The Nicholson Memorial Library System has announced its schedule of activities for March. There are fun events for all ages.
Garland libraries foster early literacy
In 2020, the Garland libraries adopted a new Master Plan for library service, with one of the foremost objectives being to foster early literacy development. To this end, they are introducing Skill Kits, which are designed to help children learn the skills needed for entering school. Skill Kits focus on a specific topic or concept. Concepts include counting, ABCs, phonics, shapes, colors and basic math. Each consists of a backpack containing a selection of books, games and activities related to the concept. Skill Kits are available at all Garland libraries. All locations offer the ABC, counting, color, shapes and basic math kits, while other specialized kits are offered at select locations. A Garland library card is required to check out Skill Kits. Visit Library.GarlandTX.gov or call 972-205-2517.
Adult book club meets
Adults ages 18+ are invited to join the club at the South Garland Branch. The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 17. Library staff and attendees will discuss A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles and enjoy refreshments. Registration not required. 972-205-3931.
Adults Cook the Book
Adults can learn new recipes and share their talents with their fellow foodies at Cook the Book. The event is at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at the Central Library. Participants will choose a recipe from a pre-selected cookbook. They will then prepare the recipe at home and bring it to be enjoyed in a buffet-style meal at the library. The selected cookbook will be available at the Reference Desk at the Central Library beginning Feb. 19. The cookbook for March will consist of local Latino recipes. Cook the Book is open exclusively to adults and teens ages 13 and older who register for the event.
Make butterfly wings
Children 6-12 can celebrate National Learn about Butterflies Day (March 14) and construct wearable butterfly wings at the Walnut Creek Branch Tuesday, March 15, at 2:30 p.m. Attendees will listen to a story about butterflies, then construct their wings while learning butterfly facts. Registration is required and begins Tuesday, March 1. 972-205-2585.
Central Library hosts STEAM Labs
Children 6-12 and their families can participate in monthly STEAM Labs at Garland’s Central Library Saturday, March 26, at 1 p.m. Each STEAM Lab will consist of stations featuring activities on a centralized theme. Instructions will be in English and Spanish. Attendees may take home any project they complete. March’s theme is Spring. No registration required. 972-205-2517.
Children celebrate women’s history
Children 6-12 celebrate Women’s History Month by creating art inspired by female artists at Garland’s Central Library Saturday, March 19, at 2:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about African American artist Alma Woodsey Thomas, Cuban American artist Carmen Herrera and Singaporean artist Han Sai Por. Children will then make mosaics like Thomas, design abstract minimalist patterns inspired by Herrera and shape and mold sculptures similar to Por’s. Registration required. 972-205-2517.
Little Art Explorers make Bubble Wrap paintings
Children 0 to 5 can participate in an art series at the South Garland Branch at 4 p.m., Saturday, March 5. Little Art Explorers supports early child development by integrating activities that build motor skills, increase vocabulary, improve symbol recognition and encourage emotional awareness. Children will explore Bubble Wrap and create paintings with it. 972-205-3933.
Coding activity for middle graders
Children in grades four through eight explore STEAM concepts during fun, hands-on learning activities at the monthly Middle Grade Maker events at the Walnut Creek Branch. The next event is Saturday, March 26, at 2:30 p.m. Participants will use iPads to explore coding in the educational app Swift Playground. Attendees will learn about the basics of coding and application creation. Registration is required and begins Saturday, March 12. 972-205-2585.
Adults paint cherry blossom tote bags
Celebrate spring by decorating tote bags with cherry blossoms at the North Garland Branch Thursday, March 3, at 5 p.m. Crafters will use permanent markers to draw cherry blossoms on bags before spritzing the canvas with rubbing alcohol. The alcohol will allow the ink to bleed, creating a watercolor effect. Registration is required. 972-205-2803.
Monthly STEAM lab
The North Garland Branch is hosting monthly STEAM Labs for families. Each lab will consist of a STEAM-based project that integrates science and engineering concepts. The next lab is Saturday, March 19, at 11 a.m. Participants will learn about chain reactions by completing domino challenges. Registration is required. 972-205-2804.
Romancing the Book Club debuts
Ages 18+ are invited to join romance book club. The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, at the South Garland Branch. Staff and attendees will discuss Bombshell by Sarah MacLean.
“Premier” storyteller at Senior Social Hour
Elizabeth Ellis, lauded by the Dallas Morning News as the city’s “premier” storyteller, will appear at Senior Social Hour. Ellis will present an hour of stories at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at the Central Library. She has enjoyed a 30-year career as a storyteller and is a repeat favorite at the National Storytelling Festival. Sponsored by Friends of the Library, this program is open to ages 55+. Registration not required. Doors open 30 minutes early. www.Library.GarlandTX.gov,. 972-205-2501.
Family paint time
Join us for an afternoon of painting at Canvas & Cookies at the South Garland Branch! Children of all ages and their caregivers can register for this free event Saturday, March 19, at 4:30 p.m. We will celebrate World Frog Day (March 20) by painting a kawaii-style frog. Supplies provided. Registration required, begins March 5. Only children can paint. Caregivers are welcome to help. 972-205-3934.
Teen Advisory Board meets
Teens ages 13-17 can make a difference by joining the Teen Advisory Board at Garland Libraries. The next meeting is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at the Central Library. Teens will discuss how the library can better serve their age group. They receive volunteer hours for attending. Serving on the Advisory Board allows teens to socialize with peers. 972-205-2517.
Teens build art bots
Teens build their own Art Bots FREE at the Central Library Thursday, March 3, at 5:30 p.m. Teens learn about engineering while creating their own Art Bot! Teens will use their bots to create a unique piece of art. Registration required, limited to 15 teens. Registration begins Feb. 17. 972-205-2517.
Please 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.
Central Library, 625 Austin Street in downtown Garland – 972-205-2516
South Garland Branch Library, 4845 Broadway Blvd. at Oates Road 972-205-3934
North Garland Branch Library, 3845 North Garland Avenue at Apollo Road 972-205-2804
Walnut Creek Branch Library, 3319 Edgewood Drive 972-205-2585