From preschool to professional, Plano Public Library (PPL) has something for everyone. Not interested in reading? No biggie – PPL is #morethanbooks! Check out some of their upcoming events – in-person and virtual – for all your educating and entertaining needs:
1. See a 3D printer in action (all ages, ticketed)
Plano Public Library has three 3D printers – one each at Davis, Harrington and Parr libraries – and you can learn how they work through the Intro to 3D Printing class. The introductory class is for all ages and you will learn about the additive manufacturing process to make three-dimensional objects and see a 3D Printing machine. Intro to 3D Printing meets on Saturday, January 14 at 3pm at Davis Library. Free tickets will be available 30 minutes before the program begins.
Want to work on your 3D design skills? Davis Library is also hosting two Tinkercad: Design Basics workshops on Tuesday, January 31 for kids in grades 3-5: once at 4pm and again at 6:30pm. Each session requires a free ticket, as computers are limited, and you can get a ticket 30 minutes before each session begins. During this workshop, you will learn the basics of three-dimensional design using the online platform Tinkercad.
2. Explore your family history (adults)
Did you know you have access to Ancestry.com (Library Edition) through Plano Public Library? Ancestry.com Library Edition contains billions of records in census data, vital records, directories, photos, immigration records, military records, court and legal documents, maps and more to assist you in discovering your history. At the Ancestry Library Edition workshop, you will learn Basic site navigation to discover available resources and tools to search for your family. This workshop meets on Tuesday, January 17 at 7pm virtually. Registration is required, and a recording will be available on the library’s YouTube channel afterward.
3. Boost digital creation skills (ages 13+)
Plano Public Library has two Digital Creation Spaces, at Haggard and Parr libraries, with staff offering classes to learn about Adobe Creative Cloud software, digital tools such as digital cameras and audio recording equipment, and more. Many of these classes are taught virtually, too, and recordings available on the library’s YouTube channel. Here are the classes coming up this January:
Photopea: Basics – Monday, January 9 at 6:30pm – Photopea is a free, web-based alternative to Photoshop, and you will learn how to make your photos pop using this software. This class meets virtually – registration required.
InDesign: Basics – Saturday, January 28 at 3pm at Parr Library – Get an overview of the Adobe InDesign workspace by navigating tools and panels, and learning formatting functions for all your projects. Space is limited, and free tickets are available 30 minutes before the workshop begins.
Premiere Pro: Basics – Tuesday, January 31 at 6:30pm at Haggard Library – Learn the basics of video editing techniques in Adobe Premiere Pro from creating a project and importing your media to the final export. Space is limited, and free tickets are available 30 minutes before the workshop begins.
4. Learn from sustainability experts (all ages)
City of Plano’s Sustainability and Environmental Education Division (SEED) will be at the library a few times this spring, including twice in January, to teach you about recycling and water. Both events are for all ages and neither require a ticket:
Who’s a Plano Waste Ace? – Thursday, January 19 at 6:30pm at Schimelpfenig Library – Are your family members super recyclers? Think you know all about recycling in Plano? Bring your friends and neighbors to a family-friendly, pub quiz-style competition. Bragging rights and an ecofriendly trophy will be awarded.
Cool Science, Clean Creeks – Saturday, January 28 at 11am at Davis Library – Take a deeper dive into the aquatic habitat of our local creeks. Explore macroinvertebrates and learn what they teach us about water quality.
5. Build financial skills in the new year (adults)
Bank of America is continuing their educational workshops with Plano Public Library with Pay Down Debt or Save?, happening on Friday, January 27 at 12pm. During this virtual class, you will learn the five questions to help figure out the best steps for you when it comes to deciding to pay down debt or build up your savings. Registration is required.
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, browse the collection, and attend in-person programs. Porch side pickup for holds is available, and you can always access eLibrary content online.
