Library Events & Programming

Programs and events geared to elementary school age children plus toddlers and babies.

Super Saturdays Debut at South Garland Branch Library

Families with children of all ages can enjoy free playtime and STEAM activities at the South Garland Branch Library’s new weekly event, Super Saturday. Super Saturday will largely consist of free playtime but may incorporate themes and elements from traditional storytime. Activities may include sensory bins, blocks and Lego®, toy cars, pretend play, coloring sheets, STEAM challenges, and a selection of books for checking out.

10 a.m. to 12 p.m., each Saturday through May 2
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

No registration required.

Sensory-Friendly Stortyimes at the South Garland Branch Library

Families with children ages 12 and younger with special needs are invited to attend sensory-friendly storytimes each month at the South Garland Branch Library. Storytime gives children the freedom to move, sing, and play within a structured program. The sensory-friendly storytimes will be interactive and feature a visual schedule, carpet squares, fidget toys, and earmuffs. The events will focus on built-in playtime with movement activities, such as bubbles, sensory bins, and balance beams, as well as craft time to promote exploration and socialization. 

2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22  
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

2 p.m., Saturday, March 28
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

2 p.m., Saturday, April 25  
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Nicholson Memorial Library System. Caregivers are asked to stay with their children and engage in the activities. Siblings may also attend.

Little Art Explorers at the South Garland Branch Library

Children ages 0 to 5 can participate in an art series specifically designed for their age group at the South Garland Branch Library’s new Little Art Explorers event. 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 the process of making art rather than the end product. Children at the February event will learn about artist Piet Mondrian and make art inspired by his work.

10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28.  
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

Parents should be aware that paint will be used at this event and dress the children accordingly. 

Art Explorers: Seuss-Inspired Illustrations at the Walnut Creek Branch Library

Children ages 6 through 12 can discover the art of Dr. Seuss and make Seuss-inspired drawings at Art Explorers. Children attending Art Explorers learn about different types of art, then develop their STEAM art skills by creating their own masterpieces. Attendees at the March event will learn about Seuss’ line art technique and use it to draw their own characters, vehicles, and buildings in the Seuss style.

2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 7
Walnut Creek Branch Library
972-205-2585
Registration opens Feb. 22

Registration is required to attend each Art Explorer program and is limited to 24 participants. Registration may be completed by phone or in person at the Walnut Creek Branch Library beginning Saturday, Feb. 22.  All supplies are provided by the library. 

Family Movie: Secret Life of Pets 2 at the Walnut Creek Branch Library

Bring a blanket and attend a free movie with your family. The Secret Life of Pets 2 relates the further adventures of Max the terrier and his fellow pets while their owners are away from home. Max’s owner Kate has gotten married and had a child. Max is having a hard time with the change, but on a trip to the countryside he meets a farm dog who helps him deal with his fears. In the meantime, Gidget attempts to recover Max’s favorite toy from a cat-filled apartment, and Snowball tries to free a white tiger from the circus. The movie is rated PG.

2 p.m., Tuesday, March 10
Walnut Creek Branch Library
972-205-2585 

Doors open 15 minutes prior to the event. Seating is limited. No registration is required, and all ages may attend these events. Refreshments are available while supplies last.

Family Movie: Detective Pikachu at the North Garland Branch Library

Bring a blanket and attend a free movie with your family. In Detective Pikachu, ace detective Harry Goodman goes missing. To find him, Goodman’s son Tim must team up with Harry’s former Pokémon partner Detective Pikachu. Along the way Tim and Pikachu meet a diverse cast of characters and uncover a plot that threatens to destroy the entire Pokémon universe. The movie is rated PG. Attendees may also make Pikachu hats to wear.

2:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 11
North Garland Branch Library
972-205-2804

Doors open 15 minutes prior to the event. Seating is limited. No registration is required, and all ages may attend these events. Refreshments are available while supplies last. 

Family Movie: Toy Story 4 at the South Garland Branch Library

Bring a blanket and attend a free movie with your family. In Toy Story 4, Woody, Buzz, and the gang go on a road trip with a new toy named Forky. The trip turns into an unexpected reunion when they meet their old friend Bo Peep. The gang reminisces and discovers that each of them have unique hopes and dreams. The movie is rated G. 

2 p.m. on Thursday, March 12
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

Doors open 15 minutes prior to the event. Seating is limited. No registration is required, and all ages may attend these events. Refreshments are available while supplies last.

Books and Beyond: Minecraft at the Central Library

Minecraft fans ages 6 to 12 can enjoy activities inspired by the game at the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Books and Beyond program. Participants at the March event will enjoy Minecraft-based activities including designing a scene or character using colored sticky notes, building a character out of cardboard boxes, creating Creeper magnets, and playing a Creeper bean bag toss game.

2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 14
Central Library
972-205-2516

Books and Beyond consists of book discussions and activities related to monthly themes. Each theme incorporates concepts from STEAM learning: science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Children use their imaginations to explore the themes and complete the activities, all while socializing with others their age and having fun.

Little Art Explorers: Picasso-Inspired Portraits at the South Garland Branch Library

Children ages 0 to 5 can participate in the South Garland Branch Library’s Little Art Explorers monthly event.  Children at the March event will learn about artist Pablo Picasso and construct their own portraits using his style. Attendees focus on the process of making art rather than the finished product.

10:30 a.m., Friday, March 20
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

Little Art Explorers takes place monthly and supports early child development by integrating activities that build motor skills, increase vocabulary, improve symbol recognition, and encourage emotional awareness. 

Programs and events for junior high and high school age kids.  Regular events include gaming parties.

Tween Scene: Great Paper Chain Race    

Tweens ages 10 to 13 can use their STEAM skills by joining the Great Paper Chain Race at the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Tween Scene events in March. Participants will work individually or in teams to see who can create the longest paper chain using only one piece of paper, glue, and their STEAM math skills. Tweens will have 45 minutes to work before the chains are compared. Those with the longest chains will win the challenge.

6:30 p.m., March 5
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

6:30 p.m., March 12
North Garland Branch Library
972-205-2804

Tween Scene is a program series designed for youth ages 10 through 13, which consists of activities related to fun and interesting themes. Participants also receive book recommendations based on each theme. The program takes place twice a month at various library locations on Thursday evenings.

Book Madness: Teen Trivia Night at the Central Library

Teens can discover the fun of trivia night by attending Book Madness, a trivia tournament specially designed for youth aged 13 to 17 at the Central Library.  The night’s trivia questions will cover book-related topics like picture books, chapter books, young adult books, movies based on books, and more. Each team will write down their answers on a tally sheet. The team with the most correct answers at the end of the night will be declared the winner. Each member of the winning team will receive a prize.

6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 10
Central Library
972-205-2516
Registration opens Tuesday, Feb. 25

Participants can sign up in teams of up to four individuals beginning Tuesday, Feb. 25. Each team member must be aged 13 to 17.

Teen Advisory Board at the Central Library 

Teens ages 13 to 17 can make a difference in their community by joining the Teen Advisory Board for Garland Libraries.

Would you like to help shape the library’s future? We are still accepting applications to join the Teen Advisory Board to discuss what kinds of programs and services you’d like the library to provide. The Board meets once a month on Wednesday evenings. Throughout the meetings you can have fun, socialize, receive volunteer service hours for attending, and help plan future library programs. At the end of the meeting, snacks will be served! 

6:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 11
Central Library
972-205-2516

Teens applying for board membership will need parental consent and will need to attend two consecutive meetings and a total of eight meetings per year to officially serve as members. Due to planned construction, event locations are subject to change.

Friday the Thirteenth Trivia Event at Rosalind Coffee

Adults and teens ages 12 and older can test their knowledge of spooky and not-so-spooky trivia by attending a special Friday the 13th trivia event co-hosted by the Garland Library and Rosalind Coffee. Participants can sign up in teams of up to four at the Central Library beginning Friday, Feb. 28. Teams may also register at Rosalind Coffee the evening of the event. Each team member must be aged 12 or older. Each team will have three minutes to confer and write down their answers on a tally sheet. The team with the most correct answers at the end of the night will be declared the winner. Members of the winning team will receive a prize. 

6:30 p.m., Friday, March 13
Rosalind Coffee
107 N. Sixth St., in Downtown Garland
Sign up begins Friday, Feb. 28
972-205-2501

Homesteading & Nostalgic Craft Workshop at the Central Library

Adults and teens interested in sustainability, homesteading, and self-sufficiency can develop some unique skills at the Garland Library’s How We Used To nostalgic craft workshop. Participants at this event will develop three different skills. First, they will learn how to tie different kinds of knots that can be used to secure items to vehicles or for use in rescue situations. Next, attendees will receive instruction in basic sewing techniques and will practice their skills by making fabric coasters to take home. Finally, patrons will discover how to plant vegetable and herb seeds indoors by creating miniature greenhouses and compostable planters using recycled materials.

2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 21
Central Library
972-205-2501
Registration opens Saturday, March 7

All supplies are provided by the library. Registration is required to attend and is limited to 20 participants ages 13 and older. Registration will begin Saturday, March 7. 

 Senior Social Hour is for adults 55 years and older. Computer Classes are usually for adults 18 years and older.

ESL Conversation Class at the South Garland Branch Library

The Nicholson Memorial Library System will introduce ESL conversation classes beginning Jan. 8. The class will meet weekly and will be geared toward improving general English skills in a casual setting. Attendees may practice their conversation skills in a friendly environment, build their vocabulary, learn about American culture, and meet a diverse group of people. Light refreshments will be provided.

Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931

No registration is required to attend.

Senior Social Hour: Jerry Barlow, Celtic Guitar Player and Storyteller at the Central Library 

Senior citizens can learn about the history of Celtic music and hear it played by guitarist Jerry Barlow at the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Senior Social Hour program.  Mr. Barlow is a guitarist who 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 of the music he plays. 

2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27
Central Library
972-205-2502

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Senior Social Hour programs are free and open to anyone 55 years of age and older. No registration is required to attend the event, but seats do fill up quickly. Doors open 30 minutes prior to performance. 

Adult Craft Workshop: African-Inspired Picture Frames at the South Garland Branch Library

In honor of African American History Month, adults 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. 

2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 29
South Garland Branch Library
Registration opens Saturday, Feb. 15
972-205-3931

Registration is required to attend and is limited to twenty-four adults ages 18 and older.  All supplies are provided by the library. 

Cook the Book Mediterranean-style at the South Garland Branch Library

Adults who enjoy cooking can learn new recipes and share their talents with their fellow foodies at Cook the Book, a special program from the Nicholson Memorial Library System. In order to register for the event, Cook the Book participants will choose a recipe from The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook from America’s Test Kitchen. They will then prepare the recipe at home and bring it to be enjoyed in a buffet-style meal at the library on the event date. The selected cookbook will be available at the Reference Desk at the South Garland Branch Library beginning Feb. 18. 

6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 3
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931
Registration opens Feb. 18

Cook the Book is open exclusively to adults ages 18 and older who register for the event. 

Friday the Thirteenth Trivia Event at Rosalind Coffee

Adults and teens ages 12 and older can test their knowledge of spooky and not-so-spooky trivia by attending a special Friday the 13th trivia event co-hosted by the Garland Library and Rosalind Coffee. Participants can sign up in teams of up to four at the Central Library beginning Friday, Feb. 28. Teams may also register at Rosalind Coffee the evening of the event. Each team member must be aged 12 or older. Each team will have three minutes to confer and write down their answers on a tally sheet. The team with the most correct answers at the end of the night will be declared the winner. Members of the winning team will receive a prize. 

6:30 p.m., Friday, March 13
Rosalind Coffee
107 N. Sixth St., in Downtown Garland
Sign up begins Friday, Feb. 28
972-205-2501

Adult Craft Workshop: Painted Vases at the South Garland Branch Library

Adults ages 18 and older can learn about paint pouring and use the technique to create unique vases at the Garland Library’s next adult craft workshop. 

2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 14
South Garland Branch Library
Registration opens Saturday, Feb. 29
972-205-3931 

Each crafting workshop features a unique craft project or art piece. All supplies are provided by the library. Registration is required to attend and is limited to twenty-four participants. Registration will begin Saturday, Feb. 29. The vases made at this event will need time to dry and will be available for pick up Tuesday, March 17.

Intro to Microsoft Excel at the Central Library

Become familiar with Microsoft Excel. Attendees will learn how to open, create, edit, and save new spreadsheets; understand the functions of the ribbon and important tabs; format cells; and use formulas.

6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 18
Central Library
Registration opens Wednesday, March 4
972-205-2501

Participation is free and open to library card holders with accounts in good standing. Registration required, limited to 10 participants.

Senior Social Hour presents Tribute Artist Sherrill Douglas at the Central Library

Senior citizens can enjoy classic country and rock and roll hits at the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Senior Social Hour event in March. Renowned tribute artist Sherrill Douglas will perform her show “Superstars Tribute." A singer and performer for most of her life, Sherrill Douglas is known as the “Voice of Many Faces” and performs tributes to Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Stevie Nicks, and Patsy Cline. Ms. Douglas has performed in Las Vegas and New York, at countless theaters across the country, and was featured on both Good Morning Texas and Good Morning Tulsa. At this event, Sherrill will pay tribute to the divas, darlings, and legends of country and rock music from the past and present. 

2 p.m., Thursday, March 19
Central Library
972-205-2502

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Senior Social Hour programs are free and open to anyone 55 years of age and older. No registration is required to attend the event, but seats do fill up quickly. Doors open 30 minutes prior to performance. Donations of gently-used books and media for the Friends of the Library book sale will be accepted at the program. 

Adult Book Club at the South Garland Branch Library

Adults ages 18 and older are invited to join the Garland Library’s book club at the South Garland Branch Library. Library staff and attendees will discuss Lilac Girls by Martha Kelly and enjoy light refreshments. 

6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 19
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3931 

No registration is required to attend book club. 

Internet for Beginners at the Central Library

Learn about the different parts that make up websites and practice basic Internet searching.

10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 21
Central Library
Registration opens Saturday, March 7
972-205-2501

Registration required, limited to 10 participants. Participation is free and open to library card holders with accounts in good standing.  

Homesteading & Nostalgic Craft Workshop at the Central Library

Adults and teens interested in sustainability, homesteading, and self-sufficiency can develop some unique skills at the Garland Library’s How We Used To nostalgic craft workshop. Participants at this event will develop three different skills. First, they will learn how to tie different kinds of knots that can be used to secure items to vehicles or for use in rescue situations. Next, attendees will receive instruction in basic sewing techniques and will practice their skills by making fabric coasters to take home. Finally, patrons will discover how to plant vegetable and herb seeds indoors by creating miniature greenhouses and compostable planters using recycled materials.

2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 21
Central Library
972-205-2501
Registration opens Saturday, March 7

All supplies are provided by the library. Registration is required to attend and is limited to 20 participants ages 13 and older. Registration will begin Saturday, March 7. 

Bad Art Night at the Central Library

Adults ages 18 and older can participate in the Garland Library’s Bad Art Night event, where attendees can create art without the pressure of trying to make something perfect. Artists will be encouraged to create any art or craft they like and will be provided with materials like paint, markers, cardboard, recycled magazines, and various types of paper. At the end of the event, participants can view each other’s art and vote for “the good, the bad, and the ugly.” Winners in each category will receive a small prize. 

6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 26
Central Library
972-205-2501

No registration is required to attend.

Spring Storytimes for Children Begin January 13

The Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Spring Storytimes for children and families begin Jan. 13 and run through May 2, 2020.

Central Library
625 Austin St., 972-205-2516
Toddler Storytime (18-36 mos.)        Mondays, 10 a.m.
Preschool Storytime (3-5 yrs.)          Mondays, 11 a.m.
Wee Read (birth to 18 mos.)            Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.  **NEW**

North Garland Branch Library
3845 North Garland Ave., 972-205-2804
Wee Read (birth to 18 mos.)            Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Toddler Storytime (18-36 mos.)        Fridays, 10 a.m.
Preschool Storytime (3-5 yrs.)          Fridays, 11 a.m.

South Garland Branch Library
4845 Broadway Blvd., 972-205-3934
Toddler Storytime (18-36 mos.)        Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
Preschool Storytime (3-5 yrs.)          Wednesdays, 11 a.m.
Super Saturdays (all ages)               Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  **NEW**

Walnut Creek Branch Library
3319 Edgewood Drive, 972-205-2585
Family Storytime                               Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Due to planned construction, event locations are subject to change. Any changes will be posted here and sent out to calendar subscribers or call the library for the latest information.

Sensory-Friendly Stortyimes at the South Garland Branch Library

Families with children ages 12 and younger with special needs are invited to attend sensory-friendly storytimes each month at the South Garland Branch Library. Storytime gives children the freedom to move, sing, and play within a structured program. The sensory-friendly storytimes will be interactive and feature a visual schedule, carpet squares, fidget toys, and earmuffs. The events will focus on built-in playtime with movement activities, such as bubbles, sensory bins, and balance beams, as well as craft time to promote exploration and socialization. 

2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22  
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

2 p.m., Saturday, March 28  
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

2 p.m., Saturday, April 25  
South Garland Branch Library
972-205-3933

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Nicholson Memorial Library System. Caregivers are asked to stay with their children and engage in the activities. Siblings may also attend.

Police Officer Storytime for Preschoolers at the North Garland Branch Library

Preschoolers ages three to five can learn about community helpers and meet a real Garland police officer at the North Garland Branch Library’s Preschool Storytime. Children attending this event will learn about what police officers do and how they help people in the community. The officer will read a book to the kids, then give them a tour of a patrol car. The children will also get to make their own police caps.

11 a.m., Friday, March 13
North Garland Branch Library
972-205-2804