Library Events & Programming

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.

Connect with your Garland Library and like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GarlandLibraryTX.
Storytime videos stay in Facebook for 24 hours.

Vietnamese New Year / Tet

2:30 p.m., Saturday, January 28
North Garland Branch Library

Families and children of all ages can celebrate Vietnamese New Year, or Tet, with a performance from the Lion Dance Troupe. The Lion Dance is performed every year at Tet and celebrates luck, health, and prosperity. The Lion Dance Troupe will explain the dance and then perform it. After the performance, children ages four through twelve can make lion dance masks out of cardboard!

Lego Club

2:30 p.m., Saturdays, February 4 and March 4
Central Library 

Are you up for the challenge? Join us for Library Lego Club, where you'll create Lego designs based on new challenges each month. Ages 6-12, registration is required.

Register for February's event by calling 972-205-2516 or REGISTER ONLINE.

Little Art Explorers

2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 4
South Garland Branch Library

Let's get messy, create, and grow together! This art program encourages little ones to explore, be creative, and use their imaginations through different activities. We focus on the process of making art instead of the product, and work on strengthening early literacy skills. 

In February, we're exploring opposites with black and white works of paper art! Art supplies are while supplies last.

Make Valentine's Pin-back Buttons

2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 11
Walnut Creek Branch Library

Design and color your own Valentine's Day pinback button using a professional button maker. Kids 12 and younger are invited to create unique pinback buttons for your special valentine.

Register by calling 972-205-2585 or register online.

Canvas & Cookies

2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 18
South Garland Branch Library

2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 18 Join us for an afternoon of painting and cookies at the South Garland Branch Library! We'll be celebrating Love Your Pet Day by painting a portrait of our favorite pet. If you do not have a pet, that is OK! Join us and paint a pet of your dreams! 

Registration begins Saturday, Feb. 4. Call 972-205-3934 to register.

Steam Lab Saturday

10 a.m., Saturdays, February 18, March 18, and April 15
North Garland Branch Library

Participants will explore science and engineering concepts while completing hands-on STEAM projects.

• January - Builder Battles
• February - Light Up Paper Helicopter
• March - Rubber Band Racers
• April - Stomp Rockets

Registration is required and begins two weeks before the event dates. Call 972-205-2804 for more details.

Book Explorers

2:30 p.m., Saturdays, February 18 & March 18
Central Library

What will you discover when you become a Book Explorer? Reading and hands-on learning come together in this program for children ages 6-12. Registration is required. Call 972-205-2501 to register or register online.

Steam Lab

2:30 p.m., February 20, and the week of March 13 - 17
Central Library

Open STEAM lab for ages 6-12. Enjoy fun STEAM challenges while learning problem-solving skills! Drop-in program. 

Laboratorio STEAM abierto a edades 6-12. ¡Disfrute de divertidos retos STEAM mientras aprenda habilidades para resolver problemas! Sin reservación.

Creativity Night / Noche de Creatividad

6 p.m., Tuesdays, January 10 - March 28
Central Library

Let's get creative! Join us every Tuesday night for an hour of crafting the whole family can enjoy. Drop in between 6-7pm! 

¡Seamos creativos! Acompáñenos todos los Martes por la noche para una hora de manualidades que puede disfrutar toda la familia. ¡Pase entre 6-7pm!   

Bookworm Book Club

1 p.m., Tuesdays, February 21, March 21, & April 18
South Garland Branch Library

Are you and your preschooler looking for a new way to enjoy reading? Join our new Bookworm Book Club at the South Garland Branch Library! Read a book based on this month's theme, bring it to the program to share, and enjoy doing fun crafts and more! No registration is required. Call 972-205-3934 for more details.

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, or register online using Beanstack: https://nmls.beanstack.org/reader365
Already have a Beanstack account? Just sign in to get started!

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.

Middle Grade Makers: Make Your Own Pinball Machine

2:30 p.m., Saturday, January 28

Middle Grade students, 4th - 8th grade, will explore the world of physics while make their own cardboard Pinball Machine. Registration required, begins January 14, limit 15 spaces. This event is full and registration has closed.

Walnut Creek Branch Library
972-205-2585

Escape Room: STEAM Edition

2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 11

Think you have what it takes to escape? Test your sleuthing skills with our STEAM themed escape room. Work in groups of up to 6 people to solve the puzzles before time runs out. Win treats and bragging rights. Registration required. 

¿Crees que tienes lo necesario para escapar? Ponga a prueba sus habilidades como detective con nuestra sala de escape de STEAM. Trabaja en grupos de hasta 6 personas para resolver los rompecabezas antes de que acabe el tiempo. Gana dulces y el derecho de sentirse orgulloso. Registro requerido. 

Central Library 
972-205-2501

Teens Craft for a Cause

2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 11

Teens ages 12 to 17 can learn how to make dog and cat toys using old T-shirts. Teens may then continue making the toys at home and earn one hour of volunteer time for each toy they return to the North Garland Library between March 1 and May 1. All toys will be donated to the Garland Pawsibilities animal shelter. 

Registration is required to attend the instruction session and begins Saturday, Jan. 28. Please call 972-205-2804 to register or register online.

North Garland Branch Library 
972-205-2804

Teen Cafe

2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 11

Teens! Join us at the South Garland Branch Library for an afternoon of activities, games, and hanging out with friends in a cafe-style setting. Refreshments will be offered and are while supplies last. Earn volunteer hours by donating non-perishable items for the North Texas Food Bank. For every 5 food items you will earn 1 hour of community service. 

Call 972-205-3934 for details and registration or register online.

South Garland Branch Library 
972-205-3934

Novel Ideas

6:30 p.m., Thursdays, February 16 & and March 16

Come chat with other teens about recent reads, all-time favorites, books you didn't get, or books you couldn't put down. No assigned book - read what you want, or come for recommendations! Ages 12-17.

Central Library
972-205-2501

Adulting 101

6:30 p.m., Thursdays, February 23, March 23

Join us for these crash courses in Adulting 101 - learning some basic life skills for being a "responsible" "grown-up." Young and new adults (Ages 15-21) are invited to attend this program series, registration is required.

Call 972-205-2501 to register for the January event or register online.

Central Library
972-205-2501

Middle Grade Makers Celebrate Black History Month

2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 25

Middle Grade Makers will celebrate inventor Sarah E. Goode for Black History Month. Sarah design and patented a convertible bed in 1885. She was one of the first black woman too receive a patent. Makers will design and create their own miniature piece of convertible furniture.

Walnut Creek Branch Library 
972-205-2585

Teen Advisory Board

Teens ages 13 to 17 can make a difference in their community by joining the Garland Library Teen Advisory Board. Teens will discuss how the library can serve their age group in terms of events, materials, and services. Participants will receive volunteer hours for attending.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m., second Thursday of the month
Central Library
972-205-2516

In addition to helping improve library service to teens, serving on the Advisory Board allows teens to socialize with their peers. Teens who apply for board membership need parental consent and must attend two consecutive meetings and a total of eight meetings per year to officially serve as members.

The Teen Advisory Board meeting dates for 2023:

• January 12
• February 9
• March 9

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

4 p.m., Saturday, January 28

In this Saturday afternoon program, patrons will watch a video of a Holocaust survivor telling their story. Refreshments provided.

South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931

Adult Game Night

6:00 p.m., Thursdays, February 2 & March 2

Once a month @ 6:00 pm on the first Thursday of the month, adults (18+) are welcome to gather at the Central Library to play board games, cards, or work on puzzles. No registration required. Light refreshments will be served.

Central Library
972-205-2501

Cookie Decorating Class

2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 4

Come celebrate the end of the Library's Winter Reading Challenge! Learn the basics of cookie decorating by decorating 4 cookies with winter-themed designs. There will also be hot chocolate to enjoy! 

Registration begins Saturday, January 21 and is free and open to adults, 18+. Call 972-205-3932 to register or register online.

South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931

Genealogy: Back to the Basics

4 p.m., Wednesday, February 8

Join James Thornhill from local genealogy organization Heroes of the Past for a talk on "Back to the Basics," with tips about getting started with genealogy research. 

South Garland Branch Library 
972-205-3933

Black History Month Lecture featuring speaker Mr. Ricky McNeal

6:30 p.m., Thursday, February 9

In honor of Black History Month, Ricky McNeal, President of Garland’s NAACP Unit 6256, will present “Anti-Black Violence and Resistance in the Diaspora.” Mr. McNeal will describe the obstacles and barriers related to housing, education, employment, and community issues that African Americans had to overcome when they migrated to Garland. 

A display of “firsts” for Black community leaders in Garland will also be on display throughout the month.

North Garland Branch Library
972-205-2805

Get Your Game On!

2 p.m., Wednesdays, February 8, March 8, and April 12

Join us for an afternoon of gaming! We will provide an assortment of board games that adults to play together such as scrabble, playing cards, dominoes, checkers, backgammon. 

Walnut Creek Branch Library 
972-205-2587

Senior Social Hour: Jill Beam

2 p.m., Thursday, February 9

Patrons aged 55+ may attend Jill Beam's performance of "Laughter, for the Health of it," an afternoon of humor, musical comedy, and lots of big laughs! Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Central Library
972-205-2501

Building Your Crochet Basics

6:30 p.m., Thursdays, February 9, March 9, and April 13

Come learn to crochet with us as we present a monthly, four-part series on the basics of crochet. You’ll go from learning how to get started with a slip knot and chain stitch to learning more complex skills like double crochet, increasing and decreasing, and how to make a granny square.

South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931

Painting Party

5 p.m., Thursdays, February 23

Come to the North Garland Branch Library for a Painting Party. No artistic skills needed!! All supplies and refreshments will be provided. Ages 18+. Registration is required and begins February 9.

North Garland Branch Library
972-205-2803

The Office Trivia Night

6:15 p.m., Friday, February 24

Test your The Office knowledge with The Office Trivia Night! Participate in teams of 1-4 people to answer questions all about Scranton’s finest employees. The first place team will receive their very own Dundees. Registration required.

Central Library
972-205-2533

book clubs

Adult Book Club
6:30 p.m., Thursdays, February 16, March 16, and April 20

• Feb. 16: White Ivy by Susie Yang
• March 16: Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri 
• April 20: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

Interested in reading and discussing books with other library patrons? Join us for the book club at the South Garland Branch Library as we discuss a different book each month and enjoy light refreshments.

South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931

Mystery Book Club
6 p.m., Thursdays, January 26, February 23, and March 23

Adult book club for lovers of mysteries and thrillers. This club meets once a month @ 6:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month. No registration required. 

The January 26 meeting, the official launch of book club, will focus on choosing books for the series. Light refreshments will be served.

Central Library
972-205-2501

Get Bready to Crumble: Baking Book Club
2:30 p.m., Saturdays, January 28, February 25, March 18, and April 22

Prove you've got what it bakes! Choose a recipe from our selected book or bring your favorite recipe that fits each month's theme. When all is said and bun, you can enjoy a taste of all the baked goods prepared for the program while discussing the selected book, the month's theme, or baking in general. Be a part of history in the baking at this new library program!

Register for the January event by calling 972-205-3931 or register online.

South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931

Clases de Computadora en Espanol

10 a.m., Saturdays, February 18 and March 18

Clases de Computación en Español 10:30 a.m., Sabados 

La Biblioteca de Garland organizará clases de computación en español. Serán disponibles para los residentes de Garland. La inscripción habré dos semanas antes de la fecha de la clase. 

• 18 de febrero – Introducción a su escritorio 
• 18 de marzo – Creando y usando su cuenta de Gmail 

Biblioteca Central 
972-205-2533 

Computer Classes in Spanish 

The Garland Libraries will host computer classes at Central Library in Spanish. Open to Garland Residents. Registration opens two weeks before the class date. 

• February 18 – Introduction to Your Desktop 
• March 18 – Setting Up and Using Your Gmail Account

Central Library
972-205-2533

Computer Classes for Beginners

2 p.m. Tuesdays, January 31, February 14, February 28, March 14, and March 28

The Garland Libraries will host a computer class every other week at Central Library. Open to Garland Residents. Registration opens two weeks before the class date. 

• January 31 - Mouse & Keyboarding for Beginners - This class is full, join the waistlist.
• February 14 - Desktop & File Management 
• February 28 - Getting on the Internet 
• March 14 - Intro to Word 
• March 28 - Intro to Excel

Central Library
972-205-2533

English Conversation Class

6:30 p.m., Mondays beginning January 9
Central Library

6:30 p.m., Tuesdays beginning January 3
South Garland Branch Library

Meeting once a week, these interactive conversation groups for English learners are geared toward improving every day skills in a casual setting. These classes will allow participants to improve their conversational skills in a friendly environment as well as build vocabulary and confidence.

For more information, please call 972-205-2501.

Every Body Yoga

2 p.m. Fridays, January 13 through April 28

Adults can learn the basics of yoga from a professional yoga instructor. Attendees must provide their own blanket, towel, or yoga mat and are encouraged to exercise within limits of their abilities and fitness levels.

South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931