Library Programs, MiY Zone Classes & Book Clubs

BE GENTLE TO YOUR RENTAL

Library materials travel far and wide during the time they are in circulation and undergo wear and tear. Help extend their life cycles by following the Be Gentle to Your Rental tips, including keeping materials in a clean environment away from extreme temperatures. Also avoid folding page corners, bending book spines and refrain from using paper clips and sticky notes as bookmarks. Stop by any library location and receive an exclusive bookmark listing these reminders.

Discover With Me Series

South Irving Library offers a Discover with Me series for parents, caregivers and children ages 1-3 every Wednesday in September. These free programs include unstructured play time for kids and an opportunity for adults to talk to a child specialist about early literacy, child development, health, nutrition and more. Sessions are from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. on Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27.

New Stories at Valley Ranch

In September, the Valley Ranch Library introduces changes to its story time schedule:

 Choose from two family story time sessions on Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Space is limited. Tickets are required and free for pickup at the reference desk beginning 30 minutes prior to the program start time.

 A new bilingual English-Spanish preschool session at 10:30 a.m. will be held the last Thursday of the month. Visit CityofIrving.org/2950 for the story time calendar.

September Schedule And Programs

Each library location offers free activities for all ages and interests. In addition, the online library is always open by visiting the website and social media. Call (972) 721-2440 for information about MiY Zone Makerspace program registration requirements.

Sept. 6 | Homebuying Seminar (Bilingual)

6 p.m. | South Irving Library | Adults

This English-Spanish program provides an overview of purchasing a home.

Irving Indoor Aquatic Activities

Visit CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec to register online for any aquatic activities.

Power H2O | Saturdays

Sept. 2-30 | noon to 12:45 p.m. | 18+ | North Lake Natatorium (NLN)

Join Power H2O for a medium- to high-intensity water fitness class designed to improve cardioconditioning, endurance and body-toning.

Senior EZ Water Aerobics | Mondays & Wednesdays

Sept. 5-27 | 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. | 18+ | $2 | Heritage Aquatic Center (HAC)

This low-impact class is performed in shallow water and is designed to improve joint stability, coordination, heart health and strength.

Night Steppers Water Aerobics | Mondays & Wednesdays

Sept. 5-27 | 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. | 18+ | $2 | HAC

Join this upbeat evening class to increase strength, endurance and flexibility.

Sept. 9 | Chautauqua Presents Snake Discovery

2 p.m. | South Irving Library | All ages

Learn about reptiles during this live presentation.

Sept. 12 | Small Space, Big Impact

6 p.m. | West Irving Library | Adults

Explore environmental stewardship by attending a City of Irving Think Green … Be Green class. For additional details visit CityofIrving.org/ThinkGreen

Sept. 16 | Fiesta!

2:30 p.m. | South Irving Library | All ages

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a Ballet Folklorico De Dos Tierras performance, craft activities, snacks and more.

Sept. 30 | Book It! Superhero Party

2:30 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library | Kids

Participate in games and crafts featuring popular literature.

SPINE-CHILLING READING

Scare up some seasonal reading with this year’s HallowReads title, “The Haunting of Hill House.” This classic tale by Shirley Jackson is Irving Public Library’s 2023 selection for the series held every October, and programs include book discussions, crafts and more.

Beginning the last week of September, pick up a free copy of the book while supplies last, or check it out on the digital Libby app.

Aqua Sunrise Aerobics | Tuesdays & Thursdays

Sept. 5-28 | 7 to 7:45 a.m. | 18+ | $2 | NLN

Join this early class as the sun comes up over the pool. This low-impact class is performed in shallow water and is designed to improve joint stability, coordination, heart health and strength.

Deeply Fit Aerobics | Tuesdays & Thursdays

Sept. 5-28 | 8 to 8:45 p.m. | 18+ | $2 | NLN

Challenge yourself in deep water or benefit from low-impact exercises with this class. Core strengthening, cardio and range of motion exercises will provide the benefits of a land-based program, but without the pounding and stress on the joints, tendons and ligaments.

Sept. 9 | AquaStars

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

The AquaStars program is custom designed for children with special needs to experience the excitement of water play. Participants must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

Sept. 15-17 | Lifeguard Training

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 15+ | $125 | NLN

Become a certified lifeguard. Irving Parks and Recreation hires Red Cross-certified lifeguards, ages 15 and older for part- and full-time positions. Successful completion of the course will result in American Red Cross Lifeguard/First Aid, CPRProfessional Rescuer and AED certifications. Visit CityofIrving.org/Lifeguard for more information and availability of additional sessions.

Sept. 22 | Aqua Rock School Night 7 to 10 p.m. | All ages | HAC

Bring rock back into school! Enjoy a movie night at the pool featuring "School of Rock."

ON THE MENU: LIBRARY CARD SPECIALS

For the second year, Irving Public Library patrons may present their current library cards at participating local restaurants for special promotions and discounts during September’s Library Card Sign-Up Month. This extra perk is in addition to the card’s year-round advantages of free access to library services, as well as to a vast collection of materials in print, audio, visual and electronic formats. Visit the Outreach page at CityofIrving.org/3473 to view card types and details about the month’s sign-up programs. 

Irving Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

Signed into law in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the cultures, history and contributions of individuals whose heritage includes Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. This celebration runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, and coincides with the anniversaries of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

The Irving Connection

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey, Irving’s Hispanic and Latino population is 109,851, representing 43% of residents.

On Saturday, Sept. 16, the Irving Archives & Museum, 801 W. Irving Blvd., will open two special exhibitions presented in both English and Spanish, that run through Feb. 4:

 “Popol Vuh: The Sacred Book of the Quiché Through Illustration” features a series of illustrations by Jaime Arredondo, a graduate of MacArthur High School and the University of Dallas. Inspired by the Mayan sacred text “Popol Vuh” depicting the creation of the universe and all living things, this exhibit showcases 65 illustrations, and it is the artist’s hope to generate a greater interest and defense of the art and culture of native and indigenous peoples.