Spring 2023 Guide - McKinney Public Library

Weekly & Monthly Calendar

Little Ones (0-5) Years

LITTLE ONES LAPSIT (0-10 months)

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TODDLER TIME (16 months-3 years)

Spark your toddler’s imagination and encourage early literacy and social development with read-alouds, songs, and rhymes.

Encourage early literacy and motor skills with simple books, rhymes, bounces, tickles and movement games.

JJGL & HALL: Mondays; 10:30 a.m.

JJGL: Thursdays; Two sessions: 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

HALL: Fridays; 10:30 a.m.

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WOBBLERS AND WALKERS (10-16 months)

If your little one is already walking or starting to walk, this program is for you! Join us for short rhymes and songs for the more mobile babies to enjoy.

JJGL: Tuesdays; 10:30 a.m.

HALL: Wednesdays; 10:30 a.m.

LITTLE EXPLORERS (3-5 years)

Explore the world around us with STEAM storytime. Children will increase their understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math through stories, songs, and hands-on elements.

JJGL: Tuesdays; 11:30 a.m.

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MULTILINGUAL STORYTIME (3-5 years)

Celebrate different cultures and enhance your child’s literacy skills as they learn new languages through stories, songs and rhymes.

JJGL: Wednesdays; 10:30 a.m.

PRE-K STORYTIME (3-5 years)

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Promote personal development through books read aloud, songs, sign language and engaging activities! This class focuses on age-appropriate skills encouraging social, emotional and educational development.

HALL: Thursdays; 10:30 a.m.

School Age (K-5th

LET’S PLAY MUSIC

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Develop your child’s love of music while we explore rhythms, patterns and real musical instruments!

HALL: Mondays; 4:30 p.m.

MAD SCIENCE

Embrace your inner mad scientist in our wild library laboratory. Explore exciting STEAM elements from astronomy to weather and everything in between.

JJGL: Tuesdays; 4:30 p.m.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DRAW

Develop your creative side! Learn techniques to draw animals, characters and nature. All skill levels are welcome.

JJGL: Wednesdays; 4:30 p.m.

ROBOTICS! (PRE-K-6TH GRADE)

Build your STEM skills in this globally recognized program, as seen on Disney+. Discover new monthly topics, demonstrations, and hands-on robotics opportunities sponsored by McKinney Mercenaries Robotics and coordinated with FIRST.

JJGL: Saturdays, Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 4, April 1, May 6; 1 p.m.

LEGO CHALLENGE

Show off your building skills with our monthly LEGO challenge. Bricks will be provided.

JJGL: Sundays; Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 12, May 14; 2 p.m.

Teens (6th-12th Grade)

STARSTRUCK

From Harry Potter to The Inheritance Games, discuss the starpowered energy behind your favorite characters’ personalities. Hang out will fellow fans as we uncover which characters were destined for greatness, who shares your sign, and discover whether your fandoms were truly written in the stars.

JJGL: Mondays, Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, May 8; 6 p.m.

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ANIME CLUB

Teen fans of anime, manga, and Japanese culture join for discussion and fun. We’ll mix things up by showing off our latest crafts and cosplay!

JJGL: Tuesdays; 5 p.m.

Zoom: Thursdays; 5 p.m.

HALL: Saturdays; 4 p.m.

FULL STEAM AHEAD! (5th-8th grade)

Investigate the weird and wonderful world of STEAM with these monthly hands-on challenges.

HALL: Tuesdays; Feb. 21, March 21, April 18, May 16; 5 p.m.

JJGL: Thursdays; Feb. 2, March 2, April 6, May 4; 5 p.m.

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NATURE-INSPIRED CRAFTS

Participants will follow instructions to create a craft inspired by nature. Chosen crafts include pressed flower luminaries, seed bombs, marbled terracotta pots and moss terrariums.

HALL: Wednesdays, Feb. 1, March 1, April 5, May 3; 5 p.m.

DIGITAL ART 101

Explore the basics of digital illustration with the Procreate app for the iPad. Build your digital art skills week by week. Beginners welcome! Register in advance to reserve an iPad or bring your own!

JJGL: Wednesdays, Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March 22, April 26; 4:30 p.m.

VOLUNTEENS

The McKinney Public Library strives to impact lives and build a sense of community. We understand the power of service and the impact working on a community project can have on the lives of those involved, especially our youth. We are excited to share our passion for service by providing an avenue for those opportunities.

HALL: Wednesdays; 5-8 p.m.

JJGL: Thursdays; 5-8 p.m.

PIXICADE

Curious about how video games are made? Now is your chance to learn basic coding skills with Pixicade . Dream it! Draw it! Play it!

JJGL: Thursdays, Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 16, April 20, May 18; 5 p.m.

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TEEN ROBOTICS!

Build your STEM skills in this globally recognized program, as seen on Disney+. Discover new monthly topics, demonstrations, and hands-on robotics opportunities sponsored by McKinney Mercenaries Robotics and coordinated with FIRST.

JJGL: Saturdays, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, April 8, May 13; 1 p.m.

FUEL THE FUTURE

Learn STEAM the fun way! In this series we’ll discuss how art, language, and financial literacy skills will better prepare you for a career in technology. Made possible by our friends at Briidge the Gap.

JJGL: Saturdays; Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 18, April 15; 1-3 p.m.

TEEN CREATIVE WRITING GROUP

Bounce poetry, stories, plays, novel excerpts, or writing ideas off fellow creative writers and get feedback and support for your writing.

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Beanstack

Go to Beanstack for other reading and activity challenges: www.mckinneytexas.beanstack.com

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JJGL: Sundays, Jan. 8, Feb. 5, March 5, April 2, May 7; 1 p.m.

All Ages

LEGO® & FRIENDS

Let your creativity run wild as we build critical thinking and engineering skills through play. Bricks are provided.

HALL: Thursdays; 11:30 a.m.

FAMILY STORYTIME

Start your weekend at the library with stories, songs, fun facts and hands-on activities. Family story times are perfect for encouraging literacy and socialization at all ages.

HALL: Saturdays; 10:30 a.m.

INTRODUCTION TO CHESS

Learn to play chess and make friends while you’re at it!

JJGL: Saturdays; 10:15 a.m.

SATURDAY CHESS MEETUP

Are you ready to hone your skills with new friends in a fun environment? All skill levels are welcome! This is not an instructional program.

JJGL: Saturdays; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

GAME ON!

Welcome to the library arcade! Compete against your friends for the title of Ultimate Gamer with Wii, PC, retro and board games for an afternoon of gaming and friendly competition.

JJGL: Sundays, Feb. 5, March 5, April 2, May 7; 1-4:30 p.m.

CONCERTS IN THE LIBRARY

McKinney is known for our culture, arts, and music scene. Find out why in this mini-concert series featuring local talent from all genres, performing in a unique and intimate setting. Check our website for dates.

JJGL: Check our website for dates

BOOK TALKS

See what authors are up to behind the scenes, find your next favorite book, collect some writing advice and ask the bookish experts your most burning questions as we chat with award-winning authors and book industry professionals.

JJGL & HALL: Check our website for dates

Adult Programs (14 and up)

COLLECTOR’S CORNER

When casual collecting hobbies turn into full-time obsessions, we’ve got you covered! Learn tips on acquiring, managing and showcasing your passion with monthly topics covering collector items like books, vinyl records, vintage collectibles and more!

HALL: Tuesdays, Feb. 14, March 14, April 11, May 9; 7 p.m.

ADULT BOOK CLUB

Need some motivation or just looking for something new to read? Join us for a lively conversation about our current book!

HALL: Wednesdays, Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 1, April 5, May 3; 12 p.m.

TRUE CRIME BOOK CLUB

Explore the best books in True Crime with thoughtful discussions. If you love a good thrill, join us!

JJGL & Zoom: Wednesdays, Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 8, April 12, May 10; 7 p.m.

TRIVIA NIGHT

Let’s get quizzical! Test your knowledge against your friends and other trivia buffs. Players are encouraged to play in teams.

JJGL: Wednesdays, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 15, April 19, May 17; 7 p.m.

MEDICARE INFORMATION SEMINAR

Medicare is complicated, and what you don’t know can cost you. Gain a better understanding of eligibility requirements, election periods, enrollment penalties, and other issues in this educational program.

JJGL: Jan. 19; 6:30 p.m., Jan. 21; 10:30 a.m.

HALL: April 12; 6:30 p.m., April 15; 10:30 a.m.

GENEALOGY AND FAMILY HISTORY

Dive into genealogy with the North Collin County Genealogy Society with monthly presentations for beginners and seasoned pros alike. Genealogy office hours are provided for additional advice and tips on researching your family history.

Presentations at HALL & Zoom: Thursdays, Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 23, April 27, May 25; 6:30-8 p.m.

Office Hours at HALL: Sundays, Jan. 8, Feb. 5, March 5, April 2, May 7; 1-3 p.m.

IT MIGHT GET LOUD

We’ve turned the library into a music studio! Bring your gear to jam and collaborate with others. All skill levels and instruments are welcome. We’ll have the whole building to ourselves, so we can turn the volume UP!

JJGL: First Friday of the month; 6:30-9 p.m.

DOMINO MEETUP

Come enjoy classic games with friends. Try a range of domino games for all skill levels including Matador, Texas 42, and All Fives.

JJGL: Fridays; 1-3 p.m.

PEN & PAPER RPG CLUB

Enjoy discussing tools, tips and strategies with other players about your favorite tabletop roleplaying games!

HALL: Free play: Sundays; 1-4:30 p.m.

HALL: Open Discussion: Sundays; 3 p.m.

WRITERS’ EXCHANGE

Develop your writing skills by joining our friendly group. Enjoy helping each other with all parts of the writing process, including editing, publishing and marketing.

JJGL: Sundays, Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 12, May 14; 1 p.m.

CLASSICS BOOK CLUB

(Re)discover the classics and have fun with this casual discussion group. Visit our web calendar for the monthly book selections.

JJGL: Sundays, Jan. 15, Feb. 19, March 19, April 16, May 21; 2 p.m.

GETTING STARTED WITH GOOGLE WORKSPACE

Google Workspace is a great productivity suite for those who need an easy way to collaborate with others. Each class will build upon the previous week. Bring your own laptop or use one of ours!

JJGL: Sundays, Jan. 15 - Feb. 12; 2 p.m.

HTML/CSS BASICS

HTML and CSS are cornerstone technologies for the web, and this hands-on series will introduce you to the basics of webpage programming. Each class will build upon the previous week. Bring your own laptop or use one of ours!

JJGL: Sundays, Feb. 19 - March 19; 2 p.m.

DIY RASPBERRY PI PROJECTS

Learn what you can do with these amazing minicomputers! This three-week series will cover an introduction and demonstrations on using basic circuits and sensors as well as images and videos. This program is a partnership with YouTube and TEDx presenter Rishab Kattimani.

JJGL: Sundays, April 16-30; 2 p.m.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Family Events for all Ages

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Lion Dance performers, interactive activities, lion costumes for kids, and a presentation about the significance of the lion dance.

HALL: Saturday, Jan. 14; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

JUBILEE

Recognize Black culture and enjoy a day of music, education and entertainment for everyone.

JJGL: Saturday, Feb. 25; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

DINO-MITE EGG HUNT

Daisy, our library Dinosaur, has lost her eggs! Participate in a fun scavenger hunt to reunite Daisy with her eggs and enjoy eggs-tra special crafts and activities.

JJGL: Saturday, April 8; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

EARTH DAY KITE FLY

Celebrate Earth Day and National Fly a Kite Day with crafts, kite flying and activities while connecting with local environmental organizations.

JJGL: Saturday, April 22; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

EAST & WEST FEST

Enjoy vibrant performances, vendors, activities, and the chance to celebrate your favorite pop culture influences in time for Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

HALL: Saturday, May 20; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.