The Nicholson Memorial Library System has announced its schedule of activities for adults and children. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Teens invited to Stranger Things party – Teens 13-17 can travel back in time to the 1980s at the Stranger Things Party Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library. Attendees can enjoy 80s tunes while making Stranger Things crafts like slogan buttons, Demogorgon finders and cropped T-shirts. Teens will provide their own T-shirts. Due to construction, event locations could change. Visit www.Library.GarlandTX.gov, or call for latest information. 972-205-2516.
Adult book club meets – Adults 18+ are invited to join the book club at the South Garland Branch. The next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20. Attendees will discuss Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate and enjoy light refreshments. Registration not required.
Adults Cook the Book – Adults, 18+, can learn new recipes and share their talents with their fellow foodies. The next event is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4 at the South Garland Branch. To register, Cook the Book participants will choose a recipe from a pre-selected cookbook. They will then prepare the recipe at home and bring it to a buffet-style meal at the library. The selected cookbook will be available at the Reference Desk at the South Garland Branch beginning Jan. 21. The cookbook for February will consist of African American recipes.
Adults make African-inspired picture frames – In honor of African American History Month, adults 18+ can make picture frames using the mud cloth design that originated in West Africa. Mud cloth designs consist of simple motifs that have specific meanings. Participants may choose from a selection of provided motifs. The workshop is at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29 at the South Garland Branch. Registration is required and is limited to 24 participants. Registration will begin Saturday, Feb. 15. Call 972-205-3931. Supplies provided by library.
Kids celebrate African American history – Children 6-12 can celebrate African American History Month by learning about artist Alma Woodsey Thomas at Art Explorers at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Walnut Creek Branch. Children learn about different types of art, then develop their STEAM art skills by creating their own masterpieces. Attendees at the February event will learn about Ms. Thomas and her expressionist paintings. Attendees will use tempera paint to create a field painting using the work of Ms. Thomas as inspiration. Registration is required and is limited to 24 participants. Register by phone or in person at the Walnut Creek Branch beginning Saturday, Jan. 18. 972-205-2585.
Kids participate in Land of Stories activities – Fans, 6-12, of the Land of Stories book series by Chris Colfer can take part in a mini “Fantasy-Con” at Books and Beyond at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Central Library. Event consists of book discussions and activities related to monthly themes. Each theme incorporates concepts from STEAM learning: science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Participants will enjoy activities inspired by the Land of Stories series including constructing a portal book cover, creating a peg doll inspired by one of the characters, writing an original story based on a provided prompt, designing a map of an imaginary land and making a “wanted” poster of a character. 972-205-2516.
Little Art Explorers debuts – Children up to 5 can participate in an art series at the South Garland Branch. It debuts at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28. Little Art Explorers will support early child development by integrating activities that build motor skills, increase vocabulary, improve symbol recognition and encourage emotional awareness. Attendees will focus on process of making art rather than the end product. Children will learn about artist Piet Mondrian. Paint will be used at this event. Dress children accordingly. 972-205-3933.
Celtic guitar player, storyteller – Senior citizens can learn about the history of Celtic music and hear it played by guitarist Jerry Barlow at Senior Social Hour program at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Central Library. Barlow performs Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Britain. He uses fingerstyle techniques that imitate instruments, like the harp, bagpipes and fiddle, for which the music was originally written. He is also a storyteller and enjoys regaling audiences with the history, legend and humor. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Senior Social Hour programs are free and open to anyone 55+. No registration is required, but seats fill up quickly. Doors open 30 minutes before performance. Due to construction, locations could change. Visit www.Library.GarlandTX.gov for the latest information. 972-205-2502.
Sensory-friendly story times – Families with special needs children 12 and younger are invited to sensory-friendly story times each month at South Garland Branch. The next story time is at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. Storytime gives children the freedom to move, sing and play within a structured program. The story times are interactive and feature a visual schedule, carpet squares, fidget toys and noise-reduction headphones. The events will focus on 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 their children and engage in the activities. Siblings may also attend. 972-205-3933.
Tweens practice papermaking – Tween Scene consists of activities related to fun themes. Participants receive book recommendations based on each theme. The program takes place twice a month on Thursday evenings. Participants will learn how to make new paper out of recycled newsprint and office paper. Tweens can emboss their newly-made paper with buttons, letters, seeds and other decorative items before taking it home to dry. The first Tween Scene is at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6, at the South Garland Branch. Second is at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13, at the North Garland Branch. Registration is required and is limited to 15 participants. Registration begins two weeks prior to each event at location where the event will be held.
Veteran resources available – Veterans can learn about VA benefits eligibility and community resources, receive job assistance and get academic tutoring all for free through the Garland library’s VetNow online resource. VetNow is part of The Library Online and offers veterans support tools, including the ability to connect with an expert to learn more about eligible VA benefits and other community resources. Once veterans know what benefits they qualify for, they can use VetNow to find resources to help them understand those benefits.
VetNow provides career assistance for veterans in or returning to the workforce. Users can work with a live coach to get help searching for a job, creating a resume or practicing for an interview. A resume lab is available for those who want help transitioning resumes from military to civilian careers and translating military skills keywords. Veterans searching for their next careers can take a self-assessment within VetNow to discover career options.
Veterans can also take advantage of VetNow’s academic services. Tutors can help with a range of subjects such as math, science, reading and history. The writing lab can help users improve their writing skills and will deliver expert analysis and constructive comments on submitted papers. The SkillSurfer service offers a library of practice exams for SAT, ACT, GED, GRE, and other exams.
VetNow can be accessed at Garland libraries or from home with a library card. Tutors and job coaches are available seven days a week, 2 to 11 p.m. VA Benefit Navigators are available Monday-Friday from 1 to 9 p.m. Visit Library.GarlandTX.gov and select Online Resources. Get a library card by presenting a valid Texas Driver’s License or ID at a Garland library. 972-205-2501.
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.