In June, Plano Public Library received three state awards from the Texas Library Association. The honors included the Demco/Upstart Innovative Programming Award, a recognition of the library’s innovative and replicable programs, the Texas Library Association Branding Iron Award, an award for marketing and promotion of programs and services, and the Texas Library Association Texas Youth Creators Award for its excellence in amateur media production.
If that was not enough to persuade you to go to the library, maybe the ongoing heatwave will be. Now that most libraries are functioning as cooling stations this is the perfect time to participate in those programs that you’ve been meaning to but haven’t yet.
Here are our picks for the best library programs to shelter from the heat.
Update 7/20/22 – 9:00 a.m. An earlier version of this story included events not held at Plano libraries. The article has since been updated. We regret the error.
Youth Programs:
For parents of young kids, many libraries provide programs and services aimed at promoting early literacy, scientific thinking and creativity.
Thinking Money for Kids
When: July 14 - Aug 24
Where: Haggard Library | 2501 Coit Rd
This touring financial education exhibit is a multimedia experience that uses games, creativity and storytelling to provide children aged 7 to 11 and their families an idea of what money is, its role in society, monetary values, responsibility and charitableness.
3D Printing Class
When: Wednesday, July 20 | 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Davis Library | 7501-B Independence Pkwy
Learn the basics of 3D printing and 3D design with your kids. If they are older than 13, they can assist the class by themselves. Don't forget your USB flash drive to keep your projects!
Reading Readiness Storytime
Info: The program functions in different locations and times, look at the full schedule.
The program intends to provide children ages 0 to 5 with reading readiness skills through storytimes and other early learning events.
Adult Programs:
No children in your family? No excuse! Take a look at these programs for adults.
The Write Workshop: Critique Basics
When: Thursday, July 23 | 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Schimelpfenig Library | 5024 Custer Road
Join other amateur writers and critique a short story together. Learn the basics of writer's critique and take home skills that will improve your craft as the editor of your own stories.
Novel Knitters
When: Tuesday, July 25 | 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Haggard Library | 2501 Coit Road
We know winter feels like a lifetime away, but trust us, it's coming. Prepare your yarn projects with other knitters and learn the craft or share tips with novices.
Mystery Book Club
When: Thursday, July 21 and August 18| 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Haggard Library | 2501 Coit Road
Join a traditional book club and discuss the themes and developments of featured mystery stories. The upcoming meetings will cover the mystery you are reading now and Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden on August 18.
