The week's events
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Libraries Present Introductory Technology How-To Videos Online
Libraries Present Introductory Technology How-To Videos Online
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Nov 22, 2021
Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) will present a series of introductory online demonstrations in November to introduce people to various aspects of computer use and technology.These how-to tutorials can be viewed on the Fort Bend County Libraries website – www.fortbend.lib.tx.us – by clicking on the “Classes and Events” tab, selecting “Virtual Programs,” and finding the virtual “class” on the dates listed.
Some of the topics include multiple sub-topics, and participants can choose to view the whole series or the individual parts of their choice. The schedule for November is as follows:
“MS Excel Survival Basics” – Monday, November 1 (pre-recorded video)
Learn the basics of using this spreadsheet software program, which features calculation tools that are helpful for financial and statistical needs. In this multi-part series, learn how to use different features of MS Excel, such as formulas, filters, tables and graphs, pivot tables, VLOOKUP function, and more.
“MS PowerPoint Survival Basics” – Monday, November 8 (pre-recorded video)
In FBCL’s “MS PowerPoint” series, learn the basics of using this slideshow-presentation software program. In this multi-part series, learn how to use different features of MS PowerPoint, such as creating slides, inserting text and pictures, and adding transitions and animations.
“Database Feature: MorningStar Investment Research Center” – Tuesday, November 9 (pre-recorded video)
Library staff will demonstrate how to use this online resource, available on the library’s website, to get comprehensive financial information on stocks, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds from one of the leading independent sources of financial data and analysis.
“Database Feature: Chilton’s Online Auto Repair Manuals” – Friday, November 12, (pre-recorded video).
Library staff will demonstrate how to use this online resource, available on the library’s website, to research motor vehicles and their repairs. Chilton’s Online Auto Repair database provides exclusive photographs, step-by-step repair procedures, wiring diagrams, recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for automobiles and light trucks in one easy-to-use website. A vehicle Selector lets the user search thousands of combinations of year, make, and model covering the most popular vehicles of the past 30 years, including specialty models.
“Cyber Security” – Monday, November 15 (pre-recorded video)
In this multi-part series, learn about steps to take to ensure your online accounts remain safe and secure from virtual attacks and breaches. Get tips on how to create strong passwords, recognize and avoid email scams, verify “fake news,” avoid malware and viruses, and protect one’s privacy on social media.
“MS Excel: Reference Cells” – Wednesday, November 17 (pre-recorded video)
Learn how to reference a cell’s contents for use in calculations.
“Intro to 3D Printing” – Monday, November 22 (pre-recorded video)
This 2-part instructional video will provide an overview of 3D printing. Learn about how the 3D printer works, the process for printing, and how to use Tinkercad to design 3D objects.
“Computers 101” – Monday, November 29 (pre-recorded video)
FBCL's multi-part "Computers 101" series consists of basic, introductory videos providing an overview of computers and how they can be used. Episodes in the series cover the physical parts of a computer, the differences between a Microsoft PC and an Apple Mac computer, and the meanings of different computer terms. Get an overview of the software programs in the Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint), and much more.
The sessions are free and open to the public. To access these online tutorials, go to the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” and find the program on the date indicated. For more information, call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
For more Fort Bend County Libraries computer and technology tutorials, visit the library system’s YouTube channel -- https://bit.ly/FBCLYouTubeChannel.
Libraries Support New Writers With National Novel-Writing Month Online ActivitiesLibraries Support New Writers With National Novel-Writing Month Online Activities
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Nov 22, 2021In recognition of National Novel-Writing Month in November, Fort Bend County Libraries encourages fledgling writers or anyone who has ever wanted to write a novel to join in this coast-to-coast annual writing challenge.Established in 1999, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a creative-writing project designed to empower and inspire vibrant creativity among aspiring writers, who are encouraged to write 50,000 words of a novel in the 30 days of November.
Throughout the month, Fort Bend County Libraries will host online programs that are intended to encourage new writers by providing tips and tricks, writing and publishing advice, and support from other aspiring novelists.
Virtual Write-ins – informal gatherings where novice writers can network with each other for encouragement and inspiration – are scheduled on Mondays, November 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Join fellow writers for quiet writing time, word sprints, and feedback. These video conferences will be live-streamed via Webex. Registration is required; a link to the sessions will be emailed to all who register.
The Story Spinners Writing Club, which normally meets once a month at George Memorial Library, will meet virtually on Thursdays, November 4 and 18, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The topics will be “Beginnings” and “Plot Twists.” From beginning blogger to published novelist, writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome to join the Story Spinners Writing Club to write, share, learn, support, network, and critique each other’s work. These activities will be live-streamed via Webex. Registration is required; a link to the sessions will be emailed to all who register.
Aspiring writers are also invited to participate in FBCL’s Virtual Book Fest on Saturday, November 13, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This live-streamed event will include writers’ workshops, presentations by Houston-based authors Kristi Jones and Liara Tamani, and a special “Ask Me Anything” session with bestselling author Lisa See. One registration is required for the whole day, and participants may log in to view the presentations of their choice. The schedule is posted on the FBCL Virtual Classes & Events calendar.
These online events are free and open to the public. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” and find the program on the date indicated. For more information, call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
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Libraries Host Virtual Children’s Programs In November
Libraries Host Virtual Children’s Programs In November
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Nov 23, 2021Fort Bend County Libraries’ (FBCL) youth-services programming will be presented in virtual format so that families can view them from home. These virtual activities will take place online; they will NOT be in person at the library.All activities will be pre-recorded videos that will be posted online on the Youth Virtual Programs page on the FBCL website and on the “FBCL Virtual Programs & Educational Resources” Facebook group page. They can conveniently be viewed from home at any time.
The November schedule of online Family Story Time programs will be posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Family Story Time includes stories, songs, and action rhymes that children of all ages can enjoy.
Families with infants 1-12 months of age can practice their early-literacy skills by watching the pre-recorded Little Bits video episodes that will become available online on Wednesdays. In these videos, library staff demonstrate rhymes and songs for parent/child activity time at home.
A special online School-Age Program -- “Candy Science” -- will take place on Saturday, November 13. In this pre-recorded video for students in grades K-5, youth librarians will demonstrate scientific concepts by conducting experiments using candy and other ingredients commonly found in the kitchen.
A collection of virtual youth programs continues to be available on the Fort Bend County Libraries Youth Services YouTube channel. Pre-recorded activities for different age ranges are available for viewing at any time.
Families of toddlers and preschoolers may pick up to-go activity packets from the library for the month. These packets contain fun craft activities that can be done at home.
For more information, see the FBCL website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
Learning English? Get Practice At Libraries’ Esl Conversation CirclesLearning English? Get Practice At Libraries’ Esl Conversation Circles
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Nov 23, 2021Are you learning to speak English? Would you like some practice in a casual, informal atmosphere? Fort Bend County Libraries presents a program for individuals of all nationalities who would like a place to practice their English language and conversation skills. The “ESL Conversation Circles” provide an opportunity for non-English-speaking people discuss topics of their own choosing while practicing their English skills.The ESL Conversation Circles will be live-streamed virtual sessions presented via Webex; they will NOT be in person. Registration is required. Participants who register for the event will be emailed a link to a Webex meeting, and they may join the discussion from home.
The schedule of online ESL Conversation Circles in November is as follows:
- Tuesdays, November 2 and 16– 10:30 am-12:00 noon.
- Tuesdays, November 9 and 23– 2:00-3:00 pm.
- Wednesdays, November 3, 10, 17, and 24– 10:00-11:00 am.
Learn a new word or phrase with the “ESL Phrase of the Day,” a pre-recorded video which will be posted on Tuesday, November 23. It is NOT necessary to register for the Phrase of the Day, and the video may be viewed at any time.
To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling George Memorial Library at 281-342-4455.
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Libraries Host Virtual Children’s Programs In November
Libraries Host Virtual Children’s Programs In November
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Nov 24, 2021Fort Bend County Libraries’ (FBCL) youth-services programming will be presented in virtual format so that families can view them from home. These virtual activities will take place online; they will NOT be in person at the library.All activities will be pre-recorded videos that will be posted online on the Youth Virtual Programs page on the FBCL website and on the “FBCL Virtual Programs & Educational Resources” Facebook group page. They can conveniently be viewed from home at any time.
The November schedule of online Family Story Time programs will be posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Family Story Time includes stories, songs, and action rhymes that children of all ages can enjoy.
Families with infants 1-12 months of age can practice their early-literacy skills by watching the pre-recorded Little Bits video episodes that will become available online on Wednesdays. In these videos, library staff demonstrate rhymes and songs for parent/child activity time at home.
A special online School-Age Program -- “Candy Science” -- will take place on Saturday, November 13. In this pre-recorded video for students in grades K-5, youth librarians will demonstrate scientific concepts by conducting experiments using candy and other ingredients commonly found in the kitchen.
A collection of virtual youth programs continues to be available on the Fort Bend County Libraries Youth Services YouTube channel. Pre-recorded activities for different age ranges are available for viewing at any time.
Families of toddlers and preschoolers may pick up to-go activity packets from the library for the month. These packets contain fun craft activities that can be done at home.
For more information, see the FBCL website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
Learning English? Get Practice At Libraries’ Esl Conversation CirclesLearning English? Get Practice At Libraries’ Esl Conversation Circles
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Nov 24, 2021Are you learning to speak English? Would you like some practice in a casual, informal atmosphere? Fort Bend County Libraries presents a program for individuals of all nationalities who would like a place to practice their English language and conversation skills. The “ESL Conversation Circles” provide an opportunity for non-English-speaking people discuss topics of their own choosing while practicing their English skills.The ESL Conversation Circles will be live-streamed virtual sessions presented via Webex; they will NOT be in person. Registration is required. Participants who register for the event will be emailed a link to a Webex meeting, and they may join the discussion from home.
The schedule of online ESL Conversation Circles in November is as follows:
- Tuesdays, November 2 and 16– 10:30 am-12:00 noon.
- Tuesdays, November 9 and 23– 2:00-3:00 pm.
- Wednesdays, November 3, 10, 17, and 24– 10:00-11:00 am.
Learn a new word or phrase with the “ESL Phrase of the Day,” a pre-recorded video which will be posted on Tuesday, November 23. It is NOT necessary to register for the Phrase of the Day, and the video may be viewed at any time.
To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling George Memorial Library at 281-342-4455.
