By Erin Baber
The Garland County Library begins the new year with a fiery breath of excitement! A vibrant new dragon mural by local artist Paint Shaman (Bethannie Newsom Steelman) now adorns the outer wall of the Youth Services Department and a month-long celebration of all things dragon awaits.
Introducing Dragon Mural: Hot Springs artist Paint Shaman, Bethannie Newsom Steelman recently painted the outside of the Library’s Youth Services Department with a whimsical mural of two colorful dragons and books. Steelman has been adding her unique, rainbow-colored style to murals since 2011. Learn more about the Paint Shaman and see more of her work at www.paintshaman.com
Dragons Take Flight with Reading Incentive Program: Reading Dragons is an all-ages adventure that takes flight throughout 2025. Each month, collect, battle, and trade four new sets of dragon cards! Earn cards by reading or listening to audiobooks for two hours per dragon. Learn to battle dragons using the instructions provided and join library battle programs (dates announced soon).
Spark Your Creativity with Dragon-Themed Events: Celebrate the mural and Reading Dragons with a month of fiery fun:
Teen Take & Make: Dragonfruit Boba Tea (Ages 13-18): All Month Long
Kids Take & Make: Fire Dragon (Ages 12 & Under): All Month Long
Homeschool Geography Club: Scotland (Ages 7-13): Jan 2 & 16 – 10 AM
Fiction Writers Café: Dragon Mythology (Ages 13-18): Jan 6: 4:30 PM
Preschool Storytime: Dragons (Ages 5 & Under): Jan 8: 10:30 AM
Dungeons & Dragons Programs:
- Dungeon Master Society (Ages 14-18): Jan 8, 14, 21, 26, 4:30 PM
- D&D Club (Ages 11-18): Jan 9, 15, 22, 27 – 3:30 PM
- New Adult Intro to D&D (Ages 18-25): Jan 12 – 2 PM
Scribes Fiction Writing Club: Wings of Fire Edition (Ages 10-12):
Jan 27 – 4:30 PM
Drop-in Activity: Dragon Eggs (Ages 12 & Under): Jan 29 – 4:30 PM
Wanna Know More? Visit us at 1427 Malvern Avenue in Hot Springs or explore our website (www.gclibrary.com) to unleash your inner dragon with ebooks, free delivery, exciting events, and so much more!
Erin Baber is Library Marketing Manager at the Garland County Library.
