September - October 2014

Learn more
about what’s
planned for
Irving’s Big Read
celebration
The library
spotlight shines
on East Branch
Library services
and events
PAGE 2
PAGE 3
Green
Room and
MiY Zone
teen tech
labs give
Irving students new
creative outlets and
learning experiences
PAGE 4
Volume 2 Issue 1
Sept. - Oct. 2014
Getting Connected
If you visit the Irving Public Library on
the web, chances are you’ve noticed
some significant changes seemingly
overnight. In late August, the library
launched a new catalog from Polaris, a
leading software developer in the
library industry. Then in early
September, the entire City of Irving
launched a new website. Try out the
new site at cityofirving.org/Library.
events for children, teens
and adults. Below the
calendar, library news
articles keep visitors up-todate with new services and
programs.
From there, the opportunities for
growth and learning are endless. The
new main page contains calendar of
Irving Library staff are available to assist
instructors, parents and students with
navigating the new website and
Polaris, the library’s new
catalog, is accessible in the upper right
corner of the main page. A catalog,
along with its collections, is a library’s
The new catalog and website redesign greatest investment, helping people
is a big step forward for the Irving
find resources in the fastest and most
Public Library system. Greeting you are efficient way. Polaris does this and
big and bold images of library facilities much more with amenities such as the
and events, providing a handsome
ability to receive call numbers by text,
backdrop for cascading menus from a
customize usernames and update
set of launch points near the top of the contact information, preferences and
home page. Users can easily scan the
PINs online. One of the best new
links to the library catalog, book clubs, features is the integration of Overdrive
library information, downloadable
and 3M e-book services into the catalog
options, community information and
and the ability to check-out these
databases.
materials with a single click.
catalog. We realize many families don’t
visit the website often and might
experience these changes when the
first big research project of the year is
coming due. For this reason, volunteers
from the Friends of the Library and the
Library Board have been trained to
offer assistance at peak hours. For
anyone needing extra assistance, the
library is offering classes on the library’s
catalog and city website the week of
October 13 at all library locations. For
more information, call (972) 721-4612.
Most people
associate cooler
temperatures and falling
red and gold leaves with autumn.
For the past eight years Irving’s
community read has also become
synonymous with the change of
seasons and the new school year.
Irving Public Library, the Friends of
the Irving Public Library and Irving
ISD have worked together for nearly
a decade, fighting the decline in
recreational reading in our
community and influencing Irving’s
students to become passionate
about great stories.
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird
will be the focus of the 2014 Big
Read. The Big Read is a wonderful
opportunity for educators, librarians
and families to become involved in
community activities that celebrate
the love of reading. The series kicks
off with a county fair, Harper’s
Bazaar, Sept. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m.
and the events continue throughout
October.
Every year, age appropriate
companion titles are selected for
younger readers. All residents are
invited to meet Newbery Award
winner Christopher Paul Curtis
on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. and discuss his
work The Watsons Go to
Birmingham—1963, this year’s
alternative selection for middle
school readers. In addition to the
author visit, event planners
designed activities to create
participation for all age levels.
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Preschool
Mockingbirds and other feathered
friends will capture the imaginations
of Irving’s preschool-aged children
this fall. The library’s early childhood
education events are top-notch,
presenting songs, creative activities
and stories that parents can build
upon to help their children develop
a love of reading. Big Read early
childhood classes will feature the
selection Hush Little Baby by Sylvia
Long. See the calendar section for
early childhood classes and other
preschool events.
Elementary
A tale about feathered friends of a
different kind, The Sneetches by Dr.
Seuss, was selected for younger
students for its theme of racial
tolerance. Children can meet the
Sneetches at parties listed in the
event calendar.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham
will be the topic of discussion for
the Kids Only and First Look book
clubs for children in grades 3-6.
Teens
Teens play an integral role in the
Big Read, designing the annual
haunted house and serving as
event volunteers. This year,
students from the Jack E. Singley
Academy legal team will conduct a
mock trail based on themes from
To Kill a Mockingbird. Middle
grade and high school students are
also encouraged to attend panel
discussions, live performances and
an outdoor showing of To Kill a
Mockingbird to expand their
knowledge of Big Read themes.
Event information for preschoolers and
students is available in this edition of
Library Connect. To learn more about
how your school or class can
participate in the Big Read, call (972)
721-3502.
Boo’s Cards
Teens love to express themselves
through art. For several years the
library has partnered with Irving
ISD art teachers to promote its
annual Big Read art contest for
students in grades 6-12. This year
the theme is Boo’s Cards. Until
Oct. 1, teens can create 3.5x2.5
inch trading cards with their
interpretation of this year’s Big
Read title, To Kill a Mockingbird
by Harper Lee. To pick up an entry
form with the official rules, visit
an Irving Library
location or
speak with an
IISD art
instructor
Library Spotlight
East Branch Library has become a
cherished asset to the east Irving
community over the past twenty
years. Although it’s the smallest
branch in Irving’s system, the
building’s interior is spacious,
delightfully colorful and full of
character. East Branch boasts a
collection of over 25 thousand items,
the Mickey Watson Quiet Room for
reading and studying, free wi-fi, public
computer access and a thriving
volunteer program. Teen and adult
volunteers put in 177 hours in August, community as well as entertaining.
the most of any location in the system. Gimble is a master at designing events
which celebrate book series such as
The real heart of East Branch is the
Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Harry Potter and
staff. They tirelessly serve the families Fancy Nancy, and all have drawn in
of east Irving, providing outreach to
huge crowds. Cortez works with local
the surrounding Hispanic community. organizations such as the Irving Police
The library held 25 events in August,
Department and Anthem Strong
quite a feat for a staff of five. Library
Families. These partnerships equip
manager, Rose Mary Cortez and
parents and teens with effective
children’s librarian Stephanie Gimble, communication skills and teach them
ensure that programs at the location
the importance of civic responsibility.
are relevant and educational to the
The branch also hosts free seasonal
exercise programs in partnership with
local rec centers and the YMCA to
keep the mind and body healthy and
active.
With dedicated quiet spaces, access to
educational resources and activities
designed to encourage students’ love
of learning, East Branch is a valuable
resource to recommend to families
living in southeast Irving. Stop by and
meet Rose Mary and Stephanie, or
staff assistants Angela, Jesse and
Lorenza during normal hours of
operation, or call (972) 721-3722 with
questions.
Early Childhood Learning
East Branch Library expanded its children’s programming line-up to meet the
needs of its growing clientele. In addition to entertaining young children, early
childhood classes help parents learn how to incorporate early learning activities
into their daily interactions with their children. Sing songs, laugh, and learn at
family events Tuesday mornings at 11 a.m. East Branch serves many families at
various levels of English proficiency. For these residents, East now offers a
bilingual early childhood class at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoons.
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Teen Tech Spots
Bridging the digital divide for teens
and preparing them to be competitive
in Irving’s growing tech industry is a
priority for the library. Early this year
the renovated Valley Ranch Library
unveiled a new teen technology lab,
known as the Green Room. Given
their own space, teenagers have the
freedom to explore and become more
creative with technology. Using the
fun applications and equipment,
students can channel their skills into
movie montages, music videos, self
produce a studio album or other
projects. The Green Room is set up
like a studio, with microphones,
cameras and lighting, as well as iPad
minis, a T1 collaborative Surface
Table, and desktop workstation
loaded with the Adobe Creative Suite.
Additional equipment can be checkedout for use in the Green Room. The
lab’s extended hours increase teen’s
access to
media
resources now
available at
school,
granting them
the freedom
to stay on top of assignments, even
with extracurricular activities or an
after-school job.
South Irving Library’s teen tech lab,
the MiY (Make it Yourself) Zone is
scheduled to open in early 2015. Like
the Green Room, the MiY Zone will
provide touchscreen technology and
equipment and software for movie
making and sound editing. South
Irving Library also hopes to purchase
an iMac computer, mobile Green
Screen kit, 49-key USB midi keyboard
controller and 3-D printer for the MiY
Zone as funds become available.
The South Irving Library will be open
four nights a week, and weekends, so
projects can easily be started at school
and finished in the MiY Zone. Atmos
Energy, the Irving Noon Day Lions and
the Texas State Library Association
have generously given their support to
the new lab. The teen tech labs
available at the Valley Ranch Library
and South Irving Library best meet the
needs of students while working
alongside tech providers in the area
and with local schools. To learn more,
call (972) 721-4669.
Author Visits
Some rather bold authors are coming to Irving in October. MacMillan Publisher’s Fierce Reads
Author Tour lands at the Central Irving Library, on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. Enjoy the crisp
autumn night air and four fierce Young Adult authors: Gennifer Albin (Unraveled), Nikki Kelly
(Lailah), Jessica Brody (Unforgotten) and Marissa Meyer (The Lunar Chronicles). This event marks
the second visit by New York Times bestselling authors Marissa Meyer and Jessica Brody. For Ms.
Brody’s return visit to the Irving Public Library, she has wonderful news to share with her readers.
Her debut novel, Unremembered, is being adapted for film by the producers of the Academy
Award winning films Life of Pi and Slumdog Millionaire! Young Adult literature fans cannot
afford to miss this major event. For more information, call (972) 721-4612.
Speaking of author events, the North Texas Teen Book Festival is gaining momentum like a freight train! NTTBF
received an infusion of nearly $60,000 in support from Kickstarter backers and the Texas State Library Association this
summer to bring in over 25 authors and make admission free for everyone. The festival will be held March 7, 2015 at
the Irving Convention Center. Tentative plans include up to five author panels, nationally known keynote and
endnote speakers and many fun activities throughout the one day event. For more information, visit
northtexasteenbookfestival.com.
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SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
Stepping Stones to 5: Symphony Yes!
with the Dallas Symphony
Sept. 27, 10:30 a.m. to noon
Central Library
Stepping Stones is a great opportunity
for young children and parents to
engage in cultural activities designed to
stimulate early childhood learning.
Stepping Stones to 5: Peruvian Gold
Oct. 25, 10:30 a.m. to noon
Central Library
Irving Arts Center staff will present a
story and crafts related to their
Peruvian Gold exhibition on loan from
the National Geographic Museum. The
program includes activities promoting
early literacy skills. Peruvian Gold is on
exhibit at the Irving Arts Center through
December 31.
The Irving Libraries support early childhood learning through weekly classes. These short, interactive programs are enriching and
fun for parent and child. We have a variety of programs to attend, including age-specific and open family.
Central
Library
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Preschoolers
7:30 p.m.
Preschool
10:30 a.m.
Family
7 p.m.
Toddlers
10:30 a.m.
Bilingual
Family
7:30 p.m.
West Irving
Library





Saturday
Family
11 a.m.
Bilingual
4:30 p.m.
East Branch
Library
Valley Ranch
Library
Friday
Mother Goose
10:30 a.m.
(registration
required)
Family
7 p.m.
Family
10:30 a.m.
Mother Goose
10:30 a.m.
Family
7 p.m.
Family
11 a.m.
Mother Goose Storytime is for infants 4 to 18 months.
Toddler Storytime is for children ages 18 months to 3 years.
Preschool Storytime is for children ages 3 to 6 years.
Family Storytime is a program that families can attend together. Activities are designed so children and parents can
participate together.
Bilingual Family Storytime is for parents, children up to 5 years of age and their siblings. Stories are presented in both
English and Spanish.
5
REGULAR EVENTS
Additional programs are offered at all the branch locations. Please check the
library’s Events page
for the newest list and additional details.
REGULAR
EVENTS
Additional programs are offered at all the branch locations. Please check the library’s Events page for the newest list and additional details.
FAMILY MOVIES
REACH OUT
Recently released and classic familyfriendly movies are shown.
Programs are designed for children with
special needs, their families and peers.
East Branch Library
Third Wednesday each month, 4:30 p.m.
American Sign Language
Conversation Tables
Weekly on Wednesdays, 4 p.m.
Central Library
All ages and levels of experience
welcome. No registration required.
Valley Ranch Library
Every Saturday, 2 p.m.
Special Big Read Movie:
The Watsons Go to Birmingham
The recent movie, based on the novel
by Christopher Paul Curtis, will be
shown at all branch locations during
the Big Read.
Sept. 30, 4:30 p.m., Central Library
Oct. 4, 2 p.m., Valley Ranch Library
Oct. 4, 2:30 p.m., West Irving Library
Oct. 22, 4:30 p.m., East Branch Library
CULTURE AND SCIENCE
Science in 30
Second Thursday each month, 4:30 p.m.
Central Library
Science in 30 is a program designed for
elementary school-aged children. Join us
to explore scientific principles, participate
in a hands-on activity, and have a great
time!
6
PAWS for Reading
Third Sunday each month, 1:30 p.m.
Valley Ranch Library
Children grades K through 6 can read to a
furry friend that’s a trained therapy dog
and practice comprehension skills in a fun
and interactive environment. Space is
limited and registration is encouraged by
calling (972) 721-4669.
Going to the Dogs
First Sunday each month, 2 p.m.
West Irving Library
Dog therapy program designed for
children five years and older with adult
caregiver. Activity centers include
certified therapy dogs, manipulatives,
stories, crafts, and computers.
Space limited and registration required by
First Look
calling (972) 721-2691.
Book Club
(Grades 4-8)
Tablet Time
Select Wednesdays
Select Saturday each month, 2 p.m.
each month, 4:30 p.m.
West Irving Library
This program provides an opportunity for Valley Ranch Library
October:
children and their families/caregivers to
The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963
spend time together at play with IPads!
by Christopher Paul Curtis
Registration required.
BOOK CLUBS
Kids Only Book Club (Grades 3-6)
Third Saturday each month, 2:30 p.m.
Central Library
September:
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
October:
The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963
by Christopher Paul Curtis
SPECIAL EVENTS
Sept. 27, 1 to 4 p.m.
Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center,
3925 Jackson Street
Experience a slice of 1930's life and travel
back to a small town country fair with food,
face painting, live music, animals, vendors,
games and storytelling. Tour the museums
and pick up this year's Big Read title
distributed by the Friends of Irving Public
Library.
Big Read: Building a Birdhouse
Sept. 29, 4:30 p.m.
East Branch Library
Children are invited to try their crafting
skills in making a wooden birdhouse.
Birdhouse kits provided by Lowe's.
Big Read: Meet the Sneetches
Children are invited to a party with the
Sneetches, characters from the Dr. Seuss
tale about racial tolerance.
Oct. 4, 2:30 p.m. - Central Library
Oct. 13, 4:30 p.m. - East Branch Library
Oct. 18, 2:30 p.m. - West Irving Library
Big Read: "Hey Boo" Haunted House
Oct. 26, 5:30 p.m.
Central Library
Come dressed in costume and enjoy an
early Halloween with candy, games, face
painting and the Hey Boo Haunted House.
September 27
Big Read: Christopher Paul Curtis Visit
Oct. 7, 7 p.m.
Valley Ranch Library
Meet the Newbery award winning author
of Bud, Not Buddy, and The Watsons Go to
Birmingham, the 2014 Big Read
Intermediate selection. Titles
will be available for sale during the event.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library
and Jefferson Street Bed and Breakfast.
TO
b
October 28
Diwali Celebrations at Valley Ranch Library
The Story of Diwali
Oct. 25, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday
with music and the story
behind the festival.
Celebrate Diwali with Dance
Oct. 26, 2 to 4 p.m.
Attend an extended
celebration of Diwali as the
adult students of Natyom
Dances of India takes the
floor.
7
REGULAR EVENTS
Additional programs are offered at all the branch locations. Please check the library’s Events page for the newest list and additional details.
ANIME/MANGA
BOOK CLUBS
VOLUNTEER
Anime Club
Second Sunday
each month,
2 p.m.
Central Library
Fans of Asian
popular culture
ages 14 years
and older are invited to watch anime and
films, discuss manga and play video
games.
I "Heart" YA Book
Club
Second Wednesday
each month, 7 p.m.
Central Library
Connect with fellow
readers as we
discuss a wide
range of YA books.
Adults and teens
welcome.
Conversaciones @ Your Library (Spanish)
Every Wednesday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
East Branch Library
Every Thursday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Every Saturday, 1 to 2 p.m.
Central Library
Sketched Together
First Tuesday each month, 4:45 p.m.
Central Library
This monthly club is for anime and manga
lovers in grades 6-8. We will discover new
adventures to take, new books to read,
and new comics to obsess over.
SUCCESS ZONE
Habits for Success
Fourth Thursday each month, 4:30 p.m.
Valley Ranch Library
This 7 part series teach children and teens
the habits
they need
to be
successful,
based on
the books
by Sean and Dr. Stephen Covey.
Registration recommended.
Call (972) 721-4669
8
September:
Daughter of
Smoke and Bone
by Laini Taylor
October:
To Kill a
Mockingbird
by Harper Lee
Young Adult Action
Council (YAAC)
First Wednesday
each month,
4:45 p.m.
Central Library
Teens in grades 9-12
are invited to work
behind the scenes at the library to receive
volunteer hours for school. Registration
required.
Y'ALL Meeting
First Wednesday each month, 4:30 p.m.
Valley Ranch Library
Teens and Tweens, age 10 and up are
invited to attend a monthly meeting
featuring refreshments and an activity.
This event encourages teens to share in a
leadership role and shape the direction of
programs and activities at the Valley
Ranch Library.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Super Game Marathon
Sept. 20, 5 p.m.
Central Library
Join us for a SUPER gaming marathon with
Super Mario Kart races, battling super
heroes and endless fun. Food and prizes
too! Sponsored by YAAC and Anime Club.
Jordan Sonnenblick Author Visit
Sept. 23, 7 p.m.
Valley Ranch Library
Meet the author of
Drums, Girls and
Dangerous Pie, and
other books regularly
found on the annual
Texas Lone Star
Reading List.
Refreshments, book
sales and author
signing follow the
discussion.
Ghostbusters 30th Anniversary Party
Sept. 24, 4:30 p.m.
East Branch Library
We celebrate the anniversary of this
classic comedy-horror movie with crafts,
refreshments, and a movie.
Adi Alsaid YA Author Visit
Sept. 25, 7 p.m.
Central Library
Join us for an evening with
the author of the highly
anticipated YA novel Let’s
Get Lost. Refreshments, book
sales and author signing
follow the discussion.
Fierce Reads Tour: Fall 2014
Oct. 8, 7 p.m.
Central Library
Join us for the second
leg of Macmillan’s Fall
2014 Fierce Reads
Tour! Authors
Gennifer Albin
(Unraveled),
Nikki Kelly (Lailah), Jessica Brody
(Unforgotten) and Marissa Meyer (The
Lunar Chronicles) will discuss their latest
books. Refreshments, book sales and
author signing follow the panel.
Reads Day!
Oct. 11, 2 to 7:30 p.m.
Valley Ranch Library
Use the power of the force to find
your way to the library for a day
filled with Star Wars fun!
2-3:30 p.m. Watch the animated
Star Wars: Clone Wars.
4-5 p.m. Enjoy thematic crafts and
snacks.
5:30-7:30 p.m. After-hours
screening of Star Wars (The first
and best...episode IV).
Bonus: Come dressed for the part
and be entered to win a prize!
Call (972) 721-4669 for additional
details.
Big Read Movie: To Kill a Mockingbird
Oct, 4, 7 p.m.
Central Library
Teens and families are invited to an outdoor showing
of the 1962 classic movie starring Gregory Peck.
Big Read: Mockingbirds, Justice and Race:
A Conversation
Oct. 23, 7 p.m.
Central Library
A panel discussion of To Kill a Mockingbird, hosted by
the Irving Heritage Society.
Big Read: The Mockingbird on Trial
Oct. 27, 7 p.m.
National Scouting Museum, 1329 W. Walnut Hill Lane
The Jack E. Singley 10th Grade legal team perform a mock trial
based on the trial in Harper Lee's novel.
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Irving Library Connect offers grade-specific calendars
jam-packed with cultural, scholastic and family programming in every
issue! Links embedded in each story allow readers to go beyond the
newsletter and connect with a variety of online resources available
through Irving Public Library’s website.
Central Library
801 W. Irving Blvd.
(972) 721-2606
Monday through Thursday
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
East Branch Library
440 S. Nursery Road
Suite 103
(972) 721-3722
Monday and Wednesday
noon to 8 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, Saturday and
Sunday Closed
Valley Ranch Library
401 Cimarron Trail
(972) 721-4669
Monday and Wednesday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday
noon to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
West Irving Library
4444 W. Rochelle Road
(972) 721-2691
Monday and Wednesday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday
noon to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.