Irving City Spectrum, February 2019

Check out the February fun at the Irving Arts Center concerts, Saturday school adventures and art exhibits in the galleries.

CITY VING

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Interested in learning chess, making ceramics or playing basketball? Parks and Recreation opens registration for classes offered in the spring session. page

CityofIrving.org

North Texas Teen Book Festival Brings the Lit March 23

A-list authors, YouTubers and cartoonists meet with eager readers in Irving.

Created in Irving just five years ago, the North Texas Teen Book Festival (NTTBF) has become the leading library-run event for readers of teen fiction in the United States.

Event organizers expect about 14,000 young readers to gather in Irving on March 23 to see and hear from their favorite authors. More than 70 authors will attend the event, held at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd.

Readers will have the opportunity to meet Young Adult and Middle Grade authors — many known for books and movies. The writers will lead panel discussions, author talks and other high-energy activities. They also will be available to meet the public during book signings.

This year, the NTTBF presents Raina Telgemeier as middle grade keynote speaker. Telgemeier is the 2017 Eisner Award-winning cartoonist and author of “Ghosts,” “Smile,” “Drama” and many other works.

Tahereh Mafi, best-selling author of the Shatter Me series, joins the festival as co-Young Adult keynote speaker with breakout debut author Tomi Adeyemi (“Children of Blood and Bone”).

Also attending are Angie Thomas (“On the Come Up,” “The Hate U Give”), Beth Revis (Across the Universe series, “Give the Dark My Love”) and Becky Albertalli (“Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda”).

The festival will feature panel discussions with BookTubers, who create book reviews and other related video content on YouTube. The represented BookTuber channels, including PolandBananasBooks, NayaReadsAndSmiles and Tashapolis, have more than 800,000 combined subscribers.

For more information on the NTTBF and a full list of authors, visit NorthTexasTeenBookFestival.com or follow @NTTBFest on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. n

Residents Invited to Irving Police Blue Tie Banquet

Family Advocacy Center. The center provides critical support to families and crime victims throughout the city.

“These brave men and women selflessly serve our city; the banquet is our chance to say thank you,” said Mayor Rick Stopfer.

Those interested in attending may purchase a table or individual seats. Those who are not able to attend can make cash donations. The department also needs auction items. For more information, visit CityofIrving.org/Police or email keroberts@cityofirving.org. n

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE PACKETS AVAILABLE

Residents who are interested in becoming a candidate for a City Council position can pick up a candidate packet from the City Secretary’s Office at City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. Packets also are available on the city’s website at CityofIrving.org.

This year, the positions of Council Place 1, Place 2 and Place 7 will be elected in the General Election. Places 1 and 7 represent “singlemember” districts, which require that the candidate live within the boundaries of the district in which they plan to run. Place 2 is an “at- large” position, which will allow the candidate to reside anywhere within the city limits of the City of Irving. A candidate must be a resident of the city and of the district in which they intend to run for at least 12 months immediately prior to Election Day.

The filing period runs Jan. 16 through Feb. 15. The City Secretary’s Office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting dates are April 22 through April 30. For more information, call the City Secretary’s Office at (972) 721-2493. n

PAQUETES PARA CANDIDATOS AL CONCEJO MUNICIPAL

Los residentes que estén interesados en ser candidatos para una posición en el Concejo Municipal pueden recoger un paquete de candidatos en la Oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad, 825 W. Irving Blvd. Los paquetes también están disponibles en la página web de la ciudad en CityofIrving.org.

Este año las posiciones del concejo para los Lugares 1, 2 y 7, serán elegidas en la elección general. Los Lugares 1 y 7 representan distritos de “un solo miembro,” lo cual requiere que el candidato viva dentro de los límites del distrito para el cual están postulando. El lugar 2 es una posición “en general” y los candidatos que postulan para esta posición pueden residir en cualquier lugar dentro de los límites de la Ciudad de Irving. Un candidato debe ser residente de la ciudad y de su distrito para el cual está postulando por lo menos doce meses inmediatamente antes del día de la elección. El período para presentar las candidaturas finaliza el 15 de febrero. La Oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad está abierta desde las 8 a.m. hasta las 5 p.m. Las fechas de votación adelantada serán del 22 de abril al 30 de abril. Para obtener más información, llame a la Oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad al (972) 721-2493. n

In the Galleries

Free guided gallery tours are offered at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays.

In Focus 3: North Lake College

Advanced Photography Students

Through Feb. 24 | Focus Gallery | Free

This exhibition features work by students in the Fall 2018 Advanced Portfolio Photography class at North Lake College. This will be the third year Irving Arts Center and North Lake College have worked together to showcase artwork by its photography students.

Out of the Wild: Robert Glen Bronzes

Through Feb. 24 | Courtyard Gallery | Free Bronze sculptures of African wildlife by noted artist Robert Glen are featured. Glen is the sculptor of the iconic “Mustangs of Las Colinas,” a monumental installation of nine larger-than-life bronze horses that have graced Williams Square in Irving since 1984.

Nancy Macko: Fragile Bee

Through April 28 | Carpenter Lobby | Free California-based artist Nancy Macko has drawn upon images of the honeybee society to explore the relationships between art, science, technology and ancient matriarchal cultures. Macko combines elements of painting, printmaking, digital media, photography, video and installation to create a unique visual language.

Art Imitating Life: Black History Month Exhibition presented by the Irving Black Arts Council

Feb. 2- March 3 | Main Gallery | Free Annual exhibition organized by the Irving Black Arts Council features works by Arthello Beck, Linda Gamble Camp, “Choke” Frank Frazier, Tyra Goodley, Guinn Powell, Evita Tezeno and Stephanie Yearby.

5 to 7 p.m. | Feb. 9 | Reception

Here and Now: Prints by Carolyn Muskat

Feb. 2- March 31 | Dupree Theater Lobby | Free

An exhibition of the works of printmaker Carolyn Muskat is being held in conjunction with the 2019 Southern Graphics Council International Conference (SGCI) scheduled March 6-9 in North Texas. Muskat owns and operates Muskat Studios, a printmaking studio in Somerville, Massachusetts. She is the recipient of the 2019 SGCI Excellence in Teaching Award.

7 to 9 p.m. | March 6 | Reception

February Fun at the Irving Arts Center

Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., is a Smithsonian affiliate institution that is home to many forms of art and entertainment. To learn more, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com or call (972) 252-7558.

Feb. 1 and 2 | Ravenscroft, MainStage

7:30 p.m. | Dupree Theater | $21-$28

On a snowy night, Inspector Ruffing is called to a remote house to investigate the headlong plunge of Patrick Roarke down the main staircase. Five alluring and dangerous women lead him through a bewildering labyrinth of contradictory versions of Patrick’s demise and that of the late Mr. Ravenscroft. There are ghosts on the staircase! There are skeletons in the closet! A fastpaced murder mystery, Ravenscroft will keep attendees guessing until the very end.

Feb. 1-3 | Youth American Grand Prix

Performance times and locations vary

The world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition is open to dance students ages 9-19 and awards $250,000 in scholarships to leading dance schools worldwide.

Feb. 7 | JumpstART Stories and Art: V is for Valentine’s Day 10 a.m. | Suite 200 | Free

Explore new stories and fun art projects during this creative story time. Create a take-home art project, and then browse the galleries as part of this fun morning activity. For the February edition, prepare to get into the Valentine’s Day spirit by creating an extra-special craft project after a story time that promises to be super sweet!

Feb. 8-17 | TOC TOC

2:30 and 8 p.m. | Dupree Theater | $29.50 -$35.50

In this play, written by famous French writer and playwright, Laurent Baffie, six patients with obsessive compulsive disorder gather in Dr. Stan’s office to find solutions to each of their own problems. In society, everyone battles their own minds from time to time, and “TOC TOC” sends a soothing message of comfort, courage and hope in facing challenges of the mind.

10 a.m. | Suite 200 | Free

Irving Arts Center offers the perfect framework for adults and children to experience art together. Second Sunday Family Fundays hands-on art days give parents and children projects they can cocreate, far from daily distractions. For February’s Second Sunday Funday, find inspiration in the gallery exhibitions (free tours offered at 2:30 p.m.) and the 2019 Chinese New Year, learning about traditional paper crafts and the Chinese animal zodiac.

Feb. 10 | Freedom … and Destiny!, New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving

3:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall | Prices TBA

The themes of freedom and destiny are explored through the music of legendary composers. Program features Beethoven’s “Egmont”; Liszt’s “Les Préludes”; Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino”; Tchaikovsky’s “Capriccio Italien”; and Grieg’s “Peer Gynt Suite.”

Feb. 15 | Ungal Viruppam

7 p.m. | Carpenter Hall | $25

Performance presented by High Octavez, KarunaCompassion for Humanity.

Feb. 16 | Violinist Kiarra Saito-Beckman, Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra

7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall | $16.50-$46.50

Program features violinist Kiarra Saito-Beckman and Guest Conductor, Juan Carlos Lomonaco.

Feb. 22 | Cirque Eloize Saloon: A Musical Acrobatic Adventure

7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall | $20-$40

Inspired by legends of the Wild West and set to the tunes of Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, among others the saloon serves up comedy, adventure and acrobatics sure to delight and entertain audiences of all ages.

Feb. 23 | La Traviata in Concert, Irving Symphony Orchestra

7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall | $38-$49

Irving Symphony Orchestra presents the concert version of the famed “La Traviata” opera by Italian icon Giuseppe Verdi. Soprano Rainelle Krause, Tenor Angelo Ferrari and Baritone David Small will join an outstanding cast of talented singers and a local choir as they sing through this story of despair and true love.

Feb. 23-March 30 | Saturday School Session 3: Adventures in Mixed Media

2 to 4 p.m. | Suite 200 | $75

Experiment and have fun with exciting adventures in mixed media. For six Saturdays, students will explore painting landscapes, still life, drawing, portraits, printmaking and mixed media images.

March 8 | Celtic Nights

7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall | $20-$40

Through music, song and dance, Irish history comes to life. It is the story of America, Australia, Canada and New Zealand; a story of a people moving across oceans from all nations in hopes for a better and brighter future.

City of Irving Parks and Recreation Classes

p.m. (Basketball)

Thu 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (Basketball) / 1-3 p.m. (Badminton)

Fri 6-9 a.m. (Basketball) / noon-3 p.m. (Basketball) / 7-9:30 p.m. (Volleyball)

Sat noon-3 p.m. (Basketball) / 3-4:30 p.m. (Badminton) Sun 1-3 p.m. (Badminton) / 3-4:30 p.m. (Basketball) *Open gym schedule is subject to change without notice. Call for daily updates on open gym hours. YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS OFFERED BY OUTSIDE INSTRUCTORS Members interested in year-round programs may contact the instructor for space availability and to register for classes.

9:15-10:15 a.m. Jacki Sorensen’s Dance Aerobics (T,Th) 18-64 /65-up $12/$10 or $3 per class

3:30 p.m. Piano Lessons (M,T,W,F,Sa) 5-16 $90 mo.

4-4:45 p.m. Basketball Skills: Level 1 (M,W,F) 5-17 $30 per week

4:15 p.m. Piano Lessons (M,T,W,F,Sa) 5-16 $90 mo.

4:45-5:30 p.m. Basketball Skills: Level 2 (M,W,F) 5-17 $30 per week

5 p.m. Piano Lessons (M,T,W,F,Sa) 5-16 $90 mo.

5:30-6:15 p.m. Basketball Skills: Level 3 (M,W,F) 5-17 $30 per week

5:30-6:25 p.m. Chess (M,W,F) 6-up $10 per class

5:45 p.m. Piano Lessons (M,T,W,F,Sa) 5-16 $90 mo.

6-7 p.m. Belly Fit 18-up $40 mo.

6:15-7 p.m. Basketball Skills: Level 4 (M,W,F) 5-17 $30 per week

6:30 p.m. Piano Lessons (M,T,W,F,Sa) 5-16 $90 mo.

6:30-7:25 p.m. Chess (M,W,F) 6-up $10 per class

7-8 p.m. Belly Dancing 18-up $40 mo./$10 class

7-8 p.m. Fitness to You (M,W)

City of Irving Parks and Recreation Classes

/ 7:30-9:45 p.m.

Sat 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sun 1-4:45 p.m.

*Open gym schedule is subject to change without notice. Call for daily updates on open gym hours.

PROGRAMS

9:30-10:30

5:15-6:15

6-7 p.m. Yoga II (M,W)

6:15-7:15 p.m.

6:30-7:30 p.m.

5:15-6:15

6-9

6:15-7:15 p.m.

5:15-6:15

6:15-7:15 p.m.

5-5:30

5:15-6:15

Parks Briefs, Tax Assistance, Valentine Activities

Cimarron Park Recreation Center

201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702

● Feb. 1 | Elementary Lock-In

7 to 11 p.m. | Grades K-5 | $5 per child with valid IPAR ID card

Children can enjoy an evening of games, food, music and fun with friends.

● Feb. 8 | Preschool Valentine’s Day Party

10 a.m. to noon | Ages 6 and under | $5 per child with valid IPAR ID card

Children are invited to a morning of fun with crafts, cupcakes and a special puppet show. Register in advance.

Georgia Farrow Recreation Center

530 Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519

● Feb. 12 | After-School Sweetheart Party

3:30 to 5:30 p.m. | Ages 5-14 | Free Come celebrate the spirit of Valentine’s Day with an after-school party and dance.

Heritage Senior Center

200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496

● Feb. 4-April 15 | Free Tax Service by AARP Volunteers By appointment only | Monday-Thursday mornings | Free Volunteers from AARP will be on-site to assist residents with their 2018 tax returns. Income restrictions apply. To schedule an appointment, call AARP representative Ms. Beckner at (214) 770-5599.

● Feb. 14 | Valentine’s Day Celebration

10 to 11 a.m. | Members | $5 per person

Enjoy a tea party in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Guests can experience music, games and old fashioned treats including petit fours, macaroons and assorted finger foods. Party clothes and hats are encouraged. Registration required by 5 p.m. Feb. 7.

Lee Park Recreation Center

3000 Pamela Drive, (972) 721-2508

● Feb. 13 | Little Cupids Valentine Party

10 a.m. to noon | Ages 12 and under | $5 per child

Children are invited to a Valentine celebration featuring lots of hearts, games, crafts and a snack. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and should bring extra valentines (20 max.) to share with others. Registration deadline is Feb. 7.

Lively Pointe Youth Center

909 N. O’Connor Road, (972) 721-8090

● Feb. 9 | Irving’s Got Talent Auditions

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Register now to be a part of Irving’s annual teen talent competition. Interested participants must register to audition by Feb. 6. Registration forms are available at Lively Pointe and online at CityofIrving.org/ LivelyPointe. Auditions will be held at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. Finalists will perform at the Irving’s Got Talent competition, scheduled for 7 p.m. March 1, at the Irving Arts Center.

● Feb. 14 | Teen Valentine Celebration

4 to 6 p.m. | Middle and high school students | Free Come celebrate Valentine’s Day with complimentary treats and beverages served after school.

Mustang Park Recreation Center

2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334

● Feb. 8 | Father Daughter Dance

7 to 9 p.m. | Daughters ages 4-13 | $25 per couple; $10 each additional daughter

Fathers (or father figures) and their daughters can dance the night away at this magical event! The event includes music provided by a disc jockey, dinner and refreshments, gifts, door prizes and pictures by a professional photographer. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are on sale now.

Northwest Park Recreation Center

2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529

● Feb. 2 | Pottery Painting

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Ages 5 and older

Enjoy a day of relaxation while painting a piece of pottery to take home. Prices vary by piece and can be purchased the day of event. Children under age 12 must

Think Green ... Be Green Activities

Feb. 9 | Home Energy Fair

1 to 3 p.m. | Former Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. Learn about different forms of energy sources to power a home at the City of Irving’s free Home Energy Fair. Professionals will be available to answer questions and provide demonstrations. Learn about different energy options, how to perform home energy audits and adopting new energy sources for the home.

Feb. 12 | The Great Backyard Bird Count Workshop

6:30 p.m. | West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road The 21st annual Great Backyard Bird Count is Feb. 16-19. Be a part of creating a real-time snapshot of where birds

Spring Session

AQUATIC ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS

Heritage Aquatic Center

200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-7311

● Feb. 10, March 10, April 14 and May 12 | AquaStars Swim Program 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | $1 ages 4-17; $1.50 ages 18-49

This program allows children with special needs, along with their families and guardians, to safely enjoy access to a premier city swimming facility. An adult or guardian must accompany participants in the water. Pool features include an accessible ramp, accessible chair lift and water chair.

North Lake Natatorium

5001 N. MacArthur Blvd., (972) 756-0860

● Swim Lessons

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Monday and Wednesday 9 to 11:40 a.m. | Saturday Lessons are available for both children and adults. Pricing varies with session length. Registration is available online at SoggyZoggy.com or in person at North Lake Natatorium.

● Water Aerobics 7 to 8 p.m. | Tuesday and Thursday | $35 per month; $90 per quarter; or $5 drop-in Register in person prior to class or online at SoggyZoggy.com.

● Lifeguard Classes

$150 for course | Ages 15 and older and able to complete precourse swim test American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification classes prepare participants to handle emergencies, whether on land or in the water, and result in a certificate that may qualify for a job in the community. Limited scholarships available.

● Class 1: 5 to 9 p.m. | Feb. 7-8; and 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Feb. 9-10

● Class 2: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Feb. 16, 17 and 18

● Class 3: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. | March 11, 12 and 13

are across the continent. During this free workshop, learn tips and tricks for spotting birds and how to report the findings to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Feb. 21 | Organic Gardening 6:30 p.m. | South Irving Library, 601 Schulze Drive Growing food is fun and rewarding especially when it is free of pesticides and herbicides. Learn the basic concepts of organic gardening and see how easy it is to make the switch from a chemical-based approach. Participants will take home “10 Tips for Organic Gardening” and a custom vegetable growing calendar tailored for North Texas.

● Class 4: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. | March 14, 15 and 16

● Class 5: 5 to 9 p.m. | March 28-29; and 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. | March 30 and April 1

● Lifeguard Recruiting City of Irving hires more than 100 lifeguards each year. Why not try a job that is challenging, fun and serves the community? Competitive starting pay of more than $12 per hour. Must be at least 16 years of age before the start of the season and hold a current American Red Cross Lifeguard certification.

Have aquatic or other leadership experience? Head guard and supervisor positions also available. Beginning Feb. 14, visit CityofIrving.org for online applications for summer 2019 season. Apply early for interviews during Spring Break.

FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFERS FREE SAFETY CLASSES

The Irving Fire Department offers free fire safety education classes to any Irving business, as well as public, private and civic groups. Classes can be tailored to fit any age group, from preschool to seniors, and they can be customized to address any specific fire safety issue.

Class topics include:

● Fire extinguisher operation

● Fire warden training

● False alarms

● Careers in the Fire Department

● Smoke detector testing

● Burn treatment

● Hands-Only CPR

In addition, groups can request fire staff and apparatus for events such as block parties, school carnivals, and health and safety fairs.

Classes should be scheduled at least one month in advance. To learn more and submit a reservation request, visit CityofIrving.org/607. n

BLIND DATE BOOK CONTEST, READING CHALLENGE

Blind Date with a Book Contest

For a chance to enter the Blind Date with a Book Contest, check out a book from the display at Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, by Feb. 14. Blind dating with a book is a popular activity among libraries where a reader selects an adult fiction book masked with a wrapper containing clues as to its content.

The reader will not know which title they have selected until it is taken home for the “grand reveal.” Each book in the display contains a comment card which must be returned to the Valley Ranch Library by Feb. 28, to be entered into the drawing. The grand prize is a gift basket filled with books (valued at $300). The drawing takes place March 1. Participants do not need to be present to win. Limit three entries per person. Participants must possess a valid Irving Library card. For more information, call (972) 721-4669.

Winter Reading Challenge: Delicious Reads

The Winter Reading Challenge continues through Feb. 28. All adult readers are encouraged to read five books of their choice and enter them into the library’s online service, READSquared, to redeem a custom recipe book and spatula. One prize per person, while supplies last. To sign up, visit IrvingLibrary.ReadSquared.com.

Get into the spirit of Delicious Reads at the following events for adults:

● 4:30 p.m. Feb. 5 | Cookie Decorating East Branch Library, 440 S. Nursery Road

● 2 p.m. Feb. 9 | Valentine’s Tea

South Irving Library, 601 Schulze Drive

● 1 p.m. Feb. 15 | Winter Comfort in a Jar West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road

● 4 p.m. Feb. 22 | Recipe Scrapbooking Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail For more information, call (972) 721-4612.

City Moves Forward With Irving Archives and Museum Construction

When the City of Irving opens the doors to the Irving Archives and Museum (IAM) in 2019, the goal is simple: for residents to see themselves represented in the new community museum.

Construction began in January on the $2.8 million project, which has been in planning and design for the past year. The project is a joint effort between the City of Irving Arts and Culture Department and the Capital Improvement Program. The 22,000-square-foot facility will open on the first floor of the former Irving Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd. The space will showcase a Smithsonian Spark!Lab, temporary and permanent exhibits, and a community space. The city will hold a soft opening this summer, while a grand opening featuring the central exhibit is set for fall 2019.

The new facility will reflect on the city’s origins and highlights throughout the 20th century. The IAM will emphasize innovative exhibits and programs, along with a special focus on the city’s growing and diverse community.

Evolving Spirit

Under the Arts and Culture Department’s leadership, the museum will be a Smithsonian Affiliate, which will create opportunities for traveling exhibitions and access to the Smithsonian’s collections. The city will highlight these in the 2,200-square-foot Temporary Exhibition Gallery. The gallery also will host locally curated exhibitions and will have the flexibility to accommodate exhibits that differ in size and scope.

The museum will feature the state’s first Smithsonian Spark!Lab. The lab is an interactive space intended for children ages 6 to 12 to investigate, create, experiment and explore using innovative problem-solving skills. The space will encourage families to participate and interact with the activities and to think like inventors.

A community space will overlook Veterans Memorial Park and will feature linoleum flooring in shades of blue and green intended to represent the Elm Fork and the West Fork of the Trinity River. The space is intended to provide Irving’s diverse community the opportunity to host small events such as food demonstrations, performances or hands-on activities and crafts. The goal of the area is to reflect the evolving cultures of Irving.

Highlighting Irving’s Heritage

The central exhibition of the IAM will feature a 4,000-square-foot permanent gallery devoted to the history and cultural heritage of the city. The adaptable exhibit will chronicle chapters of the city’s history,

including the early history of the region and the suburban growth of Irving. Additionally, it will feature the evolution of Irving as an international city with exhibits on the construction of the former Texas Stadium site and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, as well as the creation of Las Colinas.

The exhibit also will include some small-scale models from The Mustangs of Las Colinas sculpture. The Mustangs will continue to be connected to the history of Las Colinas.

The Ruth Paine House Museum Visitors Center will move into the current Irving Archives location, across the lobby from the museum. Additionally, the Irving AllSports Hall of Fame will move from its home at Senter Park Recreation Center to its own location adjacent to the Ruth Paine Visitors Center. The Arts and Culture Department will integrate Irving high schools’ sportsrelated memorabilia, including uniforms, letter jackets, pictures and mascots from the archival collections into the Hall of Fame exhibit.

Preserving History

Irving Archives will move from its current location on the first floor of the former Irving Central Library to inside the new museum. The location will bring Irving’s collection of historical artifacts to the forefront. The department plans to incorporate archival materials into the exhibits. Those materials not on display will be stored in museum-quality, climate-controlled spaces. Museum visitors will learn about the process of archiving, as well as its importance in understanding the past.

The city will incorporate an energy management system throughout the building that will improve the efficiency of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The new system will allow the museum to control the temperature and humidity in each area — a necessity when housing historical documents and artifacts. Additional improvements include remodeling the IAM’s restrooms; installing modern light fixtures, flooring and paint; and providing office space and volunteer rooms. A museum store also will be built into the new museum and will feature local and Texas-sourced merchandise.

The modifications to the facility as a whole will extend and enhance the life of the former Irving Central Library, which houses City of Irving office space and The Study, along with the new museum and archives.

For more information on the City of Irving Arts and Culture Department, visit CityofIrving.org/3235/Artsand-Culture. Visit CityofIrving.org/2255/Investing-inOur-Future for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiative. n

Library Briefs, Valentine’s Party, African Performance

Feb. 7 | Harry Potter Book

Night

All ages

Students of the wonderful world of Harry Potter can travel and learn magical skills at a Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry campus at each Irving library location. Dress up as beloved Harry Potter book characters or don in-house robes to play games and make crafts! Each location hosts a different class at Hogwarts. Refer to the class schedule:

● 4:30 p.m. | The Care of Magical Creatures East Branch Library, 440 S. Nursery Road

● 5 p.m. | Potions South Irving Library, 601 Schulze Drive

● 6 p.m. | Defense Against the Dark Arts West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road

● 7 p.m. | Charms Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail

For more information, call (972) 721-4612.

Feb. 9 | Anti-Valentine’s Party!

2 p.m. | Grades 6-12 | West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road

Not feeling Valentine’s this year? There is still plenty of candy-fueled fun to be had with crafts to make and a heart-shaped piñata to smash!

Feb. 23 | African Dance and Drum Performance

2:30 p.m. | South Irving Library, 601 Schulze Drive

The Bandan Koro African Dance and Drum Ensemble gives a high-energy, costumed cultural performance of tribal dances and beats in celebration of AfricanAmerican History Month.

of city news, events and information. For additional information, visit CityofIrving.org.