Calendar

Events in October 2024

  • The Bard is Back!! Libraries Announce the Return of Shakespeare-By-The-Book Festival

    The Bard is Back!! Libraries Announce the Return of Shakespeare-By-The-Book Festival


    Oct 5, 2024

    After a 19-year hiatus, Fort Bend County Libraries is excited to announce the return of the Shakespeare-by-the-Book Festival this fall!

    In conjunction with The Live Oak Playhouse, Fort Bend County Libraries will present live theatrical performances of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night – an uproariously funny romantic comedy with a 1980s twist -- at George Memorial Library in Richmond on Saturdays and Sundays, October 5 and 6 and October 12 and 13, beginning at 1:30 pm, in the library’s Jodie E. Stavinoha Amphitheater.

    The festival will feature a very “1980s retro neon” version of Twelfth Night, directed by Joseph “Chepe” Lockett with The Live Oak Playhouse. A thorough “Bardolater,” he has acted in or directed 25 of Shakespeare’s 38 plays. Artistic production is also provided by The Live Oak Playhouse.

    A retro romp of mistaken identities and happy endings, Twelfth Night is packed with mix-ups, disguises, and romantic shenanigans. The play begins when a ferocious storm leaves twins, Viola and Sebastian, shipwrecked and separated for most of the play. Thinking Sebastian drowned in the storm, Viola must make her way on her own, disguises herself as a young man named Cesario, and enters the service of Duke Orsino. The duke is in love with Countess Olivia and instructs Cesario to plead his suit to the reluctant Olivia. Upon meeting Viola/Cesario, Olivia falls in love with her, thinking she is a man. Meanwhile, Viola has fallen in love with Orsino, creating a love triangle and a riotous disorder full of misunderstandings and mistaken identities.

    “Taking a play written 400 years ago and pairing it with styles and music from the 1980s may seem odd at first, but it’s right in line with Shakespeare’s practice,” says director Joseph “Chepe” Lockett, who also compares the library’s outdoor amphitheater to the original Shakespeare experience for London audiences in the early 1600s. “In fact, Shakespeare’s own audiences sat outdoors for daytime performances, much as today’s audience does at the library.”

    During its previous 18-year run from 1987 to 2005, Fort Bend County Libraries’ Shakespeare-by-the-Book Festival was a popular family event drawing people from around the state, introducing many theatergoers of all ages to the literary work of William Shakespeare in a way that was understandable and entertaining.

    “We are very excited to have the opportunity to bring the Shakespeare-by-the-Book Festival back to the library,” says Monique Franklin, Interim Library Director. “Many people received their first introduction to the works of William Shakespeare through the library’s original Shakespeare-by-the-Book performances so many years ago. We hope those same theatergoers will now return with their children and grandchildren for this new chapter of the festival.”

    The Live Oak Playhouse is a nonprofit community-theater group in Missouri City that is dedicated to enriching the lives of their audiences by presenting entertaining, thought-provoking experiences, first-hand involvement, and arts education.

    Part of Fort Bend County Libraries’ “On Stage at the George” series, the live theatrical performances are presented FREE to the public.

    Seating in the outdoor theater is concrete, so theatergoers are encouraged to bring stadium seats or cushions. Beach and lawn chairs will be allowed ONLY in two designated rows of the amphitheater, and space is available strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

    Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library is located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

    For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

  • The Bard is Back!! Libraries Announce the Return of Shakespeare-By-The-Book Festival

    The Bard is Back!! Libraries Announce the Return of Shakespeare-By-The-Book Festival


    Oct 6, 2024

    After a 19-year hiatus, Fort Bend County Libraries is excited to announce the return of the Shakespeare-by-the-Book Festival this fall!

    In conjunction with The Live Oak Playhouse, Fort Bend County Libraries will present live theatrical performances of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night – an uproariously funny romantic comedy with a 1980s twist -- at George Memorial Library in Richmond on Saturdays and Sundays, October 5 and 6 and October 12 and 13, beginning at 1:30 pm, in the library’s Jodie E. Stavinoha Amphitheater.

    The festival will feature a very “1980s retro neon” version of Twelfth Night, directed by Joseph “Chepe” Lockett with The Live Oak Playhouse. A thorough “Bardolater,” he has acted in or directed 25 of Shakespeare’s 38 plays. Artistic production is also provided by The Live Oak Playhouse.

    A retro romp of mistaken identities and happy endings, Twelfth Night is packed with mix-ups, disguises, and romantic shenanigans. The play begins when a ferocious storm leaves twins, Viola and Sebastian, shipwrecked and separated for most of the play. Thinking Sebastian drowned in the storm, Viola must make her way on her own, disguises herself as a young man named Cesario, and enters the service of Duke Orsino. The duke is in love with Countess Olivia and instructs Cesario to plead his suit to the reluctant Olivia. Upon meeting Viola/Cesario, Olivia falls in love with her, thinking she is a man. Meanwhile, Viola has fallen in love with Orsino, creating a love triangle and a riotous disorder full of misunderstandings and mistaken identities.

    “Taking a play written 400 years ago and pairing it with styles and music from the 1980s may seem odd at first, but it’s right in line with Shakespeare’s practice,” says director Joseph “Chepe” Lockett, who also compares the library’s outdoor amphitheater to the original Shakespeare experience for London audiences in the early 1600s. “In fact, Shakespeare’s own audiences sat outdoors for daytime performances, much as today’s audience does at the library.”

    During its previous 18-year run from 1987 to 2005, Fort Bend County Libraries’ Shakespeare-by-the-Book Festival was a popular family event drawing people from around the state, introducing many theatergoers of all ages to the literary work of William Shakespeare in a way that was understandable and entertaining.

    “We are very excited to have the opportunity to bring the Shakespeare-by-the-Book Festival back to the library,” says Monique Franklin, Interim Library Director. “Many people received their first introduction to the works of William Shakespeare through the library’s original Shakespeare-by-the-Book performances so many years ago. We hope those same theatergoers will now return with their children and grandchildren for this new chapter of the festival.”

    The Live Oak Playhouse is a nonprofit community-theater group in Missouri City that is dedicated to enriching the lives of their audiences by presenting entertaining, thought-provoking experiences, first-hand involvement, and arts education.

    Part of Fort Bend County Libraries’ “On Stage at the George” series, the live theatrical performances are presented FREE to the public.

    Seating in the outdoor theater is concrete, so theatergoers are encouraged to bring stadium seats or cushions. Beach and lawn chairs will be allowed ONLY in two designated rows of the amphitheater, and space is available strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

    Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library is located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

    For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

  • The Bard is Back!! Libraries Announce the Return of Shakespeare-By-The-Book Festival

    The Bard is Back!! Libraries Announce the Return of Shakespeare-By-The-Book Festival


    Oct 13, 2024

    After a 19-year hiatus, Fort Bend County Libraries is excited to announce the return of the Shakespeare-by-the-Book Festival this fall!

    In conjunction with The Live Oak Playhouse, Fort Bend County Libraries will present live theatrical performances of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night – an uproariously funny romantic comedy with a 1980s twist -- at George Memorial Library in Richmond on Saturdays and Sundays, October 5 and 6 and October 12 and 13, beginning at 1:30 pm, in the library’s Jodie E. Stavinoha Amphitheater.

    The festival will feature a very “1980s retro neon” version of Twelfth Night, directed by Joseph “Chepe” Lockett with The Live Oak Playhouse. A thorough “Bardolater,” he has acted in or directed 25 of Shakespeare’s 38 plays. Artistic production is also provided by The Live Oak Playhouse.

    A retro romp of mistaken identities and happy endings, Twelfth Night is packed with mix-ups, disguises, and romantic shenanigans. The play begins when a ferocious storm leaves twins, Viola and Sebastian, shipwrecked and separated for most of the play. Thinking Sebastian drowned in the storm, Viola must make her way on her own, disguises herself as a young man named Cesario, and enters the service of Duke Orsino. The duke is in love with Countess Olivia and instructs Cesario to plead his suit to the reluctant Olivia. Upon meeting Viola/Cesario, Olivia falls in love with her, thinking she is a man. Meanwhile, Viola has fallen in love with Orsino, creating a love triangle and a riotous disorder full of misunderstandings and mistaken identities.

    “Taking a play written 400 years ago and pairing it with styles and music from the 1980s may seem odd at first, but it’s right in line with Shakespeare’s practice,” says director Joseph “Chepe” Lockett, who also compares the library’s outdoor amphitheater to the original Shakespeare experience for London audiences in the early 1600s. “In fact, Shakespeare’s own audiences sat outdoors for daytime performances, much as today’s audience does at the library.”

    During its previous 18-year run from 1987 to 2005, Fort Bend County Libraries’ Shakespeare-by-the-Book Festival was a popular family event drawing people from around the state, introducing many theatergoers of all ages to the literary work of William Shakespeare in a way that was understandable and entertaining.

    “We are very excited to have the opportunity to bring the Shakespeare-by-the-Book Festival back to the library,” says Monique Franklin, Interim Library Director. “Many people received their first introduction to the works of William Shakespeare through the library’s original Shakespeare-by-the-Book performances so many years ago. We hope those same theatergoers will now return with their children and grandchildren for this new chapter of the festival.”

    The Live Oak Playhouse is a nonprofit community-theater group in Missouri City that is dedicated to enriching the lives of their audiences by presenting entertaining, thought-provoking experiences, first-hand involvement, and arts education.

    Part of Fort Bend County Libraries’ “On Stage at the George” series, the live theatrical performances are presented FREE to the public.

    Seating in the outdoor theater is concrete, so theatergoers are encouraged to bring stadium seats or cushions. Beach and lawn chairs will be allowed ONLY in two designated rows of the amphitheater, and space is available strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

    Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library is located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

    For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

  • George Memorial Library to Host Genealogy Lock-IN for Family History Month

    George Memorial Library to Host Genealogy Lock-IN for Family History Month


    Oct 18, 2024

    In recognition of Family-History Month in October, Fort Bend County Libraries’ Genealogy & Local History Department at George Memorial Library will join the Genealogy Network of Texas (GNT) in a state-wide, collaborative Genealogy Lock-In for family-history buffs on Friday, October 18, from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, in Room 2A of the library, located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

    A series of teleconferences with topics of interest to family-history researchers will be live-streamed throughout the day. Participants may attend to view all the sessions, or they may choose to view individual sessions. The schedule is as follows:

    • 10:30-11:30 am– “U.S. Naturalization: The Records, The Laws, & The Impact,” presented by Irene B. Walters, Librarian at Houston Public Library’s Family History Research Center. Discover the history of naturalization laws and requirements in the United States and how this affected one’s ancestors and their naturalizations. Learn how to utilize naturalization records for genealogical research.
    • 11:50 am-12:50 pm– “Genealogy Resources at the Texas General Land Office,” presented by Kevin Klaus, Information Specialist with the Texas General Land Office Research Room. The Texas General Land Office contains a wealth of genealogical resources for anyone researching ancestors that received an original Texas land grant. The collection includes more than 35.5-million documents and more than 45,000 maps and sketches dating back to 1561. Explore the Spanish collection, grants given under the Republic of Texas with an emphasis on Bounty and Donation grants, the Court of Claims files, and Confederate Scrip Voucher files. Learn how to search the free online database.
    • 1:05-2:05 pm– “So You Discovered You Have a Colonial Ancestor – Now What?” presented by Craig R. Scott, President and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc. Create a research plan for one’s colonial ancestor using available records in free and subscription databases. Examine existing law in the time period, the land process, and the probate process. Look for muster and payrolls. Learn how to use the state archives to enhance your search.
    • 2:20-3:20 pm– “I’ve Found My Irish Immigrant Ancestor – Now What?” presented by Claire Bradley, Director of Irish Studies of the International Institute of Genealogical Studies. Learn about resources that are available online, offline resources in Ireland, what research can be arranged remotely, and what must be done in person. Explore planning a research trip to Ireland and how to use DNA test results to enhance one’s work.
    • 3:35-4:35 pm– “Proven Methods for Breaking Down Genealogical Brick Walls,” presented by Leslie Tomlinson, certified genealogist. Learn the skills to advance one’s research and develop strategies to break down roadblocks in one’s family research using familiar resources, such as Federal census, courthouse records, tax records, and passenger lists.

    Lunch is not included, but those attending the workshop are welcome to bring a lunch with them.

    Co-sponsored by the Central Texas Genealogical Society, the Texas State Genealogical Society, and the Genealogy Network of Texas, the workshop is free and open to the public.

    Seating is limited, and reservations are required. To register online at Fort Bend County Libraries’ website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select “George Memorial Library,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library’s Genealogy & Local History Department (281-341-2608). Those registering may choose to view the presentations at the library, or they may opt to receive the link to view them at home. 

  • Missouri City Pops to Perform at George Memorial Library Amphitheater

    Missouri City Pops to Perform at George Memorial Library Amphitheater


    Oct 26, 2024

    Part of the “On Stage at the George” series of events, a musical performance by the Missouri City Pops - Community Band will be featured at Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library on Saturday, October 26, beginning at 11:00 am, in the library’s Jodie E. Stavinoha Amphitheater.

    Under the direction of Linda Stiegler, the band will perform a lively selection of popular tunes from Disney and superhero movies, as well as some Halloween songs, for this family-friendly concert that will appeal to all ages.

    A nonprofit community band of brass, woodwind, and percussion players, the 40-member ensemble provides an opportunity for amateur musicians from the Fort Bend County area to get together and share their love of music.

    The performance is presented with the generous support of the Friends of George Memorial Library. Proceeds from the Friends of the Library book sales and annual membership dues help to underwrite the costs of special programming and various cultural events at George Memorial Library.

    The performance will take place in an outdoor amphitheater, and seating is concrete. Theatergoers are encouraged to bring cushions to sit on. Glass containers, alcoholic beverages, and popcorn are not allowed in the amphitheater.

    In the event of inclement weather, the performance will be rescheduled.

    The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call George Memorial Library (281-342-4455) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

    George Memorial Library is located at 1001 Golfview Drive in Richmond.