Sketching workshops, library beach party, video editing classes, and local art exhibits… for free?
From preschool to professional, Plano Public Library has something for everyone – and even more during the summer! Not interested in reading? No biggie – we’re #morethanbooks! See what’s happening this month at the five public libraries near you:
1. #morethanbooks Outreach Van
(ages 0-100)
Friends of the Plano Public Library funded a dedicated van for PPL to take library services and classes to non-users and underserved communities across Plano! This mobile unit allows staff to engage our citizens with classes in early learning and literacy, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), career development and much more. Our focus will be attending local events and festivals, partnering with other city departments and working with non-profit partners to reach those who need our services. See our outreach calendar for upcoming events out in the community, including the Downtown Plano Art and Wine Walk presented by Plano Magazine on July 12! To request outreach, email libraryoutreach@plano.gov, and see more information about PPL partnerships and outreach on our website .
2. Tour de France
(age varies per event)
We’re celebrating the Tour de France with French and cycling-inspired events throughout July! We’re kicking off this series with games and activities inside Schimelpfenig Library, with a session on bike maintenance and Plano trails with Plano Parks at Chisholm Trail on July 7 at 10 a.m. Other Tour de France programs include:
- Preschoolers (ages 3-6) can hear stories and make hands-on process art with a focus on French artists and styles on Fridays at Haggard Library at 11 a.m. during Art Start àla Française.
- French Bilingual Storytime (all ages) at Davis Library on Tuesdays beginning July 10 at 2 p.m. Listen to stories and learn basic French vocabulary – no language skills necessary.
- Bastille Day Art (all ages) celebrates this French national holiday by creating fireworks using explosive art on July 14 at 2 p.m. at Parr Library.
- Pointillism Art workshops allow you to create a work of art using a technique developed by French impressionists. Pointillism Family Art is for all ages at Harrington Library on July 15 at 2 p.m. Painting Party: Pointillism is for adults only at Schimelpfenig Library on July 31 at 7 p.m.
- Spark Space de France (all ages) is an interactive display at Haggard Library where we will have French-inspired art up for all to see and recreate by making their own art and displaying it at the library. This exhibit will be up all month.
- The Sun King: Louis XIV and the New World (all ages) is an exhibit from Humanities Texas and will be on display at Haggard Library through July. See photographs, posters, and text showcasing his power and influence on French history.
3. STEAM Tech Camp
(grades 6-12, ticketed)
Summer learning is more than reaching your reading goal. Teens in grades 6-12 will explore stop motion animation, digital creation projects and other technology and artistic fun at this three-day STEAM camp! STEAM Tech Camp meets at Haggard Library from July 9-13 from 2-4 p.m. See pages 16-17 of the summer Engage brochure for more tween and teen programs happening this summer.
4. Plano Symphony Orchestra: Princesses and Pirates
(ages 0-100)
All right, ye scalawags – it’s time to hear from beautiful music from PSO! On July 11 at 7 p.m., Plano Symphony Orchestra will be at Parr Library playing selections from Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan and many more. Costumes are highly encouraged.
5. Black Light Painting
(ages Kindergarten-5th grade)
Take art to a new level by getting under the black light! Using black light paint and tape, you’ll create glowing art that can be seen with a black light in the dark at Schimelpfenig Library on July 23 at 3 p.m. All supplies are included in this art workshop, thanks to grant funding from Texas State Library and Archives Commission and Institute of Museum and Library Services.
If you live in Plano, getting a card is easy – and free! Fill out an application online, come by any of our five libraries with a photo ID and proof of address, and in minutes you’ll have immediate access to hundreds of thousands of learning and recreational reading and watching materials, daily programming, and online resources for your personal or professional life.
Plano Public Library Locations and Programs >
