The Nicholson Memorial Library System has announced a variety of activities for October. There’s something fun for everyone.
Free escape room event for kids – Children ages 6-12 can attend a free escape room event at the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Books and Beyond program at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Central Library. Books and Beyond consists of book discussions and activities related to themes which incorporate concepts from STEAM learning: science, technology, engineering, art and math. They will enjoy kid-friendly version of popular escape room events and work in teams to solve clues, break codes and obtain key that will enable them to “escape” the room. Adults may stay in room with their children but must allow them to solve puzzles themselves. Registration required, limited to 20 children and begins Saturday, Oct. 6. Call 972-205-2516. Due to construction, locations could change. Visit www.library.garlandtx.gov, for information.
Adults make button art – Adults make button art by arranging clothing buttons on a canvas in a personal design at adult craft workshop at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at South Garland Branch. Each workshop features a unique craft project or art piece. Supplies provided by library. Registration required and limited to 24. Registration begins Saturday, Oct. 13. Call 972-205-3931. Event is sponsored by Friends of the NMLS and open to adults ages 18+.
Garland Fire Department teaches preschoolers about fire safety – In honor of Fire Safety Month, preschoolers ages 3-5 are invited to meet Garland firefighters at North Garland Branch Friday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. Children will learn about fire safety. Parents will get tips on developing fire plans. The children may also tour fire engines and ambulances. 972-205-2804.
Children Attend Harry Potter Potions Class – Children 6-12 can experience Professor Snape’s Potions Class from the popular Harry Potter book series. Potions class is at South Garland Branch at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13. Class will include four experiments using items like milk, dishwashing liquid, vinegar, baking soda and food coloring. Experiments include making unicorn milk, fizzing elixir, fleeing spiders and famous Mandrake Restorative Draught. 972-205-3933.
Polka music at library – In honor of German Heritage Month, musician Matt Tolentino will present German polka music at the Senior Social Hour. Tolentino begins at 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, at the Central Library. Tolentino is a native of Dallas who specializes in popular pre-swing music from 1895 to 1935. He often performs at theatres and clubs in Dallas. He will give a solo accordion performance. 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 the Library are accepted. No registration required. Seats fill up quickly. Doors open 30 minutes before performance. Due to construction, event locations are subject to change. Visit www.library.garlandtx.gov, for latest information. 972-205-2502.
Tweens make squish toys – Tweens create stress-relief squish toys at Tween Scene, a program designed for youth 10-13. It consists of activities related to fun and interesting themes. Participants also receive book recommendations. First program is at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 4, at South Garland Branch. Second is at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 11, at North Garland Branch. 972-205-3933.
Kids study line drawing – Children can use feathers to study line drawing at Art Explorers, a monthly program for children ages 6-12. The next event is at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Walnut Creek Branch. Children learn about different types of art, then develop their STEAM art skills by creating masterpieces. Attendees will choose one or more feathers to use in their line drawing study. The artists will use pastel crayons to replicate the feathers on black paper. Registration required and limited to 24 participants. Register by phone or in person at the Walnut Creek Branch beginning Saturday, Sept. 22. Supplies are provided by library. 972-205-2585.
Central Library – 625 Austin Street; Walnut Creek Branch – 3319 Edgewood Drive; South Garland Branch – 4845 Broadway Boulevard; North Garland Branch – 3845 North Garland Avenue
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.