Library Events & Programming

Family Programming Calendar

FAMILY HOLIDAY CRAFTERNOON

2:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3934

Join us for a marvelous holiday crafternoon! Make a family keepsake ornament as well as other pieces perfect for decorating your home or to gift to a loved one. 

Registration: Families can register via our online form: https://forms.gle/KkNg5faZQjN1MLXe9 or by calling 972-205-3934.

FAMILY HAUL-IDAY SHOW/ESPECTACULO DE JUEGOS

6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15 | 6 p.m., viernes, 15 de diciembre
Central Library Express
972-205-2517

Happy Haulidays! Join us for a game show extravaganza where families will complete fun challenges for prizes. Registration is required and begins two weeks prior to the event. Limited seating available. 

¡Feliz fiestas! Acompáñenos para un espectáculo de juegos donde las familias completarán divertidos desafíos para obtener premios. Gratis para jugar. Espacio limitado.

Every Child Ready to Read^©

Every Child Ready to Read^© is a program designed to help parents and caregivers help their children be ready to read. These pre-literacy activities are designed for ages 0 through 5 years and will change every other week. These simple activities encourage a child's ability to learn and form both spoken and written words. Teaching parents and other caregivers how to support the early literacy development of their children is the basis of Every Child Ready to Read^© at the Garland Libraries. 

1 of the 5 Every Child Ready to Read^© Practices will be highlighted during each bi-weekly activity: 
1. Talking: Talking with children helps them learn oral language, one of the most critical early literacy skills. Children learn about language by listening to parents talk and joining in the conversation.
2. Singing: Singing develops language skills. Slows down language so children can hear the different sounds in words. Helps children learn new words and information.
3. Reading: Reading together develops vocabulary and comprehension, nurtures a love for reading, and motivates children to want to learn to read.
4. Writing: Children become aware that printed letters stand for spoken words as they see print used in their daily lives.
5. Playing: Play is one of the best ways for children to learn language and literacy skills. They learn about language through playing as the activities help them put thoughts into words and talk about what they are doing.

Each activity will feature 1 of 4 subjects: 
Reading
Science
Math
Art

Each of the Garland Libraries will provide pre-literacy activities that can be accessed by parents and/or caregivers and their children anytime the libraries are open.  Every location within the Garland Library system will be presenting the same subject and practice for two weeks before moving on to the next subject and practice.

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Children's Programming Calendar

PLAY & LEARN

Join us at Garland Libraries for free-play time for families to enjoy. A variety of toys, games, and stations will be available to explore! 

• 10 a.m. Fridays, Sept. 1 - Dec. 15, Central Library Express *Excludes Sept. 15, and Oct. 13
• 11 a.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 6 - Nov. 22, North Garland Branch Library
• 10 a.m., Saturdays, Sept. 9 - Dec. 30, South Garland Branch Library

BABY ART CLUB

2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2
Central Library Express
972-205-2517

Babies (6-18 months) will listen to a short story and then work on a baby-safe painting activity related to the story. Be prepared to get messy, though mess-free options will be available. All supplies provided. Space is limited.

PAJAMA PARTY STORYTIME

6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 13
Central Library Express
972-205-2517

Grab your favorite stuffie and put on your jammies, it's time for a Pajama Party! Join us for a monthly evening storytime featuring stories, songs, rhymes, and activities to support early literacy development. Limited seating available. 

NOON YEAR’S EVE EVE (AGES 0-5)

11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 30
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

Ring in the New Year in style with your little ones! We will be celebrating the start of 2024 with crafts, snacks, and dancing. Fancy attire is welcomed. (Older siblings are invited to celebrate too). Registration is encouraged and begins on Dec. 16.

 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is an initiative from the 1000 Books Foundation that encourages children to read or be read ONE THOUSAND books before beginning Kindergarten. 

In as little as 15 minutes a day, families can work toward this goal and help their children to build the skills needed for future school and life success. Babies, Toddler, and Preschoolers ages 0 to 6 are welcome to participate in this ongoing program.

Register for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten in person at your local Garland Library. Come in and pick up a log, or use one of our printable reading logs below:
    1,000 Books Log 1-100
    1,000 Books Log 101-200
    1,000 Books Log 201-300
    1,000 Books Log 301-400
    1,000 Books Log 401-500
    1,000 Books Log 501-600
    1,000 Books Log 601-700
    1,000 Books Log 701-800
    1,000 Books Log 801-900
    1,000 Books Log 901-1,000

Once your child has completed a log, bring it to the Children’s Desk at any of our libraries to receive a prize and the next reading log.

The Garland Public Library was using Beanstack and has chosen to discontinue it. If you would like to register for or to continue updating your reading progress for the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program, please visit any of the four Garland Public Library locations.

Children's Programming Calendar

Tweens and Teens Programming Calendar

CHESS CLUB

11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Central Library Express
972-205-2517

Make your move! Come learn the basics of chess and test your skills in a match. All chess materials will be provided. For kids and teens (ages 6-17). Registration is required and begins two weeks prior to each event. Limited space, tickets available 30 minutes before event.

Tweens and Teens Programming Calendar

STUDY CAFE

5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 
Central Library Express
972-205-2517

Teens will find a calm and relaxing environment at our Study Café to work on homework and other projects. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. 

CHESS CLUB

11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 
Central Library Express
972-205-2517

Make your move! Come learn the basics of chess and test your skills in a match. All chess materials will be provided. For kids and teens (ages 6-17). Registration is required and begins two weeks prior to each event. Limited space, tickets available 30 minutes before event.

TEEN ADVISORY BOARD @ Central

6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14
Central Library Express
972-205-2517 

Teens can make a difference in their community and earn volunteer hours by joining the Teen Advisory Board. Attend a meeting to apply and discuss future library events, services, and materials for teens. Limited seating available. 

BAKE THE BOOK

2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931

We Whisk You Happy Holidays – Holiday Bakes

Teens and adults will sign up and select recipes two weeks prior to each event, then make their selection at home and bring it to the meetings. Participants can choose a recipe from the listed books or use a recipe of their own that fits the theme.

ART HACKERS: HOLIDAY SIGN (AGES 10-17)

2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Central Library Express
972-205-2517

Learn the science behind wood laser cutting while creating a work of art for the holidays! 

Register online: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHsVAazDqXH31WrZeDVeUjZV8ZdcBGUBPv9DiFqtfn9QAWCA/viewform?usp=sf_link

TEEN ADVENTURING GUILD

5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 21 
Central Library Express 
972-205-2517

Seeking teen adventurers! All Dungeons and Dragons skill levels welcome. New players can join at any time. Registration is required and begins two weeks prior to each event. Limited space, tickets available 30 minutes before event.

Adult Programming calendar

MACHINE KNITTED HATS 

Nov. 29 to Dec. 16
Walnut Creek Branch Library
972-205-2585 

Adults and teens (12+) will have the opportunity to knit a cozy hat using a circular knitting machine. Instructions and supplies will be provided, and staff will be on hand to assist as needed. Registration is required and begins two weeks prior to the event start date.  Available dates and times vary. Please call to register.

INTERACTIVE BOOK KIT: WINTER HOLIDAY ORNAMENT

Monday, Nov. 27 for Pickup; Supplies Limited
Central Library Express
972-205-2533

These thoughtful take-home kits follow along with a winter-themed book you can find at the library. While reading, unwrap the items in your kit, follow the instructions, and discover all the pieces needed to craft your own ornament.

HOLIDAY MAKERFEST

Central Library Express
5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 12
972-205-2517

Get into the holiday spirit by painting ornaments, creating a holiday card, enjoying refreshments, and joining in a classic holiday game.  All supplies included. Ages 18+. 

Register online: https://forms.gle/vH2ksmTh5LMP9nAWA

Drop-In Winter Painting Workshop - a Winter Reading Event

5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5
Central Library Express
972-205-2517

Participants will create a simple abstract winter painting using watercolors and metallic pens. While paintings are drying, participants will make their own chocolate snack mix from assorted snack mix options and melted chocolate. Supplies and space limited.

3-D HOLIDAY CARDS

5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14 **Date Change**
North Garland Branch Library
972-205-2804

Learn how to make Pop-Up Cube Cards with a matching envelope! All supplies and light refreshments will be provided. 

Register online: https://forms.gle/QRUFPfAT3fxPXWoS9

GRAPHIC NOVEL BOOK CLUB (ages 16+)

3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Central Library Express 
972-205-2517

Titles will be chosen by club members during the first meeting.  

BOOK CLUB 

6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931

“Favorite book of the year” - join us to discuss what you have read this year and which title was your favorite.

BAKE THE BOOK

2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931

We Whisk You Happy Holidays – Holiday Bakes

Teens and adults will sign up and select recipes two weeks prior to each event, then make their selection at home and bring it to the meetings. Participants can choose a recipe from the listed books or use a recipe of their own that fits the theme.

SCRAP AND MEET: A SCRAPBOOK PROGRAM

6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20
Central Library Express
972-205-2533

Join us for this monthly scrapbook program where we will discuss themes, techniques, preservation, and articles all while listening to relaxing music and enjoying light refreshments. Supplies will be provided, just bring your own scrapbook! If you do not have a scrapbook, the first 10 patrons to register for the Sept. 20 meeting will receive a new scrapbook. Registration is encouraged and begins two weeks prior to each meeting.

Bookmark Party - a Winter Reading Event

2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

There will be three stations, each with a different type of bookmark craft. Patrons may make: an embroidered felt heart corner bookmark, a book page bookmark, and a painted wooden bookmark. Registration is required and begins two weeks prior to the event.

Alcohol Ink Art Keychain - a Winter Reading Event

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024
Walnut Creek Branch Library
972-205-2585

A local art instructor will lead a class in how to make alcohol ink art. Participants will make 1 or 2 paintings, one of which will be turned into art for a keychain. Registration is required and begins two weeks prior to the event.

Exploding Valentine's Gift Box - a Winter Reading Event

5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024
North Garland Branch Library
972-205-2804

Adults will create an exploding Valentines box full of picture mementos (supplied by the patrons post-program) and fun seasonal decorations (supplied by the library). The box pieces will be cut out in advance, and the patrons can enjoy themselves putting the box together and fully decorating it in class. Registration is required and begins two weeks prior to the event.

Senior Programming Calendar

COMPUTER CLASSES

GOOGLE DOCS FOR BEGINNERS
5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931
Registration opens Nov. 16

Participation is free and open to adult Garland residents. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each class. Call 972-205-3931 to register. 

SENIOR SOCIAL HOUR

Senior Social Hour is a recreational event for patrons aged 55 and older. Sponsored by the Friend of the Library, SSH features entertainers, such as musicians and storytellers, on a monthly basis. Light refreshments are served. No registration is required to attend, but seats do fill up quickly. Doors open 30 minutes prior to performance. Visit our website, www.Library.GarlandTX.gov, for the latest information.

HARPESSENCE
2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931

This four-person harp ensemble will perform a variety of elegantly-scored holiday music. The pieces featured in this program will be interspersed with brief explanations about the history and mechanics of the harp. The event will close with audience Q&A and a chance to handle these exquisite instruments. 

GRAPHIC NOVEL BOOK CLUB (ages 16+)

Central Library Express 
972-205-2517

Last Ronin by Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird | 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Who is the Last Ronin? In a future, battle-ravaged New York City, a lone surviving Turtle embarks on a seemingly hopeless mission seeking justice for the family he lost. From legendary TMNT co-creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, get ready for the final story of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles three decades in the making!

This is a new book club! 

BOOK CLUB 

South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931

“Favorite book of the year” | 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14
Join us to discuss what you have read this year and which title was your favorite.

BAKE THE BOOK

South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931

December: We Whisk You Happy Holidays – Holiday Bakes | 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Teens and adults will sign up and select recipes two weeks prior to each event, then make their selection at home and bring it to the meetings. Participants can choose a recipe from the listed books or use a recipe of their own that fits the theme.

MYSTERY BOOK CLUB

Walnut Creek Branch Library
972-205-2587

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult | 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30
Olivia McAfee knows what it feels like to start over. Her picture-perfect life--living in Boston, married to a brilliant cardiothoracic surgeon, raising a beautiful son, Asher--was upended when her husband revealed a darker side. She never imagined she would end up back in her sleepy New Hampshire hometown, living in the house she grew up in, and taking over her father's beekeeping business.