Virtual Programming
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is an initiative from the 1000 Books Foundation that encourages children to read or be read ONE THOUSAND books before beginning Kindergarten. In as little as 15 minutes a day, families can work toward this goal and help their children to build the skills needed for future school and life success. Babies, Toddler, and Preschoolers ages 0 to 6 are welcome to participate in this ongoing program.
How it works
Register for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten in person at your local Garland Library, or register online using Beanstack: https://nmls.beanstack.org/reader365
Already have a Beanstack account? Just sign in to get started!
Come in and pick up a log, or use one of our printable reading logs below:
1,000 Books Log 1-100
1,000 Books Log 101-200
1,000 Books Log 201-300
1,000 Books Log 301-400
1,000 Books Log 401-500
1,000 Books Log 501-600
1,000 Books Log 601-700
1,000 Books Log 701-800
1,000 Books Log 801-900
1,000 Books Log 901-1,000
Once your child has completed a log, bring it to the Children’s Desk at any of our libraries to receive a prize and the next reading log.
Shhh! A Library Podcast
February Books & Beyond: DIY Space Capsule
Learn about NASA professional Katherine Johnson in honor of Black History Month. Then make your own space capsule!
Art Explorers: Lines and Emoji
Discover how lines convey meaning in art, then use your skills to draw different emojis. Miss Kelly shows us how!
Origami Take and Make Kits
You can do many of these origami crafts with paper you have at home, or you can arrange to pick up a kit at any #GarlandLibrary. Make cranes, frogs, lanterns, and ninja stars!
Take and Make Origami: Crane
Take and Make Origami: Jumping Frog
Take and Make Origami: Lantern
Take and Make Origami: Ninja Star
January Books and Beyond: Science Fiction
Learn about sci-fi author Jules Verne before designing your own sci-fi vehicle.
Winter Reading Challenge: Make Your Own Cloud Dough!
Let's make Cloud Dough! This is a great homemade play dough recipe that you can make with your little ones.
Here are some sensory benefits of cloud dough:
- Helps develop fine-motor skills for future writing and hand-eye coordination
- Encourages creativity
- Can be very calming, much like a squishy stress ball
- Improves social skills by encouraging conversations between those making and playing with the cloud dough
Suppies:
1 c. Corn starch
1/2 c. Lotion (baby or regular)
Gel food coloring
Mixing bowl
Wax paper
Plastic wrap
Winter Reading Challenge: Easy Polar Bear Origami
Learn how to fold paper into polar bear origami with Miss Malia!
Supplies
6”x 6” square sheet of white paper
Pens for decorating (sharpie fine tip)
Winter Reading Challenge: Sensory Snowman
Learn how to build a sensory snowman with Miss Nicole. No snow required! Sensory play encourages the development of fine motor skills, “scientific thinking” and problem solving, and can involve mindful activities which are beneficial for children.
Winter Reading Challenge: Snow Paint
Paint with “snow” along with Miss Kelly!
Winter Reading Challenge: Snow Writing
Learn how to write with snow. Miss Malia shows us how! Snow writing is a great way to build fine motor skills and introduce your child to new textures. Sensory play encourages the development of fine motor skills, “scientific thinking” and problem solving, and can involve mindful activities, which are beneficial for children.
Supplies
Apron
Measuring cups
Spatula or spoon
1 Bowl
Shaving cream
Corn starch
Baking pan or tray
Glitter (optional)
Paint brush or q-tips
Visuals such as letters or numbers
Dark construction paper
Art Explorers: Perspective Drawing
Learn about one point perspective drawing and then make your own holiday road trip perspective drawing.
Turkey Escape Room
Turkey lost his feathers in all the side dishes while the farmer was chasing him on Thanksgiving. Can you solve the puzzles and help Turkey find his feathers?
Pumpkin Patch Escape Room
The Garland Public Library welcomes you to our escape room! This escape room was written for children or families, but anyone can participate as a group or an individual. Figure out patterns, navigate mazes, play number games and test your memory! This escape room was written with the help of Maggi Dieker, a librarian at the Garland Central Library.
Art Explorers: Geometric Abstraction
Explorers will learn about different types of art and use creativity to make their own masterpieces. Celebrate Hispanic Artist - Kazuya Sakai, a Japanese-Argentinian Artist and his geometrical form and the use of saturated colors. We will use paper and markers to create our own a colorful art pieces.
Template (PDF)
Art Explorers: Pointillism
Explorers will learn about different types of art and use creativity to make their own masterpieces. Pointillism is a painting technique that uses small dots of color to create an image.
Creative Kids - Could You Be a Knight
Children will get to create their own shields and learn to joust with a pool noodle. Children can register and then pick-up the knight shield at the Central Library (in-person or curbside pickup). Children can use a pool noodle they already have or some other flexible implement their parents allow them to joust with. Children will learn about historical knights and we will give parents some ideas of other knight themed activities to do at home.
Supplies needed:
Markers
Precut Knight Shield
Pool Noodle
Target
The knight shield for Creative Kids will be offered to the first 24 participants to request them. Call the Central Library at 972-205-2516 to register. Curbside pickup is available.
Creative Kids (Ages 6-12) Kaleidoscope Fun
Come have some kaleidoscope fun! Learn how kaleidoscopes work, while creating their own unique design using recycled materials, straws, and mirrored paper.
Supplies needed:
Recycled toilet paper tubes
Straws
Mirror board
Cardstock
Drawing tool (pencil, pen, marker, etc.)
Coloring tools (markers, crayons, etc.)
Creative Kids (Ages 6-12) - Creative Creatures
The Children will participate in STEAM activities that involve fairy tale creatures and creatures of their own design.
Flying dragon: Using paper tubes, and their own decoration, the children will create a dragon which will then be placed on two strings. The strings will be used as a lever to help the dragon “fly” up the string.
Pool noodle monsters: children can use their creative side to make a monster of their choosing.
Supplies needed:
Toilet paper rolls
Construction paper
String
Googly Eyes
Pom poms
Pipe cleaners
Scissors
Creative Kids (Ages 6-12) - Kawaii Fantasy Creature Comics
Participants will create their own comic strips, and draw fantasy kawaii creatures to go with their comics, using numbers and letters. Comic strip panels will be printed prior to the program.
Supplies needed:
Drawing tool (pencil, pen, marker, etc.)
Paper (copy paper or whatever paper)
Images of the creatures being drawn (PDF)
Comic strip panel template (PDF)
Creative Kids (Ages 6-12) - STEAM Like a Royal
The Little Mermaid wants to look beautiful for her prince. Decorate her tin foil tail with sharpies to make her ready for anything!
Rapunzel has been trapped in her tower all her life! Help her explore the outside world by building her an escape route from her tower!
Snow White is hiding from the Evil Queen at the home of the Seven Dwarves. Create a dwarf beard for Snow White to wear as a disguise!
Supplies needed:
Construction Paper
Popsicle sticks
Index cards
Yarn
Pipe cleaners
Tooth picks
Tin foil
Cotton balls
Tape
Scissors
Glue
Sharpies
Creative Kids (Ages 6-12) - Dragon Paper Plate Gliders
Participants will create dragon gliders using paper plates to make the wings and the body. They will then paint their dragons with a combination of watercolor paints and sharpies.
Supplies needed:
Paper Plates
Dragon template for tracing (PDF)
Drawing/coloring tool (pencil, pen, marker, watercolor paint etc.)
Stapler
Scissors
Creative Kids (Ages 6-12) - Fizz! Boom! STEAM: Science of Magic
Use science to learn Magic tricks! Kids can learn some scientific magic tricks like the floating feather trick and the static can trick. Attendees may then race their cans without touching them, using balloons and the magic of static electricity.
Supplies needed:
Feathers
Paper clips
Magnets
Jumbo Craft Sticks (2)
Electrical tape or other tape that is nicely colored
Aluminum can
Balloon
Scissors
Fishing line
Creative Kids (Ages 6-12) - Ancient Greek Vases
Kids ages 6 through 12 can learn some Greek history with a game of Roll and Draw to create an Ancient Greek vase of their own design! Participants will roll a dice to indicate what to draw, and where, on a shape of an ancient Greek vase. They will also learn some of the history behind the vases and mythology, and the symbols being drawn on them.
Supplies needed:
Paper, any kind will do
Drawing tools (e.g. pencil or markers)
Coloring tools (e.g. crayons or markers)
Dice or a dice alternative (e.g. pieces of paper numbered 1 - 6)
Roll-the-dice template (PDF)
If you don’t have a printer at home, contact the Library about Mobile Printing that you can pickup curbside!
Be creative! Try making your vase with paint instead of pencils, markers, crayons!
Art Explorers: Magical Agamograph
Art Explorers will create an Agamograph. Agamographs are 3-D art made with two to three images. The participants will create two separate images of fantastical landscapes to make their own Magical Agamograph.
Supplies needed:
4- 8.5 x 11 sheets of cardstock
crayons
markers
scissors
glue
Art Explorers (Ages 6-12) - Mythical Creature Mosaics
Draw inspiration from Fairy Tales, Mythology, and Fantasy to make mosaic art using colorful stickers. Create mythical animals like Unicorns, Dragons, Phoenix, Fairies and more.
Craft Kits will include:
6 x 9 in. mixed media paper with a mythical creature pre-drawn.
1 Sheet of 144 florescent stickers (each sticker - size 0.5 x 0.75 Inches)
1 Instruction Sheet
STEAM Activities at Home: Drawing Animals with Numbers
Need an activity to keep the kids busy while at home? Join Miss Dorothy to learn how to draw animals with numbers!
STEAM Activities at Home: Scratch Art Paper
Need an activity to keep the kids busy while at home? Join Miss Dorothy to learn how to make your very own scratch art paper!
Stomp Rockets
In this tutorial, we will be showing you how to make a rocket and rocket launcher from paper, craft supplies, PVC pipe, and a 2-liter soda bottle that you can take outside and launch.
STEAM Activities at Home: Paper Airplanes
Need an activity to keep the kids busy while at home? Join Miss Dorothy to learn how to build three different types of paper airplanes or gliders before measuring how far they fly!
Origami Fukuyama Rose and Kusudama Flowers
Instructions (PDF)
Cookie Baking for Teens
Follow along with Miss Nicole as she makes peanut butter sandwich cookies.
Interviewing 101
Teens looking for jobs can view the library’s next Adulting 101 tutorial and discover some job interview best practices. We will cover how to research prospective employers, dress for an interview, and answer common interview questions.
DIY Friendship Bracelets
Join Miss Andrea as she walks you through the creation of a cardboard loom and your own friendship bracelets in honor of National Sweetest Day. Learn about the history of friendship bracelets plus step-by-step how to weave your own friendship bracelets by using the forward knot method.
Materials needed:
yarn or embroidery floss
cardboard
scissors
ruler
writing utensil
College and Financial Aid 101
Learn about library resources to help you with college financial aid. Learn how to fill out the FAFSA application.
College and Financial Aid Resources (PDF)
Adulting 101: Digital Citizenship and Online Safety
Digital citizenship is the responsible use of technology to learn, create and participate. Learn how to interact with and balance social media in your life.
Adulting 101: Resumes and Applications
This tutorial will show you the steps to create a basic resume and fill out an online job application. These are only the very basics of resume and cover letter creation so this will not be a step by step guide.
Teen Self-Portraits
Self-portraits were used by artists as a way to practice depicting the human form and face. They are used to express the artist’s feeling in that moment as well as over time. Use whatever medium you want, sidewalk chalk, charcoal, acrylics, watercolor or pencil. Go to a room with a mirror and light (either natural or artificial) or get a small standing mirror. Draw yourself in whatever artistic style you desire, but before you start, think carefully about what you want to show with your portrait.
Art 101
A tutorial detailing the seven elements of art with examples of what each element is, how it works in art, and examples of artwork to give teens ideas of things they can do at home.
Teen Program - Geeky Terrariums
Teens will get to create a geeky terrarium from a mason jar and any geeky figurines and accessories they have at home. Library staff will show teens how to create a scene in their terrarium with the materials they have at home – fishing wire, paper, hot glue, sand, rocks, etc. Teens can then create their own terrariums.
Supplies needed:
Laptop
Internet
Table
Chair
Fishing wire
Paper
Hot glue/hot glue gun
Sand/rocks
Markers/crayons
Scissors
Pen/pencil
Mason Jars
Tween Scene (Ages 10-13) - Origami Dragon Eyes
Tween will learn how to fold a square sheet of paper into a blinking dragon eye. While folding, the participants will also begin to draw and color the dragon’s eye and the scales. The tweens may be able to complete more than one eye if they are quick artists.
Supplies needed:
Drawing tool (pencil, pen, marker, etc.)
Paper (copy paper or whatever paper)
Scissors
Coloring tools (crayons, colored pencils, markers, etc.)
Tween Scene (Ages 10-13) - Catapults
Tween will learn how to construct a mini catapult by wrapping popsicle sticks with rubber bands. Once the catapults have been constructed, the participants will then test their catapult’s throwing power by launching various objects of different shapes, sizes, and weights toward a bullseye placed one foot away. A premade chart to record your results is available to illustrate your catapults power.
Supplies needed:
10 craft sticks
rubber bands
a plastic spoon
two pom poms
a paper bullseye (PDF)
a sheet to record their results (PDF)
Adulting 101: Laundry
Teens will learn how to do laundry. From sorting colors, choosing which cycle on the machine to use and what all those strange symbols on clothing tags mean, this program will make sure that teens will not have problems doing their own laundry.
Adulting 101: Car Maintenance
Teens will learn how to do some basic car maintenance: checking their oil, adding windshield wiper fluid, checking tire pressure, how to adjust tire pressure and how to change a flat tire!
Art 101 https://my.nicheacademy.com/nmls/course/18285
A tutorial detailing the seven elements of art with examples of what each element is, how it works in art, and examples of artwork to give teens ideas of things they can do at home.
How to Knit Tutorial
This video will give basic instructions on how to knit.
You will learn the following techniques:
- Cast on
- Knit
- Cast off
You will learn about the basic materials needed to start:
- Knitting needles and other essential tools
- Types of yarn
Other tips that you will learn:
- How to choose yarn
- How to choose knitting needles
Podcasting 101
Learn how to create, host, and distribute your own podcast! It's easier than it looks.
Sock It To Me! Adult Craft Workshop
Learn how to create your own microwaveable heating pad using a sock and rice through this virtual program! You can reserve a take and make kit to craft along with us by calling 972-205-2533 beginning Sept. 10.
Kit includes:
a knee sock
a bag of rice
twine
a paper towel roll to use as a funnel
an instruction sheet
Kits are available while supplies last.
Adult Craft Workshop: Diva Wreath
Watch as Millie demonstrates how to make a Diva Wreath in honor of #BlackHistoryMonth.
Coding Basics
Get a brief overview that covers the parts of code and then shows basic coding skills
Create a Stop Motion Video (Using FREE Stop Motion Studio App)
This program utilizes the stop motion app Stop Motion Studio. This is a free app, and it works on Android and Apple devices. This app allows users to create, edit, add extra effects, and post the videos directly to YouTube when you are done. You can use any type of pictures, craft supplies, or toys creatively to make these videos. This tutorial will show you how to download the app, how to use the functions in the app to create and edit the video, and then how to post the video.
Supply list:
Your device (whether it is a smartphone or tablet, Android or Apple)
The free app Stop Motion Studio
Any items you would like to create your movie with
App Links:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cateater.stopmotionstudio&hl=en_US
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stop-motion-studio/id441651297
**You must have a Google email account and a YouTube account if you want to post your videos on YouTube.
Holiday Maker Fest: Macrame Snowflakes
Learn how to construct basic macramé knots and use the technique to make a snowflake ornament.
Supplies:
Scissors
1mm—3mm cotton cord (color of your choosing)
A metal or wooden ring (any size of your choosing. I’ll be using a 2 inch ring)
Tape (optional)
Straight Pins (optional)
Holiday Maker Fest: Mason Jar Ring Wreath Ornaments
Learn how to make wreath ornaments using Mason jar lids, pine rope, hot glue and buttons. It's super easy!
Supplies:
Scissors
Buttons
Mason jar lid ring
Twine (about 10 inches)
Pine rope (about 2 feet)
Glue gun
A limited number of craft kits are available for this project. Please call the South Garland Branch Library at 972-205-3931 to reserve one.
Soap Making Tutorial
Learn how to make your own soap using the melt and pour method. Millie, an Adult Services Librarian, demonstrates the technique. Soap makes a great gift for the holidays… just saying!
Supplies:
soap base
Silicone soap mold
Liquid colorant
Essential oils that are specifically made for soap making
Microwave oven
Microwave-safe pitcher
Cutting board
Serrated knife
Rubber spatula
Soap mold
Small spray bottle with rubbing alcohol
Plastic wrap
Create Your Own YouTube Channel
Learn how to set up your own YouTube channel and get started with online video creation.
Holiday Maker Fest: Reverse Canvas Holiday Art
Make a decorative piece of holiday art by removing a canvas from its frame, painting the frame, and constructing a holiday tree with ribbon. Glue the canvas back on to the frame to complete the craft.
Supplies needed:
Canvas
Paint & paintbrush
Utility knife
Piece of wood
Assorted ribbon
Pipe cleaners
Hot glue gun & sticks
Hispanic Heritage Month: Papel Picado
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, learn how to make Papel Picado, a type of Mexican folk art where cuts are made to tissue paper and then hung together on string
MATERIALS
Papel Picado Using Scissors:
scissors
colored tissue paper
string
glue stick
Papel Picado Using an Art Knife:
art knife (X-Acto with triangular blade is preferred)
colored tissue paper
glue stick
scissors
stapler
string
pattern
Pumpkin Carving 101
In celebration of Halloween and other Fall holidays, learn several techniques to improve your pumpkin carving game. Learn about the history of pumpkin carving, basic tips for opening and hollowing out your pumpkin, how to apply a printed design, and more. Few supplies will need to be purchased, and most techniques can be used with common household objects and supplies.
Supplies needed:
Tarp or towel
Trash can
Pumpkin
Large spoon or scoop
Assorted knives, saws, or carving tools
Printed design
Needle, pin, or toothpick
Tape
Light source
Taking Control of your news: Misinformation, Disinformation and Fact Checking
Being able to determine whether a news item is legitimate or not is becoming an increasingly important skill. Today, we'll be discussing some ways to analyze and investigate a news item.
Taking Control of Your News Sources & Resources (PDF)
ACW: Japanese Watercolor Cherry Blossoms
Watch a video tutorial by library staff on how to create watercolor painted cherry blossoms – a staple in classical Japanese art. Participants would first learn how to sketch out their idea on printer paper before testing brush strokes on a practice piece of watercolor paper. When they feel confident enough in the feel of the paint and brushes, they would create their final piece on a larger piece of watercolor paper.
Supplies Needed:
Watercolor paint
Permanent Rose (or any shade of pink)
Lamp Black (or any shade of black)
Watercolor brushes
Size 00 (for detail work)
Size 0 (for general painting)
Watercolor paper
One sheet for main piece (11 x 15 inches used in video)
One sheet for testing paint (9 x 12 inches used in video)
Scratch paper and pencil for sketching image
Paint tray, bowl, or plate for mixing paint with water
Cup for water to mix and wash brushes
ONLINE JOB APPLICATION BASICS
A video tutorial showing you best practices for filling out online job applications. Emily talks about some of the things you may have to do when working through online job applications, including making an account and password, answering different question types, and filling in required information. The tutorial includes best practices for developing a resume and cover letter plus library resources that pertain to job searching.
Online Job Application Resources (PDF)
Resume Basics (Tutorial)
Adult Craft: Wool Dryer balls
If you’re not familiar with Wool Dryer Balls, they are a natural alternative to chemical filled fabric softeners & dryer sheets. Since they are made with 100% wool, they naturally wick moisture away from clothes, resulting in soft & fluffy laundry without the static cling. Because the balls bounce around in the dryer, they lessen drying time. This saves you money on your electricity bill.
They are easy and affordable to make. You need just a few supplies, some of which you might already have at home.
Supplies
100% wool or wool roving— no blends, no “super wash” wool, no machine-washable wool
Scissors
A pair of old pantyhose, tights or long socks.
A crochet hook or tapestry needle
Washer and dryer
Scrap yarn (Acrylic or cotton).
Resume Basics
Get some tips on how to create a #resume, find templates, and avoid common mistakes from Jenna, one of our Adult Services Librarians.
Genealogy
Library staff will provide an introduction to getting started with family research. Library resources to start that process will be highlighted, focusing primarily on easily accessible online resources like Heritage Quest and FamilySearch. Staff will also discuss area libraries with more extensive print collections like Dallas Public Library and McKinney Public Library.
Memoir Writing
Learn about the basics of writing your memoir. From structuring your memoir and gathering up your information to the purpose of memoirs, and some resources to help you get started.
“All in the Family” Preserving Family Stories Using Technology
Patrons can learn the basics on how to digitally preserve family stories using digital apps and recording equipment. We will demonstrate how to use a few of the apps for recording audio and video as well as provide resources on how to conduct interviews with family members to help preserve family history.
Adult Craft Workshop - Book Binding
Patrons will learn about the Japanese style of book binding. This method involves using a blunt needle to sew pages together, eliminating the need for glue or other binding equipment.
Supplies needed:
Assorted paper
Bookbinding needles (or a blunt needle)
Awl (or a hammer and nail, drill, sharp tweezers, thumbtacks, pins)
Waxed linen thread (or any thread waxed with beeswax)
Binder clips (or clothespins, paper clips)
Pencil/pen
Scissors
Rulers
Adult Craft Workshop - Patriotic Flowerpot
Watch one of our librarians show you how to use painter’s tape to decorate a terra cotta pot in the style of an American flag. Star decals can be created by placing painters tape on top of a sheet of wax paper, drawing star shapes, cutting them out, then sticking them on the pot. While we will not show the use of an acrylic sealer, it will be suggested that crafters use it if they plan on placing the painted pot outside.
Supplies needed:
Terra Cotta flowerpot
Painter’s tape
Wax paper
Sanding sponge (or fine/medium grit sandpaper)
Paint (red, white, and blue acrylic)
Brushes
Adult Craft Workshop - Wine Cork Pendant
Patrons will learn how to turn slices of wine corks into personalized pendant necklaces using paint, stamps, and other supplies.
Supplies:
Wine Corks-to cut into slices
Acrylic Paints
Stamps or stencils
Cording
Pendant Bails
Hot glue or super glue
Optional:
Sandpaper
Adult Craft Workshop - Newspaper Bowl
Learn how to make a multipurpose bowl! Watch one of our librarians demonstrate how to make a multipurpose bowl using old newspapers or magazines.
Supplies:
Old newspapers or magazines
Craft glue
Scissors
Paint brush
Bamboo skewer or knitting needle (The length should be at least 12 inches)
Optional:
Acrylic paint
Adult Craft Workshop - Zentangle Postcards
Watch a tutorial video and learn how to create a personalized Zentangle from a photo. Zentangle can be both a method of stress relief and a cool piece of art!
Adult Craft Workshop: Paint Pouring Vase
In this tutorial, we will be showing you how to decorate a mason jar with acrylic paint and paint pouring medium.
How We Used To: Sewing Basics
Learn how to thread a needle and then do basic knots and stitches
Materials You'll Need:
Thread
Sewing Needle
Fabric
Scissors
Needle Threader (optional)
Thimble (optional)
Fabric Pencil/Marker (Optional)
How We Used To: Seed Starting Indoors
Learn how to start seeds inside so they will be ready to plant after the lest frost.
Materials You'll Need:
Seed Packets
Cardboard Egg Cartons
Scissors/Sharp Knife
Seed Starting Potting Mix
Water/Spray Bottle
Plastic Wrap/Container
How to Crochet
In this tutorial, you’ll learn the basics of crochet--the slip knot, chain stitch, and single crochet stitch--and then we’ll put it all together to make a crochet washcloth.
Pom Pom Bookmark
In this tutorial, we will show you how to make a Pom Pom bookmark using yarn, scissors, tape, and your fingers.