Events in May 2025
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Apr 27, 2025
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Apr 28, 2025
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Apr 29, 2025
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Apr 30, 2025
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May 1, 2025
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May 2, 2025
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May 3, 2025
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May 4, 2025
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May 5, 2025
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May 6, 2025(1 event) 2:00 pm: Learn a New Language with FBCL’s “Transparent Language Online” Resource –
Throughout the month of May, Fort Bend County Libraries will have demonstrations of the key features of this free language-learning resource at two locations, but library users are welcome to inquire about it at any time at any FBCL location. Registration is required for the demonstrations, which will take place at the following locations:
About Transparent Languages The Transparent Languages resource offers online courses for people who would like to learn a new language. The database includes more than 100 languages – from Afrikaans to Zulu – as well as ESL (English as a Second Language) classes for non-English speaking people who would like to learn English. American Sign Language is also offered. The ESL English-language-learning courses are available for people who speak Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Farsi, Hindi, Czech, Indonesian, Malay, Norwegian, Romanian, Swahili, Tagalog, Thai, Urdu, Russian, German, French, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Greek, Arabic, or Italian. This online resource is self-paced and designed for practicality and simplicity. An audio feature enables the student to hear how words are pronounced. The “Learn” section is packed full of pronunciation, speech, grammar, writing and vocabulary-building lessons, while the “Explore” section helps the student expand the language-learning experience through blogs, a “Word of the Day” application, and more. This resource can be accessed from any computer – whether at home, school, or at the library – by going to the library’s website. Click on the “Research” tab on the main webpage, and then “Digital Resources & Databases.” Filter the options by “Subject” and select “Online Learning & Test Prep.” Scroll down to “Transparent Language Online.” Creating an account in the database enables the student to log in and out of the course, and to pick up where he or she left off at the last log-in session. Users will need their Fort Bend County Libraries barcode number from their library card to sign in. When prompted to choose a library, select “Fort Bend County” from the drop-down menu. The demonstration is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), click on “Classes & Events,” select the library, and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734) or any of the branch libraries. |
May 7, 2025
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May 8, 2025
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May 9, 2025(2 events) 12:00 pm: Free Income-Tax Help at Fort Bend County Libraries –
Income-tax forms are not available at the libraries. The following information should be brought to the session if possible: a photo ID; Social Security card(s) for self, spouse, and all dependents; last year’s tax return; W-2, 1099s, and any other compensation received in 2024; unemployment compensation statements; and any other documents that are necessary to complete your return. The schedule is as follows:
The income-tax-preparation assistance is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov) or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734). 12:00 pm: Libraries Plan Special Mother's Day Programs –
As an alternative, special Mother’s Day programs are planned at two locations in the library system. Families with children of all ages are invited to celebrate all the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, or other motherly figures in their lives.
Mothers -- or anyone in a mothering role -- are invited to enjoy a break with sweet treats, live music, and serenades in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Honor and celebrate the amazing mothers in the community while enjoying the view from The Pointe! On Saturday, May 10, the Mission Bend Branch Library (8421 Addicks Clodine Rd) will have “Zumba with Love: Mother’s Day Dance & Wellness” from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, in the Meeting Room. Children are invited to bring their mothers for a heart-pumping, full-filled Zumba session designed for all ages and fitness levels! Enjoy energizing dance routines to uplifting music in a supportive and joyful environment. Designed for first-timers or seasoned Zumba enthusiasts, this program is all about movement, laughter, and self-care. After the workout, stay for a relaxing cool-down session, connect with fellow moms, and enjoy light refreshments. Come for the fitness, stay for the fun, and leave with a heart full of joy and a body full of energy! These programs are free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov) or call the Missouri City Branch Library (281-238-2100), the Mission Bend Branch Library (832-471-5900), or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734). |
May 10, 2025(1 event) 11:30 am: Libraries Plan Special Mother's Day Programs –
As an alternative, special Mother’s Day programs are planned at two locations in the library system. Families with children of all ages are invited to celebrate all the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, or other motherly figures in their lives.
Mothers -- or anyone in a mothering role -- are invited to enjoy a break with sweet treats, live music, and serenades in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Honor and celebrate the amazing mothers in the community while enjoying the view from The Pointe! On Saturday, May 10, the Mission Bend Branch Library (8421 Addicks Clodine Rd) will have “Zumba with Love: Mother’s Day Dance & Wellness” from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, in the Meeting Room. Children are invited to bring their mothers for a heart-pumping, full-filled Zumba session designed for all ages and fitness levels! Enjoy energizing dance routines to uplifting music in a supportive and joyful environment. Designed for first-timers or seasoned Zumba enthusiasts, this program is all about movement, laughter, and self-care. After the workout, stay for a relaxing cool-down session, connect with fellow moms, and enjoy light refreshments. Come for the fitness, stay for the fun, and leave with a heart full of joy and a body full of energy! These programs are free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov) or call the Missouri City Branch Library (281-238-2100), the Mission Bend Branch Library (832-471-5900), or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734). |
May 11, 2025
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May 12, 2025
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May 13, 2025
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May 14, 2025
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May 15, 2025
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May 16, 2025
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May 17, 2025
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May 18, 2025
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May 19, 2025
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May 20, 2025
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May 21, 2025
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May 22, 2025
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May 23, 2025
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May 24, 2025
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May 25, 2025
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May 26, 2025(1 event) 10:00 am: Libraries' summer Reading Challenge for Kids, Teens & Adults –
Summer Reading Challenge for Children Younger children will enjoy the “Summer Reading Challenge for Children,” while students in grades 6-8 can participate in activities for older kids in the “Middle School Summer Challenge.” Teens in high school can participate with adults in the “Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge” to win prizes. There is no charge to join the Summer Reading Challenge, and it is open to everyone, regardless of the county of residence. Participants may register at any Fort Bend County library, or they may register online by going to the FBCL website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov) and clicking on the “SRC Sign-Up” image, which will become available on May 26. When the online registration form has been completed, readers will then have their own online page on which to record their books and reading time. Participants may also register and log books/reading time by downloading the free Beanstack Tracker app to their mobile device from the Apple App or Google Play stores. Fort Bend County Libraries and the Summer Reading Challenge will appear as options when the program starts on May 26. Reading rewards can be redeemed beginning Monday, June 2. The last day to pick up awards is August 29. Prizes may be collected from any FBCL library. The Summer Reading Challenge is sponsored by Fort Bend County Libraries, the Friends of the Library organizations that support the county library system, and by the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a consortium of states working together to provide high-quality children’s summer-reading program materials for public libraries. Younger children are encouraged to read or listen to as many books as they can, and they will earn rewards based on the total number of books they read or have read to them. For the first five books read, the child will receive a bookmark. The rewards continue with a certificate for 10 books, a stackable colored pencil for 15 books, and a reading trophy for the first 20 books read. For every 20 books read, the participant’s name will also be written on a cut-out shape of a crayon to be displayed in that branch library. Drawings for puppets will take place weekly. The names of readers who complete the goal of reading 20 books or more will be entered into a drawing for gift cards -- donated by the Friends of the Library organizations -- from area stores. One winner from each library location will be selected in a drawing that will take place in early September. Middle School Summer Reading Challenge Exciting free activities are planned, while area readers in grades 6-8 participate in the Middle School Summer Reading Challenge by logging online the time they spend reading. Upon completion of 10 hours (600 minutes) of reading, readers will receive a mystery prize. After completing 20 hours (1200 minutes) of reading, they will receive a trophy. The names of participants who complete 20 or more hours of reading will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card – donated by the Friends of the Library -- that will be awarded to one lucky reader at each branch library, in a drawing that will take place in early September. Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge Adults of all ages, as well as teens in high school, may participate in the Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge by logging online the time they spend reading. Special activities for high school-age teens are planned throughout the summer at the libraries. All teen and adult readers who complete the goal of reading for 1,000 minutes will earn a tie-dye pen case, while supplies last. In addition, the names of participants who log at least 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card – donated by the Friends of the Library -- that will be awarded to one reader at each branch library in a drawing that will take place at the end of August. An ultimate grand prize will be awarded to one reader from throughout the library system. Participants in the YA/Adult Summer Reading Challenge who complete the program by logging 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a 32 GB Fire HD 8 tablet with a red case, which will be awarded to one winner in the library system at the end of August. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), or call the branch library nearest you or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734). |
May 27, 2025(1 event) 10:00 am: Libraries' summer Reading Challenge for Kids, Teens & Adults –
Summer Reading Challenge for Children Younger children will enjoy the “Summer Reading Challenge for Children,” while students in grades 6-8 can participate in activities for older kids in the “Middle School Summer Challenge.” Teens in high school can participate with adults in the “Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge” to win prizes. There is no charge to join the Summer Reading Challenge, and it is open to everyone, regardless of the county of residence. Participants may register at any Fort Bend County library, or they may register online by going to the FBCL website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov) and clicking on the “SRC Sign-Up” image, which will become available on May 26. When the online registration form has been completed, readers will then have their own online page on which to record their books and reading time. Participants may also register and log books/reading time by downloading the free Beanstack Tracker app to their mobile device from the Apple App or Google Play stores. Fort Bend County Libraries and the Summer Reading Challenge will appear as options when the program starts on May 26. Reading rewards can be redeemed beginning Monday, June 2. The last day to pick up awards is August 29. Prizes may be collected from any FBCL library. The Summer Reading Challenge is sponsored by Fort Bend County Libraries, the Friends of the Library organizations that support the county library system, and by the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a consortium of states working together to provide high-quality children’s summer-reading program materials for public libraries. Younger children are encouraged to read or listen to as many books as they can, and they will earn rewards based on the total number of books they read or have read to them. For the first five books read, the child will receive a bookmark. The rewards continue with a certificate for 10 books, a stackable colored pencil for 15 books, and a reading trophy for the first 20 books read. For every 20 books read, the participant’s name will also be written on a cut-out shape of a crayon to be displayed in that branch library. Drawings for puppets will take place weekly. The names of readers who complete the goal of reading 20 books or more will be entered into a drawing for gift cards -- donated by the Friends of the Library organizations -- from area stores. One winner from each library location will be selected in a drawing that will take place in early September. Middle School Summer Reading Challenge Exciting free activities are planned, while area readers in grades 6-8 participate in the Middle School Summer Reading Challenge by logging online the time they spend reading. Upon completion of 10 hours (600 minutes) of reading, readers will receive a mystery prize. After completing 20 hours (1200 minutes) of reading, they will receive a trophy. The names of participants who complete 20 or more hours of reading will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card – donated by the Friends of the Library -- that will be awarded to one lucky reader at each branch library, in a drawing that will take place in early September. Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge Adults of all ages, as well as teens in high school, may participate in the Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge by logging online the time they spend reading. Special activities for high school-age teens are planned throughout the summer at the libraries. All teen and adult readers who complete the goal of reading for 1,000 minutes will earn a tie-dye pen case, while supplies last. In addition, the names of participants who log at least 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card – donated by the Friends of the Library -- that will be awarded to one reader at each branch library in a drawing that will take place at the end of August. An ultimate grand prize will be awarded to one reader from throughout the library system. Participants in the YA/Adult Summer Reading Challenge who complete the program by logging 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a 32 GB Fire HD 8 tablet with a red case, which will be awarded to one winner in the library system at the end of August. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), or call the branch library nearest you or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734). |
May 28, 2025(2 events) 10:00 am: Libraries' summer Reading Challenge for Kids, Teens & Adults –
Summer Reading Challenge for Children Younger children will enjoy the “Summer Reading Challenge for Children,” while students in grades 6-8 can participate in activities for older kids in the “Middle School Summer Challenge.” Teens in high school can participate with adults in the “Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge” to win prizes. There is no charge to join the Summer Reading Challenge, and it is open to everyone, regardless of the county of residence. Participants may register at any Fort Bend County library, or they may register online by going to the FBCL website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov) and clicking on the “SRC Sign-Up” image, which will become available on May 26. When the online registration form has been completed, readers will then have their own online page on which to record their books and reading time. Participants may also register and log books/reading time by downloading the free Beanstack Tracker app to their mobile device from the Apple App or Google Play stores. Fort Bend County Libraries and the Summer Reading Challenge will appear as options when the program starts on May 26. Reading rewards can be redeemed beginning Monday, June 2. The last day to pick up awards is August 29. Prizes may be collected from any FBCL library. The Summer Reading Challenge is sponsored by Fort Bend County Libraries, the Friends of the Library organizations that support the county library system, and by the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a consortium of states working together to provide high-quality children’s summer-reading program materials for public libraries. Younger children are encouraged to read or listen to as many books as they can, and they will earn rewards based on the total number of books they read or have read to them. For the first five books read, the child will receive a bookmark. The rewards continue with a certificate for 10 books, a stackable colored pencil for 15 books, and a reading trophy for the first 20 books read. For every 20 books read, the participant’s name will also be written on a cut-out shape of a crayon to be displayed in that branch library. Drawings for puppets will take place weekly. The names of readers who complete the goal of reading 20 books or more will be entered into a drawing for gift cards -- donated by the Friends of the Library organizations -- from area stores. One winner from each library location will be selected in a drawing that will take place in early September. Middle School Summer Reading Challenge Exciting free activities are planned, while area readers in grades 6-8 participate in the Middle School Summer Reading Challenge by logging online the time they spend reading. Upon completion of 10 hours (600 minutes) of reading, readers will receive a mystery prize. After completing 20 hours (1200 minutes) of reading, they will receive a trophy. The names of participants who complete 20 or more hours of reading will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card – donated by the Friends of the Library -- that will be awarded to one lucky reader at each branch library, in a drawing that will take place in early September. Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge Adults of all ages, as well as teens in high school, may participate in the Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge by logging online the time they spend reading. Special activities for high school-age teens are planned throughout the summer at the libraries. All teen and adult readers who complete the goal of reading for 1,000 minutes will earn a tie-dye pen case, while supplies last. In addition, the names of participants who log at least 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card – donated by the Friends of the Library -- that will be awarded to one reader at each branch library in a drawing that will take place at the end of August. An ultimate grand prize will be awarded to one reader from throughout the library system. Participants in the YA/Adult Summer Reading Challenge who complete the program by logging 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a 32 GB Fire HD 8 tablet with a red case, which will be awarded to one winner in the library system at the end of August. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), or call the branch library nearest you or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734). 3:00 pm: Learn a New Language with FBCL’s “Transparent Language Online” Resource –
Throughout the month of May, Fort Bend County Libraries will have demonstrations of the key features of this free language-learning resource at two locations, but library users are welcome to inquire about it at any time at any FBCL location. Registration is required for the demonstrations, which will take place at the following locations:
About Transparent Languages The Transparent Languages resource offers online courses for people who would like to learn a new language. The database includes more than 100 languages – from Afrikaans to Zulu – as well as ESL (English as a Second Language) classes for non-English speaking people who would like to learn English. American Sign Language is also offered. The ESL English-language-learning courses are available for people who speak Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Farsi, Hindi, Czech, Indonesian, Malay, Norwegian, Romanian, Swahili, Tagalog, Thai, Urdu, Russian, German, French, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Greek, Arabic, or Italian. This online resource is self-paced and designed for practicality and simplicity. An audio feature enables the student to hear how words are pronounced. The “Learn” section is packed full of pronunciation, speech, grammar, writing and vocabulary-building lessons, while the “Explore” section helps the student expand the language-learning experience through blogs, a “Word of the Day” application, and more. This resource can be accessed from any computer – whether at home, school, or at the library – by going to the library’s website. Click on the “Research” tab on the main webpage, and then “Digital Resources & Databases.” Filter the options by “Subject” and select “Online Learning & Test Prep.” Scroll down to “Transparent Language Online.” Creating an account in the database enables the student to log in and out of the course, and to pick up where he or she left off at the last log-in session. Users will need their Fort Bend County Libraries barcode number from their library card to sign in. When prompted to choose a library, select “Fort Bend County” from the drop-down menu. The demonstration is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), click on “Classes & Events,” select the library, and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734) or any of the branch libraries. |
May 29, 2025(1 event) 10:00 am: Libraries' summer Reading Challenge for Kids, Teens & Adults –
Summer Reading Challenge for Children Younger children will enjoy the “Summer Reading Challenge for Children,” while students in grades 6-8 can participate in activities for older kids in the “Middle School Summer Challenge.” Teens in high school can participate with adults in the “Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge” to win prizes. There is no charge to join the Summer Reading Challenge, and it is open to everyone, regardless of the county of residence. Participants may register at any Fort Bend County library, or they may register online by going to the FBCL website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov) and clicking on the “SRC Sign-Up” image, which will become available on May 26. When the online registration form has been completed, readers will then have their own online page on which to record their books and reading time. Participants may also register and log books/reading time by downloading the free Beanstack Tracker app to their mobile device from the Apple App or Google Play stores. Fort Bend County Libraries and the Summer Reading Challenge will appear as options when the program starts on May 26. Reading rewards can be redeemed beginning Monday, June 2. The last day to pick up awards is August 29. Prizes may be collected from any FBCL library. The Summer Reading Challenge is sponsored by Fort Bend County Libraries, the Friends of the Library organizations that support the county library system, and by the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a consortium of states working together to provide high-quality children’s summer-reading program materials for public libraries. Younger children are encouraged to read or listen to as many books as they can, and they will earn rewards based on the total number of books they read or have read to them. For the first five books read, the child will receive a bookmark. The rewards continue with a certificate for 10 books, a stackable colored pencil for 15 books, and a reading trophy for the first 20 books read. For every 20 books read, the participant’s name will also be written on a cut-out shape of a crayon to be displayed in that branch library. Drawings for puppets will take place weekly. The names of readers who complete the goal of reading 20 books or more will be entered into a drawing for gift cards -- donated by the Friends of the Library organizations -- from area stores. One winner from each library location will be selected in a drawing that will take place in early September. Middle School Summer Reading Challenge Exciting free activities are planned, while area readers in grades 6-8 participate in the Middle School Summer Reading Challenge by logging online the time they spend reading. Upon completion of 10 hours (600 minutes) of reading, readers will receive a mystery prize. After completing 20 hours (1200 minutes) of reading, they will receive a trophy. The names of participants who complete 20 or more hours of reading will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card – donated by the Friends of the Library -- that will be awarded to one lucky reader at each branch library, in a drawing that will take place in early September. Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge Adults of all ages, as well as teens in high school, may participate in the Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge by logging online the time they spend reading. Special activities for high school-age teens are planned throughout the summer at the libraries. All teen and adult readers who complete the goal of reading for 1,000 minutes will earn a tie-dye pen case, while supplies last. In addition, the names of participants who log at least 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card – donated by the Friends of the Library -- that will be awarded to one reader at each branch library in a drawing that will take place at the end of August. An ultimate grand prize will be awarded to one reader from throughout the library system. Participants in the YA/Adult Summer Reading Challenge who complete the program by logging 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a 32 GB Fire HD 8 tablet with a red case, which will be awarded to one winner in the library system at the end of August. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), or call the branch library nearest you or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734). |
May 30, 2025(1 event) 10:00 am: Libraries' summer Reading Challenge for Kids, Teens & Adults –
Summer Reading Challenge for Children Younger children will enjoy the “Summer Reading Challenge for Children,” while students in grades 6-8 can participate in activities for older kids in the “Middle School Summer Challenge.” Teens in high school can participate with adults in the “Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge” to win prizes. There is no charge to join the Summer Reading Challenge, and it is open to everyone, regardless of the county of residence. Participants may register at any Fort Bend County library, or they may register online by going to the FBCL website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov) and clicking on the “SRC Sign-Up” image, which will become available on May 26. When the online registration form has been completed, readers will then have their own online page on which to record their books and reading time. Participants may also register and log books/reading time by downloading the free Beanstack Tracker app to their mobile device from the Apple App or Google Play stores. Fort Bend County Libraries and the Summer Reading Challenge will appear as options when the program starts on May 26. Reading rewards can be redeemed beginning Monday, June 2. The last day to pick up awards is August 29. Prizes may be collected from any FBCL library. The Summer Reading Challenge is sponsored by Fort Bend County Libraries, the Friends of the Library organizations that support the county library system, and by the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a consortium of states working together to provide high-quality children’s summer-reading program materials for public libraries. Younger children are encouraged to read or listen to as many books as they can, and they will earn rewards based on the total number of books they read or have read to them. For the first five books read, the child will receive a bookmark. The rewards continue with a certificate for 10 books, a stackable colored pencil for 15 books, and a reading trophy for the first 20 books read. For every 20 books read, the participant’s name will also be written on a cut-out shape of a crayon to be displayed in that branch library. Drawings for puppets will take place weekly. The names of readers who complete the goal of reading 20 books or more will be entered into a drawing for gift cards -- donated by the Friends of the Library organizations -- from area stores. One winner from each library location will be selected in a drawing that will take place in early September. Middle School Summer Reading Challenge Exciting free activities are planned, while area readers in grades 6-8 participate in the Middle School Summer Reading Challenge by logging online the time they spend reading. Upon completion of 10 hours (600 minutes) of reading, readers will receive a mystery prize. After completing 20 hours (1200 minutes) of reading, they will receive a trophy. The names of participants who complete 20 or more hours of reading will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card – donated by the Friends of the Library -- that will be awarded to one lucky reader at each branch library, in a drawing that will take place in early September. Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge Adults of all ages, as well as teens in high school, may participate in the Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge by logging online the time they spend reading. Special activities for high school-age teens are planned throughout the summer at the libraries. All teen and adult readers who complete the goal of reading for 1,000 minutes will earn a tie-dye pen case, while supplies last. In addition, the names of participants who log at least 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card – donated by the Friends of the Library -- that will be awarded to one reader at each branch library in a drawing that will take place at the end of August. An ultimate grand prize will be awarded to one reader from throughout the library system. Participants in the YA/Adult Summer Reading Challenge who complete the program by logging 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a 32 GB Fire HD 8 tablet with a red case, which will be awarded to one winner in the library system at the end of August. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), or call the branch library nearest you or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734). |
May 31, 2025(2 events) 10:00 am: Libraries' summer Reading Challenge for Kids, Teens & Adults –
Summer Reading Challenge for Children Younger children will enjoy the “Summer Reading Challenge for Children,” while students in grades 6-8 can participate in activities for older kids in the “Middle School Summer Challenge.” Teens in high school can participate with adults in the “Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge” to win prizes. There is no charge to join the Summer Reading Challenge, and it is open to everyone, regardless of the county of residence. Participants may register at any Fort Bend County library, or they may register online by going to the FBCL website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov) and clicking on the “SRC Sign-Up” image, which will become available on May 26. When the online registration form has been completed, readers will then have their own online page on which to record their books and reading time. Participants may also register and log books/reading time by downloading the free Beanstack Tracker app to their mobile device from the Apple App or Google Play stores. Fort Bend County Libraries and the Summer Reading Challenge will appear as options when the program starts on May 26. Reading rewards can be redeemed beginning Monday, June 2. The last day to pick up awards is August 29. Prizes may be collected from any FBCL library. The Summer Reading Challenge is sponsored by Fort Bend County Libraries, the Friends of the Library organizations that support the county library system, and by the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a consortium of states working together to provide high-quality children’s summer-reading program materials for public libraries. Younger children are encouraged to read or listen to as many books as they can, and they will earn rewards based on the total number of books they read or have read to them. For the first five books read, the child will receive a bookmark. The rewards continue with a certificate for 10 books, a stackable colored pencil for 15 books, and a reading trophy for the first 20 books read. For every 20 books read, the participant’s name will also be written on a cut-out shape of a crayon to be displayed in that branch library. Drawings for puppets will take place weekly. The names of readers who complete the goal of reading 20 books or more will be entered into a drawing for gift cards -- donated by the Friends of the Library organizations -- from area stores. One winner from each library location will be selected in a drawing that will take place in early September. Middle School Summer Reading Challenge Exciting free activities are planned, while area readers in grades 6-8 participate in the Middle School Summer Reading Challenge by logging online the time they spend reading. Upon completion of 10 hours (600 minutes) of reading, readers will receive a mystery prize. After completing 20 hours (1200 minutes) of reading, they will receive a trophy. The names of participants who complete 20 or more hours of reading will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card – donated by the Friends of the Library -- that will be awarded to one lucky reader at each branch library, in a drawing that will take place in early September. Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge Adults of all ages, as well as teens in high school, may participate in the Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge by logging online the time they spend reading. Special activities for high school-age teens are planned throughout the summer at the libraries. All teen and adult readers who complete the goal of reading for 1,000 minutes will earn a tie-dye pen case, while supplies last. In addition, the names of participants who log at least 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card – donated by the Friends of the Library -- that will be awarded to one reader at each branch library in a drawing that will take place at the end of August. An ultimate grand prize will be awarded to one reader from throughout the library system. Participants in the YA/Adult Summer Reading Challenge who complete the program by logging 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a 32 GB Fire HD 8 tablet with a red case, which will be awarded to one winner in the library system at the end of August. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), or call the branch library nearest you or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734). 11:00 am: Libraries Host Free Summer Art Series for Teens –
Presented by volunteers with Unite & Inspire, the series -- “Color Our World: Journey Through Global Art Forms” – will take place at multiple locations in the Fort Bend County library system this summer for teens entering grades 9-12. Teens will explore the timeless creativity that can be found within various styles of art from different periods, including Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Pop Art. Participants will learn about the history of the art styles before having an opportunity to paint their own masterpieces to take home. Those attending the workshops are encouraged to wear clothes that would not be ruined by paint splatter. Materials – including canvas, acrylic paint, and brushes – will be provided courtesy of the Friends of the Library organizations that support these libraries. Because materials are limited, registration is required for each workshop. Impressionism is an art movement that became popular in the 1870s and 1880s. Artists of the period – including Monet, Renoir, and Degas – become known for capturing light and color in contemporary scenes by using short brush strokes, realistic colors, and lifelike depictions of the subject. In the Impressionism workshops, teens will study Monet’s “Japanese Bridge Over a Pond” from 1899. The Impressionism workshops will take place at the following locations from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm:
Post-Impressionism is an art movement that emerged in France in the late 1880s. An extension of Impressionism, Post-Impressionism rejected the limitations of the earlier art movement, choosing to include more vivid colors, symbolic content, formal order, and structure. Artists of this movement included Cézanne, Gaugin, and Van Gogh. In the Post-Impressionism workshops, teens will study Van Gogh’s “Vase with Irises Against a Yellow Background” from 1890. The Post-Impressionism workshops will take place at the following locations from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm:
Pop Art was an art movement that began in the 1950s and 1960s. A rebellion against elitist art, Pop Art was one of the first art movements to blur the divide between commercial and fine arts, finding inspiration from popular culture. In the Pop Art workshops, teens will study Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans” from 1962. The Pop Art workshops will take place at the following locations from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm:
The workshops are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and registration is required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), click on “Classes & Events,” select the library, and find the program on the date indicated. For more information, call FBCL’s Communications Office (281-633-4734). *PARKING INSTRUCTIONS for UNIVERSITY BRANCH LIBRARY: Park inside the gated lot (VISITOR LOT 4). Bring the parking-ticket stub to the check-out desk inside the library to be validated by library staff. Parking is FREE if the ticket is validated by the library. Parking outside the gated lot may result in a parking violation from the University of Houston. |
