Nicholson Memorial Library System

Kids Learn Block Printing Techniques at Garland Library 

Children can learn the basics of block printmaking at Art Explorers, a monthly program for children ages 6 through 12 presented by the Nicholson Memorial Library System. The event takes place at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Walnut Creek Branch Library.

Children attending Art Explorers learn about different types of art, then use their new skills to create their own masterpieces. At the December event, participants will discover the technique of block printmaking used by children’s book authors and illustrators Eric Rohmann and Erin Stead. They can then use foam plates and paint to make their own prints.

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 two weeks prior to each event. The Walnut Creek Branch Library is located at 3319 Edgewood Drive, in Garland. All supplies are provided by the library. 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 on this program, please call 972-205-2585.

Block Party Program Offered at Garland Library

Have a child who likes to build things? Save yourself a trip to the toy store with Block Party at the Library, a program from the Nicholson Memorial Library System for children ages 4 through 12.

Block Party at the Library is designed to help children test their building skills and stretch their imaginations while having fun. The program challenges participants to use building blocks to create structures based on a predetermined theme within one hour. Block Party at the Library takes place at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, at the North Garland Branch Library, 3845 North Garland Ave.

Block Party at the Library is a free event open to children ages 4 through 12 and their caregivers. Children ages 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult in order to attend. The Library provides all supplies used at this event. 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, call 972-205-2804.

Children to Decorate Gingerbread Houses at Garland Library

Children ages 6 through 12 are invited to decorate their own gingerbread houses at the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Build a Sweet House program. The event takes place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at the Central Library.

Participants at the event may decorate pre-made gingerbread houses using candies, cereal, and frosting, then take their creations home at the end of the night. Registration is required to attend this program and is limited to 15 participants. Registration may be completed by phone or in person at the Central Library beginning Dec. 2. The library will provide all the supplies.

The Central Library is located at 625 Austin St., in Downtown Garland. 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 on this program or to register, please call 972-205-2516.

Children’s Crafts and Book Character at the Library’s 

Christmas on the Square Booth

Children can enjoy making free holiday crafts at the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s booth during the City’s Christmas on the Square event. The festive booth will be open from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 3, in Downtown Garland. Stop by for information about library services and meet Curious George from the popular children’s picture book series by Margret Rey.

Due to weather conditions, Christmas on the Square events are subject to change and/or cancellation. The Central Library will close at 5 p.m. on Dec. 3. 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 about the Library’s booth, call 972-205-2516. For more information about Christmas on the Square visit www.christmasonthesquare.com.

Learn about Texas History from the Library Online

Texas celebrates 170 years of statehood this year. Become an expert on the Lone Star State with The Handbook of Texas, an online resource available for free to Nicholson Memorial Library System cardholders.

Part of the Library Online, The Handbook of Texas is an online encyclopedia of Texas history, geography, and culture. The resource consists of more than 23,000 articles on people, places, events, historical themes, and institutions. It also contains two additional handbooks covering the Civil War in Texas and the African-American experience. Users may search for articles, browse the complete resource, or view the Texas Day by Day feature, which archives a historical event for each day of the year.

To access Handbook of Texas, go to www.nmls.lib.tx.us and click on Library Portal, then Online Resources. Next click on the Genealogy and History subject area and find Handbook of Texas. Enter a Garland library card number and PIN to start exploring.

Present a current, correct Texas Driver’s License or ID to apply for a library card at any Garland library location.

Children Celebrate New Year’s at Garland Libraries

Children can have their own New Year’s celebration this year, without staying up past their bedtimes, by attending the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Noon Year’s Eve Party.

The Noon Year’s Eve Party takes place at the Central Library from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31. The event is designed for children ages eight and under and consists of stories, dancing, and a countdown to noon. Once the clocks strike 12 p.m., participants may wish each other “Happy Noon Year’s” and enjoy refreshments like apple juice and cookies.

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. The Central Library is located at 625 Austin St., in Downtown Garland. For more information on this event, please call 972-205-2516.

North Dallas Trombone Choir Presents Holiday Tunes  at Senior Social Hour

Celebrate the festive season at Senior Social Hour.  The Nicholson Memorial Library System presents an afternoon of holiday music performed by the North Dallas Trombone Choir. The choir appears at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Central Library, 625 Austin St., in Downtown Garland.

The North Dallas Trombone Choir is an all-volunteer, trombone-exclusive group of musicians. Established in 1994, the choir performs in a wide range of musical styles from classical to jazz and has played various venues including churches and malls.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Senior Social Hour programs are free and open to anyone 55 years of age and older. Donations of gently used books and media for the Friends of the Library book sale will be accepted during the program.  No registration is required to attend the event, but seats do fill up quickly. Doors open 30 minutes prior to performance. 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. Call 972-205-2502 for more information.