Calendar

The week's events

  • Libraries Present Introductory Technology How-To Videos Online

    Libraries Present Introductory Technology How-To Videos Online


    Nov 29, 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 Activities

    Libraries Support New Writers With National Novel-Writing Month Online Activities


    Nov 29, 2021

    In 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).