Families are

invited to Irvings
second annual
Screen Free
Week and meet
author Kelly Light

Meet your
favorite YA
authors this
spring
PAGE 5

Experience the
festival through
the eyes of our
educational
partners
PAGE 6

PAGE 3

Volume 2 Issue 2.5

Spring 2015 Addendum

for every 100 books

enjoyed. The pages
combine to create a
keepsake booklet of
your childs progress
and artistic works.

Have you ever looked into the eyes of a

newborn baby and wondered what he or
she was thinking? Although it would be
impossible to know, what is certain is that
baby was already processing countless
pieces of sensory information from day
one. A childs brain is hardwired to learn
and parents, as a childs first teacher, lay
the foundation for academic success.
Strong literacy skills from an early age
contribute significantly to a childs
cognitive scores. Early readers start off
with parents who speak, sing, play and
read to them as they prepare for their
first day of Kindergarten. Parents dont
need a road map or curriculum. When
the world is the classroom, the
possibilities are endless.

make learning fun for kids 0 to age 5 and

help parents tap into everyday teachable
moments while building a culture of
reading in local families.
Discovery Zone
South Irving Library, 601 Schulze Dr.
offers its very own early literacy center,
known as the Discovery Zone. This
inviting and playful area is open to the
public during South Irving Librarys
regular operating hours. It features
learning centers, Legos, lava tile flooring
and a touch screen wall with games and
activities that will appeal to your childs
sense of wonder and discovery.

1KB4K
The flagship program for Little LEADers is
The South Irving Library launched a brand the reading initiative 1KB4K (1,000 Books
Before Kindergarten). Visit any Irving
new series of programs titled Little
library location to pick up reading logs
LEADers (Literacy, Education And
filled with coloring pages and activities
Discovery). The series is designed to

Community Baby
Showers
Every baby is a loved
and cherished member
of the community. New
and expectant mothers
are invited to be our
guest of honor at quarterly Community
Baby Showers, from 2 to 4 p.m. beginning
on Saturday, April 25 at South Irving
Library, 601 W. Schulze Dr. Play games,
eat snacks, make crafts and meet child
rearing experts and performers.
Raising Little LEADers
These programs will help parents of
youngsters learn simple ways to raise
smart and successful children, and will
introduce early childhood education
experts. The program launches at 10:30
a.m. on April 18 at the South Irving
Library, 601 W. Schulze Dr., with
MusikGarten certified childhood music
consultant Heidi Schiebmeir. Come for
Baby Lets Read led by the Parenting
Center of Fort Worth at 10:30 a.m. on
May 16.
Article continued on page 2

Music in Early Childhood

April 18, 10:30 a.m.
South Irving Library
Heidi Scheibmeir will guide you in using music to
promote early literacy development.

Community Baby Shower

Article continued from page 1

Storytimes
How a book is presentedthe enthusiastic inflection of the
voice, and commentaries that connect the dots to a childs daily
experiences can make a child feel special. Watch full
demonstrations in the art of story delivery, using songs, puppet
shows, finger plays and more at any Irving Public Library
storytime event. All books read during storytime count towards
your childs 1KB4K goal! See below for the full schedule.

April 25, 2 p.m.

South Irving Library
Lets celebrate your new baby together. Play
games, eat snacks, make crafts and meet childrearing experts.

Baby Matters 0-3

April 27, 11 a.m. (Every fourth Monday)
Valley Ranch Library
Join our open discussion with Debbie Grace from
the Warren Center about early childhood
development.

Baby Let's Read!

Reserve-a-Librarian
Book a 30-minute meeting and talk about how to use library
resources, find good books and how to present stories in
meaningful and creative ways. Offered by appointment only.
Call (972) 721-2606.

May 16, 10:30 a.m.

South Irving Library
Parent and Baby Class by The Parenting Center in
Fort Worth. We will sing, dance, and read a fun
story. Best of all, each family gets to keep the book!

*Earth Day Storytime*

April 21 at 11 a.m., East Branch Library
Help take care of the earth by planting a seed and decorating
a reusable bag. Enjoy stories and songs about our beautiful planet.
Monday

East Branch
Library
South Irving
Library
Valley Ranch
Library

Play and Learn

10:30 a.m.
Returning April 13
Mother Goose
10:30 a.m.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Family
11 a.m.
Bilingual
4:30 p.m.
Preschool
10:30 a.m.
Family
7 p.m.
Family
7 p.m.

Toddler
10:30 a.m.

Bilingual
7 p.m.

Toddler
10:30 a.m.

Full STEAM
Ahead
4 p.m.
until 5/28
Family
7 p.m.

West Irving
Library

Stories for Babies/Mother Goose 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 can be attended together by parents and
children up to 5 years of age. Activities are designed so children
and parents can participate together.
Bilingual Family Storytime is for parents and children up to 5
years of age and their siblings. Presented in both English and
Spanish.

Babies
10:30 a.m.

Friday

Saturday

1, 2, Me &
You
10:30 a.m.

Play and
Learn
10:30 a.m.

Family
11 a.m.

Play & Learn is an enhanced storytime that encourages families

to play and read together using activity stations, puppets, songs
and read-alongs. Registration is encouraged.
Full STEAM Ahead is a science-based storytime for 4 to 6 yearolds. Call (972) 721-4669 for dates and times offered.
1, 2, Me & You is an interactive program designed to

bridge the gap between Mother Goose and Toddler

Storytime, and is perfect for one and two year olds.

REGULAR EVENTS
Additional programs are offered at all the branch locations.
Please check the librarys Events page for the newest list and additional details.

MOVIES AND GAMES

BOOK CLUBS

CULTURE AND SCIENCE

Recently released and classic familyfriendly movies are shown.

First Look Book Club

Saturday Science
Monthly on Saturday,
West Irving Library
* Dallas Zoo to You
April 4, 2:30 p.m.
Learn about wild animals with the Dallas
Zoo pays a visit. For all ages.

April 15 and May 20, 4:30 p.m.

East Branch Library

Second Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m.

Valley Ranch Library
Children and tweens are invited to talk
about new books every month. Books
are available before the meeting at the
Valley Ranch information desk.
* April 8, 4:30 p.m., Valley Ranch Library
TombQuest Series Launch Party

CREATIVE ARTS

* May 13, 4:30 p.m., Valley Ranch

Library, To Be Announced

Family Movie Matinee

Saturdays at 2 p.m.
Valley Ranch Library

Family Movie

Family Fun Night

Valley Ranch Library
Join us on the first Thursday of each
month for this special event thats fun
for the entire family.
* April 2, 7 p.m., Valley Ranch Library
The Gingerbread Man with Sandy Shrout
* May 7, 7 p.m., Valley Ranch Library
Teddy Bear Picnic and Sleepover

Messy Art for Kids

May 23, 2:30 p.m.
West Irving Library
Enjoy making art projects with paint,
water bottles, marbles and more!

Reachout
American Sign Language
Conversation Table
Every Wednesday, 4 p.m.
South Irving Library
Take this opportunity to learn more
about communicating with the deaf
and hard of hearing community. All
ages and levels of experience are
welcome. If you have questions about
accessibility or adaptations, please call
(972) 721-2457.
3

Kids Only Book Club

Third Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.
South Irving Library
A book club for kids in
grades 3rd to 6th. Join us for
fun discussions and activities
related to a different book
each month.
* April 18, 2:30 p.m., South
Irving Library, Number the Stars
by Lois Lowry
* May 16, 2:30 p.m., South Irving
Library, Belly Up by Stuart Gibbs
Programs are designed for children with
special needs, their families and peers.
PAWS for Reading
Third Sundays at 1:30 p.m.
South Irving Library
Children gain confidence reading to a
trained therapy dog in a warm and nonjudgmental environment. Adults and
children are invited to a "Meet the Dogs"
session on April 19 to find out about the
program, and reading begins the
following month on May 17. Call
(972) 721-2606 to sign up for a
15 minute reading session.

* Mobile Planetarium from the

Ft. Worth Science & History Museum
May 2, 1 p.m.
See the stars, planets and comets in the
middle of the afternoon in the Ft. Worth
Science and History Museums mobile
planetarium. Programs repeat every 20
minutes from 1 to 4 p.m.

Science in 30:
Every month elementary school-age
children have fun learning about science
with hands on programs.
* Density Towers
April 9, 4:30 p.m., South Irving Library
April 27, 4:30 p.m., East Branch Library
Join us to learn the basics of density in
liquids with a fun twist.
* Balloon Science
May 7, 4:30 p.m., South Irving Library
Explore the properties of air density and
gases to learn why balloons stay aloft.

GAMING
Minecraft Party!
May 30, 2 p.m.
South Irving Library
Games, game-themed
crafts and refreshments
to keep you building!

SPECIAL EVENTS
To Russia with Love

Earth Day Crafts

April 20, 4:30 p.m.

East Branch Library
Join us for live Russian music
provided by the Slavyanka
Singers and accordion player Mr.
Viktor Kharlov. Create your own
Matryoshka dolls and Faberg
inspired eggs. Russian cookies
and tea with be served.

(Kids & Teens)

April 22, 4 p.m.
West Irving Library
Celebrate Earth Day by making
crafts from recycled materials
and eating locally grown, healthy
and organic treats.

For a complete list of Screen-Free Week events, visit www.cityofirving.org/library

EAST BRANCH LIBRARY

VALLEY RANCH LIBRARY

WEST IRVING LIBRARY

Hula Dancing

Sidewalk Chalk Art

Pop-Up Storytime

May 4, 4:30 p.m.

Authentic Polynesian dances performed
by Grace Hula Dance Company, followed
by lei making and light refreshments.

May 4, 3 p.m.
Decorate the front and patio of the library
with your own colorful creations. We provide
the chalk, you the creativity!

May 5, 3:30 p.m.

Families will enjoy an afternoon of pop-up
stories. Then children can make their own
book to take home.

Stamping Fun

Drawing Workshop and Visit with

Author/Illustrator Kelly Light

Build It with LEGOs!

May 5, 4:30 p.m.

Create cards, bookmarks and more with
a variety of stamps and paper punches.

Board Games
May 6, 4:30 p.m.
Play new and classic board games.

Build it with Ms. Tracy

May 5, 4:30 p.m. (workshop), 7 p.m. (visit)

Meet childrens author/illustrator Kelly Light
(Louise Loves Art) at the following events:
* 4:30 p.m. Drawing Characters Workshop
for Young Artists
* 7 p.m. Author Visit with refreshments,
prizes, book sales and autographs.

May 7, 4:30 p.m.

Bubble Blowing Bonanza
Ms. Tracy from Lowes Home
Improvement brings fun projects for kids May 7, 4:30 p.m.
Join us on the library patio for bubbles ato build.
plenty, bubbles ga-lore!

Andy Griffiths Author Visit

April 11, 11 a.m.
South Irving Library
Australian bestselling
author Andy Griffiths
will be visiting the
library! He will talk
about his treehouse
series for children.

May 6, 3:30 p.m.

Kids and teens will enjoy making a variety of
structures with LEGOs, bristle blocks,
connection straws and more. Free, for all
ages.

Stamp Art
May 7, 3:30 p.m.
Make your very own artistic creations using a
variety of stamps and colorful pads of ink.

Day of the Child/Book

(Dia de los Ninos/Libros)

Spring into Shape

(Kids & Teens)

May 2, 2:30 p.m.

South Irving Library
Teatro Flor Candela will lead
our young people in a series of dramatic
skits and exercises to celebrate the Day of
the Child. Refreshments will be served. Free
book giveaway.

May 16, 1:30 p.m.

West Irving Library
Enjoy an afternoon of
Zumba, Karate, Yoga, prizes and treats at a
community fair at the library for families.
Get information on local upcoming
activities offered during the summer.

REGULAR EVENTS
Additional programs are offered at all the branch locations. Please check the librarys Events page for the newest list and additional details.

MANGA & GAMES

BOOK CLUBS

West Irving Library

First Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m.
Love reading comics, manga and graphic
Go head-to-head with friends on the Xbox
novels? Join our book club and discover new
or Wii or battle it out with board games or
bring your favorite card game. Refreshments favorites! A snack and craft will follow the
will be provided.
book discussion. Call (972) 721-2691 for this
West Irving Library
month's book pick! For tweens in grades 6-8.
April 25, 2 p.m.
April 7, 4 p.m.
May 5, 4 p.m.

May 4, 6 p.m.
South Irving Library
A book club for those in
grade 7 and up. Join us for
our very first meeting - we
will be discussing Cinder by
Marissa Meyer. Help us
choose a name for the book
club and win a prize!

VOLUNTEER
LEADERS

YALL
April 22 & May 27, 4:30 p.m.
ADULT
Valley Ranch Library
Join a group of teens for a short meeting, give us feedback on
teen programming and enjoy a fun activity. For additional
details, please call (972) 721-4669.
LIBRARY

Teen Advisory Board

April 14, and May 12, 5:30 p.m.
West Irving Library
If you have suggestions for books or programs you would like to see at
the library, join the Teen Advisory Board. Earn volunteer hours for
school. Open to grades 9-12. Call (972) 721-2691 for more information.

SPECIAL EVENTS
YA Author Visit with Paige McKenzie
April 8, 7 p.m.
West Irving Library
Join us for an evening with
YouTube star Paige McKenzie as
she discusses her highly anticipated
debut YA novel The Haunting of
Sunshine Girl. The first in a new
trilogy, the story is based on her
addictive YouTube series.
Refreshments and book signing
follow the discussion. Copies of her
book will be available for purchase.

Lit's Alive: Secret Garden Seed & Plant Exchange

April 18, 2 p.m. at South Irving Library
We will celebrate Frances Hodgson Burnetts beloved
classic The Secret Garden with a community seed and
plant exchange, so bring your favorite seeds/plants to
share. We will also make miniature terrariums and bird
feeder ornaments to add to your personal
garden. All ages.

8
5

Tracked Launch Party with YA Author Jenny Martin

May 9, 5 p.m. at South Irving Library
Join us for local author Jenny Martins launch party
celebrating her debut YA novel Tracked, a gripping sci-fi tale
with fast-paced action that will leave readers floored and
begging for more!

May 13, 7 p.m.

South Irving Library
The Irving Public Library is proud to present a We Need Diverse Books panel
featuring authors Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton (Tiny Pretty Things,
2015); I.W. Gregorio (None of the Above, 2015); Marieke Nijkamp (This Is
Where It Ends, 2016), and Natalie C. Parker (Beware the Wild, 2014).

May 17, 2 p.m. at the South Irving Library

Join us for the final stop of Macmillans Fierce Reads Spring Fling 2015
Tour! Authors Katie Finn (Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best
Served Cold), Lynn Matson (Nil Unlocked), Marie Rutkoski (Winners
Crime) and Lindsey Smith (Skandal) will discuss their latest books.
Refreshments, book sales and author signing follow the panel.

Over 3,500 fans of YA and MG literature came to the Irving Convention

Center March 7 for the first ever North Texas Teen Book Festival.

recap
NTTBF16: Save the date for March 5, 2016
From the start, the North Texas Teen Book Festival broke onto the scene with the kind of splash one might expect from long
established events. What really made the difference is the support we received from educators like you. From promoting the
event, presenting the festival before PTAs and principals, those who brought in bus loads of students and volunteered during
the event, the hard work of educators and librarians really paid off. It was an amazing experience. Below are some photos from
the #NTTBF15 photo stream.
The scene outside as of 10:30 a.m.
Hundreds of students arriving by
the busload.

Jack E. Singley Academy,

Irving ISD

Coppell West MS

Frisco Library

@lionslib / Cindy Rocket, Irving ISD

Autographs, panels and booktalksOh my!

@GrandburyMSLib
Ms. Burns, Ms. Jonas & Ms. Brau resting
after a long day of bookfesting

Thompson MS, Quinlan ISD

Grand
Prairie
Libraries

Plano
Public
Libraries

@CTMSReads / Cross Timbers MS,

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
CTMS SLACkers at #NTTBF15. We had a
great time. Thanks to everyone involved!!!

@fifth_hve / Hebron Valley Elementary,

Lewisville ISD
Lots of students and families @NTTBFest
Special thanks to Irving ISD, Coppell ISD, Duncanville ISD, Grand Prairie Public Library,
Too fun!!
6
Arlington Public Library, Arlington ISD, Plano Public Library, Sam Houston State University, Irving Public Library and Friends of IPL!

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 Librarys website.

South Irving Library

601 Schulze Dr.
(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.