Texas Stream Team Activity: Come learn about the natural quality of Irving creeks, ponds, streams, and the volunteer water monitoring program called Texas Stream Team at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Jan. 19. Watch water quality testing and data gathering at the water’s edge and learn how to keep an eye on water quality and our environment in Irving. Registration is required. For locations or to register, visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen or call (972) 721-2772.
Mother Goose Storytime: The East Branch Library is hosting the newest Mother Goose Storytime, a lively learning enrichment program for babies, 4 to 18 months and their caregivers, at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday mornings. The program showcases picture books, flannel boards, songs, finger plays and activities that foster and support language learning. Registration is not required. Caregivers must stay with their children. For more information, call (972) 721-3722.
Campión Trail Night Hike: Explore the nighttime world of animals of Campión Trail with native species experts from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 25. Participants will learn more about the sights, smells and sounds of nature. Registration is required for all participants at www.cityofirving.org/begreen. Details about the location will be sent upon registration. For more information, call (972) 742-2296.
Garden Varieties – Deciding Which Garden is Best for You: This mini-workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 26 at the West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle, will touch on a variety of gardening techniques. Participants will learn of numerous ways to successfully produce an array of vegetables and colorful flowers. For more information about this class or other green courses, visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen.
Annual Bookmark Design Contest: Reading Is Delicious: The Irving Public Library invites the community to let its creative juices flow for the 2013 Annual Bookmark Design Contest running from Feb. 1 to March 31. The theme for the contest, now in its tenth year, is Reading Is Delicious, because those looking to satisfy their cravings for great literature will always find something to enjoy at their public library. Entry forms are available at all Irving Public Library locations and recreation centers. A first, second and third place winner will be selected in six categories, offering many opportunities for recognition. All entries must be original artwork and suitable for display. For full contest rules, and a peek at previous winners, visit www.cityofirving.org/library and click on "KidSpace."
Youth America Grand Prix Semi-Finals: The Irving Arts Center is hosting the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Feb. 1-3 in the Carpenter Performance Hall, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. The YAGP is the world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition that awards over $250,000 annually in scholarships to leading dance schools worldwide. The competition is held annually around the world and is open to dance students 9-19 years of age. Cost is $5 at the door. For more information, call (972) 252-7558.
JumpstART Stories and Art - Chinese New Year: The Irving Public Library joins the Irving Arts Center to present a monthly story time program for children ages 2 and up. Explore new stories, themes, art projects that relate to current Arts Center exhibitions during this fun story time that combines art and children's literature. In February, join the festivities as the JumpsART celebrates “The Year of the Snake”. Hear a story and create an art project to take home. Cost is free. For more information, call (972) 252-7558.
South Irving Library Ground Breaking: Irving Public Library will break ground on the new 52,570 square foot South Irving Library at 10 a.m. Feb. 15 at 601 Schulze Drive. The two-story cutting-edge library located in the Heritage Crossing District at the corner of Second Street and Sowers Road will feature state-of-the-art technology such as special dimming glass and geothermal wells for energy conservation. The library is scheduled for completion in May 2014.
Women’s Defense Class: Registration is now open for the Irving Police Athletic League’s four-day rape aggression defense class for women, ages 13 years and older, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 18-21 at the Fire and Police Training Academy, 2603 Esters Road. At the training, participants will practice realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. Each participant must provide a $20 donation for kids’ programs, sign waivers and attend all four sessions. For more information, visit www.irvingpal.org and choose “Community Outreach,” or call Officer Jill Smith at (972) 721-2544.
