What to watch: September brings the final days of Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice to Midland County Public Libraries, along with Grandparents Day, pirate-themed activities, a live children’s theater performance, and a slate of crafts and classes for kids and adults. September is also National Library Card Sign-Up Month.

Both library locations will be closed Saturday, Sept. 5, and Monday, Sept. 7, for Labor Day weekend.

The big picture: Families have until Sept. 12 to visit Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice, an interactive exhibit designed primarily for children ages 3 to 10. The exhibit transports visitors to the Cretaceous Period, featuring two distinct environments where children can explore dinosaur habitats and come face-to-face with prehistoric creatures of varying shapes and sizes.

Beyond the exhibit, here’s what’s happening at Midland County Public Libraries this month:

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Kids

  • Baby Rhythm & Rhyme (ages 0–24 months): Tuesdays, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 11 a.m.
    Interactive story time with books, songs, finger plays, and movement at the Downtown Library.
  • Toddler Tales (ages 3–5): Thursdays, Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24 at 11 a.m.
    Stories, rhymes, songs, and movement at Centennial Library.
  • Fine Motor Mondays (ages 1–6): Mondays, Sept. 14, 21, and 28 at 10:30 a.m.
    Drop-in play with blocks and building materials at both Downtown and Centennial libraries.
  • Born to Read Birthday Celebration (ages 1–5): Thursday, Sept. 17, following Toddler Tales
    Children celebrating a September birthday can receive a complimentary book at Centennial Library.

An adult must accompany children under age 10.

Teens

  • Resume Building (ages 16+): Saturday, Sept. 19 at 1:30 p.m.
    Get tips for creating a resume at the Downtown Library.
  • Teen Craft Club: Tote Bag Decorating (ages 13–18): Saturday, Sept. 26 at 2 p.m.
    Design and decorate a tote bag at Centennial Library. Tote bags will be provided.

Adult

  • Computer Basics: Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 10:30 a.m.
    Learn basic computer functions and hardware, including the keyboard and mouse, at the Downtown Library. Registration is required by calling 432-688-4343.
  • See You Through My Eyes: Portrait Painting: Friday, Sept. 11 at 5 p.m.
    Bring a partner and paint each other’s portraits at the Downtown Library. No experience is required.
  • Genealogy: Off the Shelves: Saturday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m.
    Join other genealogy enthusiasts for the monthly gathering at Centennial Library.
  • Page Turners Book Club: Monday, Sept. 14 at 5:30 p.m.
    The group will discuss Educated by Tara Westover at Centennial Library.
  • Workforce Wednesday: Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 3 p.m.
    Get help with job seeking, resume building, childcare assistance, and more from Workforce Solutions of the Permian Basin at Centennial Library.
  • Blossoming Bookmarks: Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 5:30 p.m.
    Make a pressed-flower bookmark at the Downtown Library.
  • Tiny Canvas Painting: Thursday, Sept. 24 at 4 p.m.
    Paint a miniature canvas at the Downtown Library. The activity is open to all skill levels.
  • Mahjong Open Play: Thursday, Sept. 24 at 5 p.m.
    Open play at Centennial Library for experienced players and beginners. A limited number of game sets will be available, and no instruction will be provided.
  • Buying with Confidence: Homeownership & Hazard Preparedness: Saturday, Sept. 26 at 11 a.m.
    A Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment & Recovery specialist will discuss what to know when buying a home in West Texas and common hazards that can affect property at Centennial Library.

All ages

  • Grandparents Day: Saturday, Sept. 12 at 2 p.m.
    Grandparents, grandchildren, and other loved ones can participate in games, story time, and keepsake crafts at Centennial Library.
  • Talk Like a Pirate Day: Saturday, Sept. 19 at 2 p.m.
    Pirate-themed stories and challenges at Centennial Library.
  • MCT Thinking Cap Players: Friday, Sept. 25 at 5:30 p.m.
    Midland Community Theatre’s Thinking Cap Players will perform Beast of Beauty, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, at Centennial Library.

Go deeper: Catch the Midland County Public Libraries Bookmobile at these stops around the community in September:

  • SeptemberFest at the Museum of the Southwest: Saturday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m., 1705 W. Missouri Ave.
  • Running in the Dark 5K & Fun Walk: Saturday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m., Midland College, 3600 N. Garfield St.
  • Downtown Farmers Market: Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8–10 a.m., 404 N. Colorado St.