Nicholson Memorial Library System

Start Your Next Home Improvement Project at the Library Online

Want to learn how to practice feng shui in your home, wire a ceiling fan, or complete another home improvement project? Find helpful how-to information in the Home Improvement Reference Center, an online resource available for free to Nicholson Memorial Library System cardholders.

Home Improvement Reference Center is a database consisting of information on many types of improvement or repair projects in areas such as maintenance, remodeling, electrical work, outdoor improvements, plumbing, wood projects, and more. This resource also provides access to the full text of more than 120 reference books and 45 magazines. Approximately 100 videos illustrating popular home repair projects are available as well.

To access Home Improvement Reference Center, go to www.nmls.lib.tx.us and click on Library Portal, then Online Resources. Next click on the Do It Yourself subject area and find Home Improvement. Enter your library card number and PIN to get your project off the ground.

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

Zoo Animals Visit Garland Library’s Senior Social Hour 

Senior citizens can get a preview of the Dallas Zoo at the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Senior Social Hour. Dallas Zoo staff will present an educational and interactive program at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, at the Central Library, in Downtown Garland.

The program will feature six to eight different animals from around the world, including a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles. Due to the presence of live animals, refreshments will not be served at this Senior Social Hour event.

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 are 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.

Tweens Build Robots at Garland Libraries

Tweens with an interest in robotics can build their own brush bots at the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Tween Scene.

Tween Scene is a program series designed for youth ages 10 through 13, consisting of activities related to fun and interesting themes. Participants also receive book recommendations based on each theme. The program takes place twice a month at various library locations on Thursday afternoons and evenings.

The April Tween Scene events focus on robotics. Program attendees will discuss books on the subject then make their own robots out of toothbrush heads and batteries. The first Tween Scene takes place at 6:30 p.m. on April 2, at the South Garland Branch Library, with the second occurring at 4 p.m. on April 9, at the North Garland Branch Library.

The South Garland Branch Library is located at 4845 Broadway Blvd., at Oates Road. The North Garland Branch Library is located at 3845 N. Garland Ave., at Apollo Road. 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 972-205-3933.

Kids Learn to Weave at Garland Library 

Children who enjoy crafts are invited to learn about paper weaving 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, April 4, 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 April event, participants can weave together recycled paper and calendar pictures to make a distinctive piece of quilted art.

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.

Kids, Design Your Own Bookmark at Garland Libraries

Calling all artists! Do you like to draw? Show off your talent by entering the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s bookmark design contest for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade. The contest features the theme “Join Our Fantasy Quest—Read!” and begins April 1. Designs may include dragons, knights, fairies, or any fantasy subject. Stop by the Children’s Desk at any Garland library to pick up your bookmark templates and rules sheets. Follow the rules below, then turn in your entry by April 30. The contest winners will be announced May 8.

* Bookmarks must be your own hand-drawn, original artwork. No copyrighted images or cartoon characters will be accepted.

* No colors please—black ink only.

* The Children’s Librarians will select a first place, second place, third place, and fourth place winner from all the submitted bookmarks in each of the following age groups: kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth grade, and sixth through eighth grade.

* Criteria for judging include: Creativity, Use of Theme, and Originality.

Copies of each first place bookmark will be made available at all Garland library locations beginning Saturday, June 6. For more information or a complete set of rules, please contact your neighborhood library, or call 972-205-2516.

Kids Discover Flower Poetry  at Garland Library’s Books and Beyond 

Children ages 6 through 12 can celebrate National Poetry Month and National Garden Month at the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Books and Beyond. The event takes place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the Central Library.

Books and Beyond consists of book discussions and activities related to monthly themes. Children use their imaginations to explore those themes and complete activities, all while socializing with others their age and having fun.

At the April program, attendees will learn about haiku poetry and construct a poem about flowers as a group. Participants can then plant their own flowers in pots to take home.

No registration is required to attend this free event. Children must be ages 6 through 12 to attend. 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, please call 972-205-2516.