NEA Big Read, MiY Zones & Library Programs

NEA BIG READ PROGRAM SERIES

This year’s National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read selection for Irving Public Library is "Interior Chinatown" by Charles Yu, with events planned at all locations from April 10 -May 13. The program series in Irving is sponsored by the Friends of Irving Public Library.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Library for additional information and a complete schedule of programs, including the events below:

 April 10 | Chinese Lion Dance | All ages

4:30 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library

This performance by the J.K. Wong Academy features traditional arts.

 April 15 | Exterior Chinatown Program Kickoff |

All ages 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Heritage Park | 217 S. Main St.

This party sets the scene for the NEA Big Read 2023, and includes cultural performances, crafts, free copies of the book and more.

Family Story Time and Crafts | All ages

 April 20 | 7 p.m. | West Irving Library

 April 21 | 11 a.m. | West Irving Library

Families are invited to themed story time sessions, followed by a paper plate dragon mask craft.

 April 22 | Little Chinatown | Adults 2 p.m. | South Irving Library

Learn about tea ceremonies and watch a calligraphy presentation.

 April 29 | Little Chinatown | Adults 10 a.m. | West Irving Library

Watch a Kung Fu demonstration and learn about screenwriting.

Irving Indoor Aquatic Activities

Indoor Pool Open Swim Hours

Heritage Aquatic Center (HAC)

200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-7310

 Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday | 5 to 8:30 p.m.

 Saturday | 1 to 5 p.m.

North Lake Natatorium (NLN)

5001 N. MacArthur Blvd., (972) 756-0860

 Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 5 to 9 p.m.

 Tuesday, Thursday | 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 Saturday | noon to 4 p.m.

Register online at CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec for any of the following aquatic activities and others.

Aqua Sunrise Aerobics | Tuesday & Thursday

April 4-27 | 7 to 7:45 a.m. | 18+ | $2 | NLN

An early morning aerobics class as the sun comes up over the pool. A low-impact class performed in shallow water designed to improve joint stability, coordination, heart health and strength.

APRIL SCHEDULE AND PROGRAMS

Each library location offers free programs and activities for all ages and interests. Visit the online calendar at CityofIrving.org/Library for more information. In addition, the online library is always open by visiting the website and social media.

Contact (972) 721-2440 for information about MiY Zone Makerspace program registration requirements. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Grant #LS-249990-OLS-21).* (2021)

 April 1-30 | A Poem a Day | Adults

During National Poetry Month, South Irving Library features poets and poems. Pick up an entry form at the service desk, share a favorite or original poem.

Adulting 101 | Teens

6 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library

 April 25 | Personal Finance

 April 11 | Automotive Smarts

In this multipart program series, teens learn practical skills to build positive habits for daily life.

 April 12 | MiY West: Make it New | Adults 2 p.m. | West Irving Library Learn how to convert VHS tapes, cassettes, floppy disks and other technology from previous eras to new formats in this MiY Digitizing Lab program.

 April 29 | El Día de los Ninos Celebration | All ages 2 p.m. | South Irving Library

Celebrate World Children’s Day with live music by the Travis Middle School Mariachi Band, face painting, balloon art, crafts and refreshments.

Night Steppers Water Aerobics | Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

April 1-30 | 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. | 18+ | $2 | HAC

This upbeat evening class increases strength, endurance and flexibility.

Power H2O

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | 10 to 10:45 a.m. | 18+ | $2 | NLN

Join Power H20 for a medium-to high-intensity water fitness class designed for cardioconditioning endurance and body toning.

Guard Ready

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | noon to 2 p.m. | 14+ | Free | NLN

Get lifeguard ready by working with an instructor to improve swimming skills. All participants are eligible to attend an Irving Lifeguard Certification class once they have passed the pretests.

Senior Pep Water Aerobics | Monday, Wednesday & Friday

April 3-28 | 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. | 18+ | $2 | HAC

Add a little pep to a workout routine by joining this upbeat morning class to increase strength, endurance and flexibility.

Women Only Swim

April 4 | 5 to 8 p.m. | 18 & older | $3 | NLN

Mothers, daughters, aunts and grandmothers of all ages can enjoy an evening of swimming.

AquaStars

April 8 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Under 18 | HAC

This program is custom-designed for children with special needs, ages 18 and under. Participants must be accompanied by an adult. AquaStars provides special needs children with an opportunity to experience water play.

Mango Languages

Mango offers online instruction and progress tracking for 71 languages through video, audio, flash card formats and more.

Visit CityofIrving.org/2119/Languages to get started. 