Off the Shelf - Garland Libraries - January-April 2023

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FROM THE GARLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY

In this Issue

EARLY LITERACY (AGES 0-5) 4

FAMILIES 6

YOUNG AUDIENCES (AGES 6-12) 8

TEEN AUDIENCES (AGES 13-17) 10

ADULT PROGRAMS (AGES 18+) 12

SENIORS (AGES 55+) 16

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY 17

PROGRAMAS EN ESPAÑOL 18

FAQ 19

Off the Shelf is co-sponsored by the Nicholson Memorial Library System and the Friends of the Nicholson Memorial Library.

Central Library - 625 Austin St.

Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 2 to 6 p.m.

South Garland Branch - 4845 Broadway Blvd.

Tuesday and Thursday noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday closed

North Garland Branch - 3845 N. Garland Ave.

Tuesday and Thursday noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday closed

Walnut Creek Branch - 3319 Edgewood Drive

Tuesday and Thursday noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday closed

Curbside pickup is available by appointment during regular hours. Call the location nearest you.

All Garland library book drops are available 24/7.

Central Library Circulation 972-205-2524 Reference Desk 972-205-2501 Children’s Desk 972-205-2516

South Garland Branch

Circulation Desk 972-205-3920 Reference Desk 972-205-3931 Children’s Desk 972-205-3934

North Garland Branch Circulation Desk 972-205-2802 Reference Desk 972-205-2803 Children’s Desk 972-205-2804

Walnut Creek Branch Circulation Desk 972-205-2586 Reference Desk 972-205-2587 Children’s Desk 972-205-2585

SPRING STORYTIMES

Jan. 10 to April 29

All Libraries

Baby Bounce & Read (birth-18 months)

9:30 a.m. Tuesdays Central Library

10 a.m. Fridays North Garland Branch Library

10:15 a.m. Fridays South Garland Branch Library

Toddler Time (18-36 months)

10:30 a.m. Tuesdays Central Library 11 a.m. Fridays North Garland Branch Library

11:15 a.m. Fridays South Garland Branch Library

Preschool Discovery (3-5 years)

9:30 a.m. Thursdays Central Library

10:15 a.m. Wednesdays South Garland Branch Library

Family Read & Play

10 a.m. Wednesdays North Garland Branch Library

10:30 a.m. Saturdays Walnut Creek Branch Library

Cuentos y Cantos

10:30 a.m. los jueves Central Library Thursdays

PLAY & LEARN

11 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 11 to April 26

North Garland Branch Library | 972-205-2804

10 a.m. Saturdays, Jan. 14 to April 29

South Garland Branch Library | 972-205-3933

It’s playtime! Families can participate in Play & Learn, a weekly event where families with children ages 0 to 5 can enjoy free playtime.

BOOKWORM BOOK CLUB

1 p.m. Tuesdays

Jan. 17; Feb. 21; March 21; and April 18

South Garland Branch Library | 972-205-3933

Each book club meeting will focus on a particular theme. Families are encouraged to read a picture book or an age-appropriate nonfiction book matching the theme and bring it to the meeting to share. Library staff will read another book on the theme aloud before book sharing and extension activities begin. Extension activities will promote early literacy practices and may include arts, crafts or other projects. January theme: hibernation (winter, bears, squirrels); February theme: construction or building; March theme: weather; April theme: gardens (flowers, trees, vegetables).

LITTLE ART EXPLORERS

2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 4; March 4; and April 1

South Garland Branch Library | 972-205-3933

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

Attendees focus on the process of making art rather than the end product. February theme: opposite paper collages; March theme: sculpture; April theme: Big Art Day mural painting.

FINGER PAINT PARTY

10:30 a.m. Monday, March 13

Central Library | 972-205-2517

Attendees will learn about mixing colors before making their own colorful paintings using their fingers! Paint-friendly clothing is encouraged. Registration is required and begins Feb. 27. Call 972-205-2517 to register.

FAMILY PLACE PLAYTIME WORKSHOPS

12:15 p.m. Thursdays, March 23 to April 20

South Garland Branch Library | 972-205-3934

During this fun, five-week program series, toddlers ages 1 to 3 and their caregivers can enjoy a special playtime featuring toys, books and art activities. Each week families have the opportunity to spend quality time together, make new friends, and talk one-on-one with a different local professional who specializes in early childhood development areas like early literacy, speech and language, nutrition, and music and movement. Registration is required to attend. Call 972-205-3934 for details and to register beginning March 9.

TINY TOT PROM

12:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 4

South Garland Branch Library | 972-205-3933

Toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years old can attend a specially designed prom just for their age group. Attendees can dress up and put on their dancing shoes and enjoy dancing, singing, snacks and a corsage craft. Photo opportunities will be plentiful. Registration is not required, though it is encouraged. Register by calling 972-205-3934 beginning March 21.

CREATIVITY NIGHTS

6 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 10 to March 28

Central Library

Creativity Nights will feature a new, simple craft each week. Some crafts will utilize STEAM concepts and instructions will be available in English and Spanish. Families with children ages 3 to 9 may drop in between 6 and 7 p.m. to complete the crafts. Crafts in February will celebrate Black History Month. No registration is required.

LUNAR NEW YEAR

2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21

Walnut Creek Branch Library

Families with children of all ages may drop in and complete crafts, such as red envelopes with candy gold coins, peach and apricot blossom lanterns, and New Year’s cards.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH TAKE AND MAKE CRAFTS

Throughout February

Central Library

Each week’s takeaway kit will be unique and feature an art activity related to a historical figure. The kits will include instructions and a suggested reading list. Kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, with new kits each Wednesday.

VIETNAMESE NEW YEAR/TET

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

North Garland Branch Library

Families with children of all ages can celebrate the 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 4 through 12 can make lion dance masks out of cardboard.

SPRING CARNIVAL

2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 15

Walnut Creek Branch Library

Families can celebrate the beginning of spring by attending a carnival featuring face painting, crafts, a cakewalk and other games. Refreshments, such as popcorn and cotton candy, will be provided. All ages are welcome.

Saturday, April 1

(All ages)

Residents of all ages can become artists just in time for Big Art Day on Saturday, April 1. All Garland libraries are hosting activities to mark this citywide celebration.

The South Garland Branch Library will host an afternoon of painting at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25, for children ages 6 and older and teens ages 13 to 17. Participants will each receive a 3-by-3 inch canvas, paint and brushes to create their own works of art, which they will lend to the library for display in a Tiny Art Show from March 28 to April 8. Registration is required and limited to 50 participants. Registration begins March 11. Call 972-205-3934 to register.

Families may drop in to the Walnut Creek Branch Library from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 1, and contribute to a CommUNITY Art display. Participants will trace outlines of their hands then decorate them with markers. One hand tracing can be taken home while the other is included in the display, which celebrates kindness, friendship and unity.

Families may also visit the North Garland Branch Library from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1, and paint feathers with watercolors. The painted feathers will be mounted on foam board and included in a sculpture designed to look like wings.

Adults can become artists too! Adults, ages 18 and older, can stop by the Central Library from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, April 1, and paint their own 3-by-3 inch canvases.

Lego® Club

2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 7; Feb. 4; and March 4 Central Library

Lego® Club members will enhance their creativity by participating in new STEAM-related challenges each month. Lego® Club is limited to 15 participants. Registration is required and begins two weeks prior to event. Call 972-205-2517 to register.

STEAM LABS

2:30 p.m. Jan. 14; Feb. 20; and March 13-17

Central Library 972-205-2517

Each STEAM Lab will consist of stations featuring activities on a centralized theme. Attendees may take home any project they complete at the event.

January theme: winter; February theme: Valentine’s Day; March theme: spring.

10 a.m. Saturdays, Jan. 21; Feb. 18; March 18; and April 15

North Garland Branch Library

Participants will explore science and engineering concepts while completing hands-on STEAM projects. January project: builder battles; February project: light-up paper helicopter; March project: rubber band racers; April project: stomp rockets. Registration is required and begins two weeks prior to event dates. Call 972-205-2804 to register.

BOOK EXPLORERS

2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 21; Feb. 18; and March 18 Central Library

Attendees at Book Explorers will listen to a story on a specific theme, then complete related activities that connect literature, history and STEAM concepts. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants. To register, call 972-205-2517 beginning two weeks prior to the event dates.

January book: “Sharuko: Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello” by Monica Brown and Elisa Chavarri.

February book: “Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee” by Andrea Loney and Keith Mallett.

March book: “The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons” by Natascha Biebow and Steve Salerno.

ESCAPE ROOM: STEAM EDITION

2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 Central Library

Participants will work in teams to solve multiple STEAM-related challenges and eventually escape the room. Tweens ages 10 to 13 can sign up in teams of up to six participants, with a max of 12 tweens participating. Registration is required and begins Jan. 28. Call 972-205-2517 to register.

VALENTINE’S DAY BUTTONS

2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 Walnut Creek Branch Library Children ages 12 and younger can make customized Valentine's Day buttons by drawing or coloring unique messages on premade templates. They will then use the library’s button maker to transform their design into a wearable pinback button. All supplies are provided by the library. Registration is not required.

CANVAS & COOKIES

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

Join us for an afternoon of painting! We will be painting pets to celebrate Love Your Pet Day (Feb. 20). All supplies will be provided. Registration is required and begins Feb. 4.

STEAM CARDBOARD CREATIONS

2 p.m. Thursday, March 16

North Garland Branch Library

Children will use their art, engineering and math skills to design and build with cardboard boxes at this event. They can make butterfly wings, cars and houses using cardboard and chipboard boxes provided by the library.

CALM KITS FOR KIDS

2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8

Walnut Creek Branch Library

Students in grades three through 12 can create customized calm kits with items that provide stress relief and stimulate the five senses: touch, taste, hearing, sight and smell. Potential items include feathers, kneadable erasers, lip balm, bracelets and stickers. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required and begins March 25.

GARDENING FOR KIDS

2:30 p.m. Monday, April 10 Central Library

Children ages 5 to 9 will be introduced to gardening basics and will plant an English pea plant. Participants may also decorate their pots and will receive a plant journal to chart their progress. Registration is required and begins March 27. Call 972-205-2517 to register. Due to planned construction, event locations are subject to change. Visit our website, Library.GarlandTX.gov, for the latest information.

TEEN ADVISORY BOARD

6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 12; Feb. 9; and March 9

Central Library

Teens can make a difference in their community and earn volunteer hours by joining the Teen Advisory Board. Attend a meeting to apply and discuss future library events, services and materials for teens.

NOVEL IDEAS

6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 19; Feb. 16; and March 16

Central Library

Novel Ideas is sponsored by the library’s Teen Advisory Board and meets monthly to discuss any books the members have recently read. There is no assigned book, so members are encouraged to simply share their recent reads or old favorites.

MIDDLE GRADE MAKERS

2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 28; Feb. 25; March 25; and April 29

Walnut Creek Branch Library

Children in grades four through eight can explore STEAM concepts while completing fun, hands-on learning activities. Registration is required and begins two weeks prior to each event. Call 972-205-2585 to register. January project: cardboard pinball machines; February project: miniature convertible furniture; March project: bridge construction; April project: kirigami paper craft.

CRAFT FOR A CAUSE

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

North Garland Branch Library

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 nonprofit animal services organization. Registration is required to attend the instruction session and begins Jan. 28. Call 972-205-2804 to register.

TEEN CAFE

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

South Garland Branch Library

ADULTING 101

6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 26; Feb. 23; and March 23

Central Library

Teens and young adults ages 15 to 21 can get a crash course in basic life skills. Meeting topics may include college life, budgeting, job searching and apartment living. Attendees will participate in activities and play games that will further their understanding of the topics. Registration is required to attend and limited to 15 young adults. Registration begins two weeks prior to each event date. Call 972-205-2517 to register.

Teens ages 13 to 17 can hang out at a coffee housestyle social and enjoy games, activities and free refreshments while socializing with their friends. Teens can also earn volunteer hours by bringing nonperishable food items to donate. For every five items donated, teens will receive one hour of community service. Registration is required and begins Jan. 28. Call 972-205-3934 to register.

TEEN AFTER HOURS

Teens ages 13 to 17 can hang out at the library after closing. Each Teen After Hours event consists of a group activity, and snacks are provided. Registration is required and begins two weeks prior to each event.

6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14

North Garland Branch Library

Teens will break into teams and solve puzzles in a Harry Potter-themed escape room. Call 972-205-2804 to register.

6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 10

Central Library

Teens will play the game “Among Us” and complete challenges that will help identify an imposter trying to sabotage a spaceship. Call 972-205-2517 to register.

6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11

North Garland Branch Library

Teens can play glow-in-the-dark mini golf. Call 972-205-2804 to register.

6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29

South Garland Branch Library

Teens will break into teams and use common objects like books, balls, strings and dominoes to see which team can design the best domino run. Call 972-205-3934 to register.

BOOK CLUBS

MYSTERY BOOK CLUB

Central Library | 972-205-2533

Library staff and attendees will discuss the selected titles. Visit Library.GarlandTX.gov for the February and March book selections.

6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26

At the January meeting library staff and attendees will select books for the rest of the season.

6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23

6 p.m. Thursday, March 23

BOOK CLUB

South Garland Branch Library | 972-205-3931

6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19

“The Maid” by Nita Prose

6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16

“White Ivy” by Susie Yang

6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16

“Everything Sad Is Untrue” by Daniel Nayeri

6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20

“Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman

ENTERTAINMENT

BAKE THE BOOK

South Garland Branch Library | 972-205-3931

Attendees will sign up and select recipes two weeks prior to each event, then make their selection at home and bring it to the meetings. Participants can choose a recipe from the listed books or use a recipe of their own that fits the theme.

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

Theme: Baking basics Books: “Happiness Is Baking” by Maida Heatter or “How to Bake Everything” by Mark Bittman

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

Theme: Black History Month Books: “Carla Hall’s Soul Food” by Carla Hall or “In Pursuit of Flavor” by Edna Lewis

2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18

Theme: Indian baking (Holi) Books: “Indian Cooking Unfolded” by Raghavan Iyer or “My Indian Kitchen” by Swayampurna Mishra

2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22

Theme: Middle Eastern baking Books: “Zaitoun” by Yasmin Khan or “Bazaar” by Sabrina Ghayour

WINTER READING CHALLENGE

Saturday, Dec. 3, to Saturday, Feb. 4 All locations

Are you up for a challenge? Be a part of the winter reading challenge this season at all Garland library locations. Your task is to read three or more books between Dec. 3 and Feb. 4.

Participation in the challenge is easy. Beginning Saturday, Dec. 3, pick up a reading log at the Adult Services Desks of any Garland library. Read three books and turn in your completed log by Saturday, Feb. 4. Completed logs will be entered into a drawing for a winter-themed prize. For added fun, feel free to post about the books you read using the hashtag #GarlandLibraries on Twitter or Facebook!

The Winter Reading Challenge is open to adults ages 18 and older. For more information about the Winter Reading Challenge, call 972-205-2533 or visit Library.GarlandTX.gov.

RIDDLE BOX

Jan. 3-31 during open hours

North Garland Branch Library | 972-205-2803

Adults ages 18 and older can test their skills at solving riddles by trying out the Riddle Box, which contains four riddles. Once all riddles are answered, the box’s top will open revealing a prize for the lucky solver. All riddles will contain clues that are hidden in the library. Participants will need to utilize the Dewey Decimal System to find the answers.

AFTERNOON BOARD GAMES

2 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 11; Feb. 8; March 8; and April 12

Walnut Creek Branch Library | 972-205-2533

Patrons ages 12 and older can socialize and play board games at a new monthly event featuring games such as Scrabble®, chess, backgammon, checkers, cards, and dominoes. Refreshments will be provided and no registration is required.

“

THE OFFICE” TRIVIA NIGHT

6:15 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24

Central Library | 972-205-2533

GAME TIME FOR ADULTS

6 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 5; Feb. 2; and March 2

Central Library | 972-205-2533

Adults can get their game on at a new monthly event for patrons 18 and older. Play favorite games with friends or learn a new one. The library will provide playing cards, various board games, puzzles, and video games to play.

CRAFTS

CROCHET BASICS

6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 12; Feb. 9; March 9; and April 13

South Garland Branch Library

Patrons ages 12 and older can learn the basics of crochet. Participants will begin by learning slip knots and chain stitches then progress to double and treble crochet, shell stitches, and rib stitches, with the goal of creating granny squares. Registration is required and limited to 24 individuals. Registration begins Dec. 29. Call 972-205-3931 to register.

PAINT PARTY

5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23

North Garland Branch Library

Participants can unwind and learn color theory as they choose one of two simple paintings to emulate. All supplies and refreshments will be provided.

Registration is required and limited to 20 participants ages 18 and older. To register, call 972-205-2803 beginning Feb. 9.

Think you’ve got more trivia knowledge than your fellow Garlandites? Show off your skills, win prizes, and earn bragging rights at Adult Trivia Night! The theme for this event is “The Office.” Come compete in teams and answer questions all about Scranton’s finest employees. The winning team will receive a Dundie Award. Registration is required and limited to 12 teams of one to four players. Registration begins Feb. 10. Call 972-205-2533 to register. Snacks will be provided. Players must arrive before the library closes at 6 p.m.

SPRING WREATHS

2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11

Walnut Creek Branch Library | 972-205-2587

Participants will use embroidery hoops, tulle, embroidery floss and artificial flowers to craft their wreaths. All supplies are provided by the library. Registration is required and limited to 12 individuals. Call 972-205-2587 to register beginning Feb. 25.

BOOK NOOKS

5 p.m. Thursday, March 23

North Garland Branch Library | 972-205-2803

Participants will be given precut, wooden sheets to assemble into a miniature library. The pieces snap together similar to a three dimensional puzzle. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants ages 18 and older. To register, call 972-205-2803 beginning March 9.

PUNNY PLANTERS

2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8

South Garland Branch Library | 972-205-3931

Patrons ages 12 and older can give their planters some extra personality by painting terra cotta pots and using stencils to incorporate punny sayings like “You grow, girl” and “You’re my soil-mate.” All supplies are provided. Registration is required and limited to 24 individuals. Registration begins March 25. Call 972-205-3931 to register.

INSTRUCTIONAL/INFORMATIONAL

ESL CONVERSATION CLASSES

6:30 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 9 through March 27

Central Library | 972-205-2533

6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 3 through April 25

South Garland Branch Library | 972-205-3931

Improve your general English skills in a casual setting. Attendees may practice their conversation skills, build their vocabulary, learn about American culture and meet a diverse group of people.

SCREENWRITING FOR BEGINNERS

6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9

Central Library

The workshop will cover how to format a screenplay, types of software to use and techniques on how to get started. The differences between screenwriting and other forms of writing will be discussed. Registration is required and begins Dec. 23. Call 972-205-2533 to register.

EVERY BODY YOGA

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

South Garland Branch Library 972-205-3931

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.

BOOK BRICKS

5 p.m. Thursday, April 20

North Garland Branch Library | 972-205-2803

Participants will use quick-drying acrylic paint to transform concrete bricks into books to decorate their gardens and flowerbeds. The paint is waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor objects. Printouts of popular book covers will be available for inspiration. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants ages 18 and older. To register, call 972-205-2803 beginning April 6.

COMPUTER CLASSES

Participation is free and open to adult Garland residents. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each class. Call 972-205-2533 to register. All classes take place at the Central Library.

MOUSE & KEYBOARDING FOR BEGINNERS

2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31

DESKTOP & FILE MANAGEMENT

2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14

GETTING ON THE INTERNET

2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28

INTRO TO WORD

2 p.m. Tuesday, March 14

INTRO TO EXCEL

2 p.m. Tuesday, March 28

ADULT PROGRAMS (AGES 18+)

BACK TO BASICS GENEALOGY

4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8

South Garland Branch Library 972-205-3931

Genealogist James Thornhill will present an information session on the basics of genealogy including how to start genealogical research and how to build on it. Thornhill will also provide direction on how to preserve your family history, keep it organized and ensure it is error free.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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

North Garland Branch Library 972-205-2803

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.” 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.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

6 p.m. Tuesdays, March 7; March 14; and March 21

Central Library

Adults ages 18 and older can learn how to market themselves in the workforce by attending a three-part career development workshop. The first workshop will cover basic resources, such as career placement tests, resume builders and job search tools. The second workshop will help participants prepare for applications and interviews. The third workshop will focus on networking and professional goals. Attendees may have a free headshot taken at the third event to use for professional purposes. Registration is required to attend and begins Feb. 21. Call 972-205-2533 to register.

POLLINATOR GARDENING

2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11

South Garland Branch Library

A master gardener will teach participants how and what to plant to create a pollinator garden, which attracts hummingbirds, bees and other beneficial pollinators. Staff from Garland Code Enforcement will be available to answer questions regarding what is allowed in residential gardens. Registration is required and limited to 50 individuals. Registration begins Feb. 25. Call 972-205-3931 to register.

EARTH DAY CONTAINER GARDENING

2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22

Central Library 972-205-2533

Celebrate Earth Day by attending a free container gardening event. Attendees will be given free seeds for plants such as okra, then receive a tutorial in container gardening before planting the seeds. This free event is open to gardening enthusiasts of all ages. Registration is not required. Due to planned construction, event locations are subject to change. Visit our website, Library.GarlandTX.gov, for the latest information.

SENIOR SOCIAL HOUR

Senior Social Hour is a recreational event for patrons aged 55 and older. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Senior Social Hour features entertainers, such as musicians and storytellers, on a monthly basis. Light refreshments are served. No registration is required to attend, but seats do fill up quickly. Doors open 15 to 30 minutes prior to performance. Visit our website, Library.GarlandTX.gov, for the latest information.

Book Donations

Take some time now to clean out your closets and bookshelves and donate the books and media that you no longer need or want. Items the library does not add to the collection are passed along to the Friends of the Library for their annual book sale. Items the library and the Friends will take include: ■ Books of all kinds: fiction and nonfiction ■ Books on all subjects ■ Books for all ages ■ Books in foreign languages ■ Magazines

Donated items may be dropped off at any Garland library location. Monies earned by the Friends of the Library from their book sale are used for library programming and projects. Your donations benefit the Garland libraries!

The Friends of the Nicholson Memorial Library is a community organization that supports and promotes the library. The Friends sponsor activities to raise funds for the purchase of library materials and equipment, and underwrites programming to benefit all library users. Join the Friends today.

The Friends were pleased to be able to have their annual book sale last October. Thanks to all who volunteered and shopped. Special thanks go to board members Linda Stopani and Joan Degen, and Brandon from Texas Book Consignments, for their roles in the success of the sale.

We hope you will continue to support the library throughout the year.

Did you know your Amazon purchases can help? AmazonSmile donates to Friends of the Nicholson Memorial Library, Inc. when you shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/75-2302391.

At no cost to you, AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your purchases to the Friends.

As a reminder, pre-read magazine donations are accepted at each library location and then made available for a nominal suggested donation at a table at the Central Library. The library also accepts donations of gently used books and DVDs on behalf of the Friends.

Programas en Español

PARA NIÑOS

PARA ADULTOS

CLASES DE CONVERSACIÓN EN INGLÉS

6:30 p.m. los lunes, 9 de enero a 27 de marzo Biblioteca Central, 972-205-2533

6:30 p.m. los martes, 3 de enero a 25 de abril Sucursal de South Garland, 972-205-3931 Mejore su inglés general en un espacio casual. Asistentes practicarán sus habilidades de conversación, armaran su vocabulario, aprenderán de la cultura americana y conocerán a un grupo de gente diversa.

CUENTOS Y CANTOS

10:30 a.m. los jueves Biblioteca Central

NOCHES DE CREATIVIDAD

6 p.m. los martes, 10 de enero a 28 de marzo Biblioteca Central

Las Noches de Creatividad incluyeran manualidades nuevas y simples cada semana. Algunas manualidades utilizaran conceptos de STEAM y instrucciones serán disponibles en inglés y español. Familias con niños de 3 a 9 años pueden participar de 6 a 7 p.m. para completar sus manualidades. Manualidades en febrero celebrarán el Mes de la Historia Afroamericana. Registración no es requerida.

CLASES DE COMPUTACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL

Las clases de computación son gratis y disponible a los residentes de Garland. Registración es requerida y empieza dos semanas antes de cada clase. Llame al 972-205-2533 para registrarse. Todas las clases se llevarán a cabo en la Biblioteca Central.

RATÓN Y TECLADO PARA PRINCIPIANTES

10:30 a.m. el sábado 21 de enero

INTRODUCCIÓN A SU ESCRITORIO

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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a library card?

Local Residents

A library card is available to residents of Garland and surrounding communities. You must be 18 with a valid photo ID to get your own library card. Otherwise, a parent or legal guardian with ID would need to cosign. Please bring your unexpired official state photo ID (Texas driver’s license, Texas ID, Matricula, out of state license) with your full name and current address on the ID. If the ID does not show your current address, you must present proof of address. Acceptable items for proof of address include current utility bill, lease agreement, auto insurance or bank statement. The proof of address has to have your name on it.

Replacing a Card

If you had a card and need to replace it, bring your current, unexpired official state photo ID and a $2 replacement fee to any Garland library to get a new card.

What types of identification do I need to get a library card?

Please bring your unexpired, official state photo ID (Texas driver’s license, Texas ID, Passport, Matricula, out of state license) with your full name and current address on the ID. If the ID does not show your current address, you must present proof of address. Acceptable items for proof of address include current utility bill, lease agreement, auto insurance or bank statement. The proof of address has to have your name on it. People with addresses in Northeast Texas will be eligible for full library cards. If you have any questions, call the Circulation Desk at 972-205-2524.

Do library cards expire?

Yes, they do. Every four years we require patrons to present an unexpired official state photo ID with current address at any Garland Library. If you go to My Account in the library portal and click on the Personal Information tab, you can see the date your library privileges expire. Please renew on or before that date for continuous service.

Will I get charged if I don’t return an item?

While we are not charging late fines, we are charging for lost items. When an item is seven days overdue, your account will be charged the replacement cost of the item, plus a processing fee. You will be responsible for those charges until you bring back the overdue item.

Is there a library app?

Garland PL is Garland Public Library’s mobile app. Access the library from your phone. Available through Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

What can I do with Garland’s library app?

• Search the Garland Public Library’s catalog for books, DVDs, audiobooks and more

• Search for e-Books and audiobooks

• Place holds on library materials

• Access your account to see what you have on hold, have checked out and renew your materials

• View locations and hours

• Go to the Garland Public Library’s Facebook and Twitter pages

• See upcoming events

• Access and use your digital library card from your phone

• Link family members’ cards to your app

• Rearrange these options in Preferences so that what you use most is front and center

Help with Homework from The Library Online

Homework does not have to be a struggle this year. Students who want or need extra help can receive free homework assistance through the Garland library’s HelpNow online resource.

HelpNow is part of The Library Online. The resource offers students several ways to get help with their schoolwork, including a tutoring service, statealigned skills building, a writing lab, and study and collaboration tools.

The popular online tutoring service allows students of all ages to connect one-on-one with a carefully screened tutor. Tutoring sessions can be conducted in English or Spanish. Tutors are available for students in kindergarten, first through 12th grades, and college in a wide range of subjects including math, science, social studies, English and reading.

HelpNow’s skills-building service goes beyond general homework assistance. It uses state-aligned lessons to help students master core academic skills, such as reading, writing and mathematics.

The writing lab allows students to receive live writing assistance or to upload papers or reports for analysis related to word choice, sentence fluency and organizational structure. Papers are returned to students within 24 hours with constructive criticism. HelpNow’s study and collaboration tools include resources to record and archive student work, create or select flashcards from a vast library, or set up group study areas for live tutoring with friends and colleagues. Students can set up their own test center to study for state and national tests and create Learning Accounts to save test results to share with a tutor for personalized skills-building lessons.

The Library Online’s HelpNow resource can be accessed at the Garland libraries or from home computers. Services are available seven days a week from 3 to 10 p.m.

To access HelpNow, visit Library.GarlandTX.gov and select Online Resources. A Garland library card can be obtained by presenting a valid Texas driver’s license or ID. Patrons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to apply for a library card.

BOOK A LIBRARIAN

Do you need to set up a new device, create an email account or build a resume? Garland’s Central Library is now offering Book a Librarian — appointments with professional librarians who can help with these types of tasks.

Patrons may register for a set number of 30-minute or hourlong appointments per month. Each in-person appointment will be staffed by a librarian who will help registrants with library resources or technology. Interested patrons may register for Book a Librarian online at the library’s website — Library.GarlandTX.gov.

Due to liability issues, librarians are unable to assist patrons with tutoring, proofreading, or legal, financial or medical advice. Patrons using Book a Librarian must be Garland residents and have valid Garland library cards. The Central Library is located at 625 Austin St. in Downtown Garland.

For more information on Book a Librarian, visit Library.GarlandTX.gov or call 972-205-2533.

For questions related to Patron Accounts

Library Account Services: lib-acctservices@GarlandTX.gov

For questions related to Adult Services at Central and South Garland Branch Libraries

Library Central Adult Services: lib-cenadultservs@GarlandTX.gov

For questions related to Teen Services at all locations

Library Teen Services: lib-teenservs@GarlandTX.gov

Library South Garland Adult Services: lib-sgbadultservs@GarlandTX.gov

For questions related to Youth Services at each locations

Library Central Youth Services: lib-cenyouthservs@GarlandTX.gov

Library South Garland Youth Services: lib-sgbyouthservs@GarlandTX.gov

Library Walnut Youth Services: lib-wcbyouthservs@GarlandTX.gov

Library North Garland Youth Services: lib-ngbyouthservs@GarlandTX.gov

For patrons wishing to request adult and juvenile materials for purchase for the library system

Library Title Request: lib-titlerequest@GarlandTX.gov

For questions related to Adult or Youth programs at all locations

Library Adult Programs: lib-adultprog@GarlandTX.gov

Library Youth Programs: lib-youthprog@GarlandTX.gov

For questions related to Outreach Services at all locations

Library Outreach Services: lib-outreachservs@GarlandTX.gov