Library Events & Programming

Independence Day Flag Waver Project

The July Fourth Flag Waver Project is an enjoyable family activity that introduces engineering, simple machines, and a variety of other STEAM elements. The flag waver activity gives families an opportunity to prepare for Independence Day and discuss why we celebrate it. Kids may need help with this so adult participation is highly recommended. 

6:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 15 via Zoom.
Registration is open June 1 - June 12.
972-205-2585.
A Zoom link will be emailed to participants upon registration. 

After registering, families may pick up their build kit from any of the four Garland Libraries beginning Tuesday, June 8th. A short pictorial guide for this project will be included in the kit. A small hammer is an optional tool for the project and won't be included. There is a limit of two kits per family and we will have enough kits for 15 families.

Summer Storytimes for Children

The Nicholson Memorial Library System announces Summer Storytimes for children and families.

Family Storytime 

Fridays, 10:30 a.m. in Facebook
Family Storytime will consist of stories, songs, rhymes and more!  

Outdoor Storytimes!

Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
Every Saturday beginning May 1 the Garland children's librarians will hold an outdoor storytime at neighborhood parks and the Urban Flea!

June 5: Outdoor Skyscrapers at Hollabaugh Recreation Center
June 12: Urban Flea
June 19: Holford Park
June 26: South Garland Branch
July 10: Urban Flea
July 17: Hollabaugh Recreation Center
July 24: Holford Park
July 31: South Garland Branch

Please 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. For more information, please call 972-205-2516.

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

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

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.

How it works
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. 

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

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., 2nd Wednesday of the month
Zoom meeting
972-205-2516

Please call and register to receive the Zoom invite.  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 2021:
June 9, 2021
July 14, 2021
August 11, 2021
September 8, 2021
October 14, 2021
November 10, 2021
December 8, 2021

Until the pandemic has ended this will be done over Zoom.

Interviewing 101   https://my.nicheacademy.com/nmls/course/20438

DIY Friendship Bracelets   https://my.nicheacademy.com/nmls/course/20346

College and Financial Aid 101    https://my.nicheacademy.com/nmls/course/19174

Adulting 101: Digital Citizenship and Online Safety    https://my.nicheacademy.com/nmls/course/17829

Teen Self-Portraits   https://my.nicheacademy.com/nmls/course/18320

Adulting 101: Resumes and Applications  https://my.nicheacademy.com/nmls/course/18316

Art 101  https://my.nicheacademy.com/nmls/course/18285

DIY Dog Bandanas

A bandana is a fun way to brighten up your dog’s look or add some personality. They are simple to wear and easy to manage. In this virtual program Millie, an Adult Services Librarian, will show you how to make a bandana for your pampered pooch, whether you have sewing skills or not! 

June 10 - June 30 (until supplies last)
Call the South Garland Reference Desk to reserve a kit
972-205-3931 or 972-205-3932
Available sizes: S, M, L and XL.
Kits can be reserved and picked up at the South Garland Branch Library and can be sent to other locations upon request

Take and Make Kit:
Precut 100% cotton fabric. 
Instructions on how to make a bandana - both with and without a sewing machine
Suggestions for type of glue to use 
Where to buy the glue (if needed)

Pawcasso Paintings

Is your dog secretly an Edgar Dogas, a Vincent Van Ruff, a Frisbee Kahlo, or a Jackson Pawllocks? In this program, patrons and their pups can work together to create their very own paw-sterpiece using a canvas, acrylic paints, a plastic bag, and some peanut butter or cream cheese. 

5:30 p.m., Thursday, June 17
Garland Downtown Square
Registration is required; open Thursday, June 3
972-205-2501

This fun art craft that families can do together with their dogs is limited to 25 families.

Adult Book Club

Participate in the #GarlandLibrary’s book club by joining a live discussion online.

6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month

Be sure to register for this Zoom event in advance: http://ow.ly/c8Ad50ALJVm.

2021 Book List:
January Book: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett 
February: Theme (Love)
March Book: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
April: Theme (Speculative Fiction)
May Book: The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
June: Theme (Family)
July Book: The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett
August: Historical Fiction