuss graphic novels and share your opinions over refreshments
BAKE THE BOOK – 2:30 p.m. Sat., April 27 – Theme: Savor of the Month – Savory Bakes – South Garland branch -972-205-3931
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.
MYSTERY BOOK CLUB – 6 p.m. Thurs., April 25 1979 by Val McDermid – 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, April 4 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Adults gather to play games and socialize. Library provides playing cards, board games, puzzles. Space is limited.
AFTER HOURS: POETRY NIGHT – 6 p.m. Friday, April 5 – Central Library Express -972-205-2533
Join an open mic poetry night! Listen, share or feel inspired to draft your own poem. Refreshments provided.
TEAM PICTIONARY© – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2587
Adults, play Pictionary at the Walnut Creek Branch. Play in teams of up to 4. Registration required. Begins March 23.
CRAFTS
PIE FRACTIONS EVENT – 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Sign up to bring a pie to share while making Fraction Art. Registration is required and begins March 19.
DIY PRESSED FLOWER JARS – 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20 – Walnut Creek – 972-205-2587
Create DIY jars using dry pressed flowers and mason jars. Jars can be used for vases, candle holders, etc. This is a two-session event, participation for both is not required. Registration is required, begins April 6.
CACTUS COASTERS – 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533
Celebrate spring by making interlocking Cactus Coaster. All supplies included. Registration required. Begins April 9.
PAINT LIKE SERIES .
6 p.m. Friday, April 26 – Central Library Express – 972-205-2533 – Create masterpieces based on Frida Kahlo! Learn about Frida’s unique style in this series and eat food from her era. Registration is required and begins April 12.
EDUCATIONAL
ESL CONVERSATION CLASSES – Improve general English skills in a casual setting. *Excludes major holidays.
6:30 p.m. Mondays, Ja n. 8 – April 29 – Google Meet, 972-205-2533 – Link can be found in calendar on 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
Come by South Garland branch any Tuesday from 2-3 p.m. to get assistance with computer questions.
Every Body Yoga – 2 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 12 – April 26 – South Garland branch – 972-205-3931
Adults learn the basics of yoga. Bring blanket, towel or yoga mat.
HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL – 6 p.m. Tuesdays, April 9 and 23 – Walnut Creek Branch – 972-205-2587
Explore novel writing! Two-part discussion series explores how to plot and plan a novel and create interesting characters. Patrons invited one or both days. April 3: Plot and Planning. April 23: Characters with Character.
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. Classes at South Garland branch.
GOOGLE SHEETS FOR BEGINNERS – 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11
Programas en Español
PARA NIÑOS
CUENTOS Y CANTOS – Este tiempo de cuentos en español se dedica a preparar a su hijo para ingresar a la escuela. Acompáñenos para cuentos y cantos mientras aprendemos sobre temas escolares y lo más importante, las habilidades necesarias para leer.
10 a.m. los miércoles, 10 de enero al 24 de abril – Biblioteca Central Express – 972-205-2517
10:30 a.m. los viernes, 12 de enero al 26 de abril – Sucursal de Walnut Creek – 972-205-2585
PARA ADULTOS Y FAMILIAS
NOCHE DE POESÍA – 6 p.m. viernes, 19 de abril – Biblioteca Central Express – 972-205-2517 – ¡Acompáñenos para una noche de poesía con micrófono abierto para todos los poetas y oyentes! Puede escuchar, compartir o inspirarse para escribir su propio poema. Se ofr ecerán aperitivos y refrescos.
CLUB DE COCINA: ANTOJITOS Y MÁS–2 p.m. sábados, 20 de abril-Biblioteca Central Express – 972-205-2517
Participe en nuestro Club de Cocina donde puede compartir sus recetas favoritas. Los participantes cocinaran una receta propia de acuerdo con el tema del mes. Si no tiene una receta propia, se le puede proporcionar una. Traerá su comida para compartir con otros el día del programa. Al fin del programa, votaremos por el mejor platillo. El ganador se llevará una tarjeta de regalo de un restaurante de Garland.
SERIE DE PINTA COMO–6 p.m. viernes, 26 de abril-Biblioteca Central Express – 972-205-2533 – ¡Crea su propia obra de arte basada en la célebre artista Frida Kahlo el 26 de abril! Aprenda sobre el estilo único de ella en esta serie de pintar y sorber co-patrocinado por la Asociación de Negocios del Centro de Garland. Debe tener 21 años o más para asistir a este programa. Inscripción es requerida y comienza el 12 de abril.
CLASES DE MAKERSPACE – 10 a.m. los sábados, 6 de enero al 27 de abril – Biblioteca Central Express – 972-205-2517 – Venga a aprender del Makerspace de la Biblioteca Central y desarrolle técnicas de creador como el corte por láser, diseño 3D, impresión 3D, corte de vinilo (Cricut), soldadura y más. Para adultos y adolescentes (de 13-17 años). Inscripción es requerida.
INTROD. A LA SOLDADURA – 10 a.m. sábado, 20 de abril – Biblioteca Central Express – 972-205-2517
Los usuarios aprenderán lo básico de cómo soldar. ¡Esta clase servirá como entrenamiento para que los usuarios utilicen los soldadores de la biblioteca de forma gratuita! Abierto a adultos y adolescentes mayores de 13 años.
MAKERSPACE LABORATORIO ABIERTO – 11:30 a.m. sábado, 20 de abril – Biblioteca Central Express – 972-205-2517 – Los adultos y adolescentes son bienvenidos a utilizar las herramientas y recursos del makerspace de la biblioteca. Una variedad de materiales de manualidades estará disponible para crear con ellos. Las clases de makerspace son necesarias para utilizar algunas de las herramientas durante la parte del laboratorio abierto. Cupo limitado.
CLASES MAGISTRALES DE MAKERSPACE – 5:30 p.m. martes, 9 de abril – Biblioteca Central Express – 972-205-2517 – Desafía tus habilidades de Maker uniéndote a una clase magistral de makerspace. Los usuarios usarán las habilidades que aprendieron previamente durante otras clases de Maker para trabajar en proyectos de Maker de nivel superior. Abierto a adultos y adolescentes mayores de 13 años. Inscripción es requerida.
TABLAS OCUPADAS PARA FAMILIAS – 10 a.m. sábado, 27 de abril – Biblioteca Central Express – 972-205-2517
¡Ven como una familia y crea tu propia Tabla Ocupada! Las familias seleccionarán sus elementos ganados para crear una Tabla Ocupada única. Todos los miembros de la familia pueden ayudar con la asamblea. Una tabla por grupo familiar. La inscripción es requerida y comienza el 13 de abril.
CLASES DE CONVERSACIÓN EN INGLÉS – 6:30 p.m. los lunes, 8 de enero al 29 de abril – Google Meet, 972-205-2533 – El enlace se puede encontrar en nuestro calendario en nuestro sitio web.
6:30 p.m. los martes, 2 de enero al 30 de abril – Sucursal de South Garland, 972-205-3931
6:30 p.m. El primer, segundo, y tercer jueves del mes – 4 de enero al 18 de abril – Sucursal de Walnut Creek, 972-205-2585 – Mejore su inglés general en un espacio casual. Asistentes practicarán sus habilidades de conversación, armarán su vocabulario, aprenderán de la cultura americana y conocerán a un grupo de gente diverso. *Excluidos los días festivos.