Top Five Free Things to Do at Your Plano Public Library This November

Painting demonstrations, Excel classes, financial workshops… for free?

From preschool to professional, Plano Public Library has something for everyone. Not interested in reading? No biggie – PPL is #morethanbooks! See what’s available from your public library to learn at home for all your educating and entertaining needs:

Get your adulting skills now // courtesy PPL
Get your adulting skills now // courtesy PPL

1. Get your adulting skills now

(teens, grades 9-12, registration required)

Students from the Student Money Management Center at University of North Texas are playing the Game of Life with teens on Monday, November 23 at 3 p.m. Teens will learn what it takes to cover basic expenses, see how far a paycheck can take them, and learn how a future career can impact your financial life and decision making. Registration is required, and this virtual program is hosted on Zoom.

Make STEAM Connections with alternative energy and cardiology // courtesy PPL
Make STEAM Connections with alternative energy and cardiology // courtesy PPL

2. Make STEAM Connections with alternative energy and cardiology

(all ages)

For November, Plano Public Library has two STEAM Connections programs: Wind Energy and Build a Functioning Heart. These STEAM Connections programs are part of the “Take It & Make It” series through the end of 2020, where you can pick up supplies starting the Wednesday before the pre-recorded via airs on Facebook and follow along. Both workshops premiere on the Plano Public Library Facebook page at 3 p.m.

Wind Energy – Saturday, November 7: Learn how to build a wind mill to see how the wind can be harnessed to create energy

Build a Functioning Heart – Saturday, November 21: Learn how to make a simple heart model to mimic how the heart pumps blood to the body using supplies around the house

Write a novel in November // photo Christin Hume
Write a novel in November // photo Christin Hume

3. Write a novel in November

(all ages, registration required)

November is National Novel Writing Month (aka NaNoWriMo), and the library wants to help you draft a successful novel. Check out these two workshops, both hosted on Zoom, to boost your literary skills:

The Write Workshop: The Construction of Space – Wednesday, November 4 at 1 p.m.: Learn how to construct a literary space for your story using characters, object details, and a film-like lens. Register here.

The Write Workshop: The Manipulation of Time – Wednesday, November 18 at 1 p.m.: Learn how to manipulate the difference between a reader’s experienced time and the story’s fictionalized time to strengthen your narrative. Register here.

Make like Bob Ross and paint // photo Kelly Sikkema
Make like Bob Ross and paint // photo Kelly Sikkema

4. Make like Bob Ross and paint

(adults, registration required)

Whether you are new to painting for a seasoned artist, you will enjoy two upcoming virtual workshops all about styles of painting from other cultures. Both workshops are hosted on Zoom.

Sumi-e Painting – Monday, November 2 at 1 p.m.: Paint your own Sumi-e animals by practicing basic East Asian brush painting techniques. Register here.

Spotlight Artist: Tanjore Painting with Shikha Bajaj – Tuesday, November 24 at 1 p.m.: A Tanjore painting is a traditional Indian Gold Leaf painting characterized by surface relief work, vibrant colors and embellishments of semi-precious stones giving the work a three dimensional effect. Watch Spotlight Artist Shikha Bajaj demonstrate the four key stages of the Tanjore art of gold leaf painting. Register here.

Learn how to get money smart during COVID-19 // Scott Graham
Learn how to get money smart during COVID-19 // Scott Graham

5. Learn how to get money smart during COVID-19

(adult, registration required)

Plano Public Library is partnering with Bank of America to help you make Smart Financial Choices in Challenging Times on Monday, November 9 at 1 p.m. The Bank of America experts will provide financial guidance to help with the impact of coronavirus and other unexpected circumstances. Registration here.

If you do not already have a Plano Public Library card, be sure to register online here. All Plano Public Library locations are open to use computers and browse the collection. Porch side pickup for holds is still available, and you can always access eLibrary content online.


If you do not already have a Plano Public Library card, be sure to register online here. One of the library staff will reach out to get your account complete. While the libraries are closed, follow Plano Public Library on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) to watch virtual programs like storytime and other family activities, with plans for more!

Plano Public Library Locations and Programs >
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