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Jan 7, 2024
Jan 8, 2024(1 event)

2:00 pm: Learn a New Language This Year with FBCL’s “Transparent Language Online” Resource


Jan 8, 2024

Would you like to make yourself more marketable to an employer by being bilingual? Are you interested in other cultures and want to understand their languages? Learning another language can have many benefits, and Fort Bend County Libraries’ (FBCL) “Transparent Language® Online” resource makes learning a new language easier than ever – and it’s free!

Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) will have demonstrations in January on Transparent Languages Online. The demonstrations will take place at three library locations, but those interested may also inquire about the service at any time at any FBCL location.

The schedule of demonstrations is as follows:

  • First Colony Branch Library(2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land) – Monday, January 8, at 2:00 pm.
  • Sienna Branch Library(8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, Missouri City) – Tuesday, January 9, at 2:00 pm. Registration required.
  • University Branch Library(14010 University Blvd, Sugar Land) – Monday, January 22, at 6:00 pm. Registration required.

 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.

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

 

Jan 9, 2024(2 events)

2:00 pm: Learn a New Language This Year with FBCL’s “Transparent Language Online” Resource


Jan 9, 2024

Would you like to make yourself more marketable to an employer by being bilingual? Are you interested in other cultures and want to understand their languages? Learning another language can have many benefits, and Fort Bend County Libraries’ (FBCL) “Transparent Language® Online” resource makes learning a new language easier than ever – and it’s free!

Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) will have demonstrations in January on Transparent Languages Online. The demonstrations will take place at three library locations, but those interested may also inquire about the service at any time at any FBCL location.

The schedule of demonstrations is as follows:

  • First Colony Branch Library(2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land) – Monday, January 8, at 2:00 pm.
  • Sienna Branch Library(8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, Missouri City) – Tuesday, January 9, at 2:00 pm. Registration required.
  • University Branch Library(14010 University Blvd, Sugar Land) – Monday, January 22, at 6:00 pm. Registration required.

 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.

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

 

2:00 pm: Libraries Present Programs for Adult crafters in January


Jan 9, 2024

Fort Bend County Libraries presents a variety of craft-themed programs for adults every month to introduce people to new hobbies and activities, and to give current crafters inspiration and new ideas.

Find encouragement, get feedback, or simply enjoy the camaraderie of other crafters during these free events. Samples of the library’s instructional books, magazines, and websites on various crafts will be available.

Cinco Ranch Branch Library, 2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy (281-395-1311)

  • Donation Period for Community Art Swap– January 2-20. To encourage creativity and reduce waste through reusing and repurposing, the Cinco Ranch Branch Library invites artists and crafters to donate any gently used art supplies for a Community Art Swap, that will take place at the library on Saturday, January 27. Those who donate supplies and materials during this period will receive a ticket for early entry into the event. Donations cannot be accepted after January 23.
  • Craft Club-- Tuesdays, January 9 and 23, 2:00-4:00 pm. Craft enthusiasts of all experience levels – from beginners to advanced – who enjoy any type of crafting are invited to attend to get other crafters’ perspectives, critiques, and suggestions. Chat and network with other crafters who enjoy anything from art and needlework to woodwork and much more! Those attending should bring their projects and their own crafting supplies. Samples of the library’s instructional books, magazines, and websites on various crafts will be available. Crafters are invited to come and go as time permits. Meets on the 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of every month.
  • NEW!Sewing by Hand Club – Tuesday, January 16, 6:00-8:00 pm, Meeting Room. In this new monthly sewing club, learn practical hand-sewing skills, such as blind-stitching holes, the blanket stitch, and sewing on buttons, zippers, and more. This group will meet on the 3rd Tuesday of every month, and a different challenge will be presented each month so participants can practice their skills. This activity is for adults and high school-age teens. No experience is needed. Limited supplies will be provided, courtesy of the Friends of the Cinco Ranch Branch Library. Registration required.
  • Community Art Swap, Saturday, January 27, 2:00-4:00 pm, Meeting Room. To encourage creativity and reduce waste through reusing and repurposing,the Cinco Ranch Branch Library invites artists and crafters -- or anyone thinking about starting a new hobby -- to a Community Art Swap. Those who donated supplies and materials during the donation period earlier in the month received a ticket for early entry into the Community Art Swap, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. From 2:00 to 4:00 pm (or while supplies last), the event is open to everyone, including those who did not contribute supplies during the donation period. This is an excellent way to try a new hobby without having a large, initial investment. Donated supplies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

 Mission Bend Branch Library, 8421 Addicks Clodine Road (832-471-5900)

  • Intro to Cricut & Vinyl– Monday, January 29, 6:00 pm, Computer Lab. In this introductory adult craft class, learn how to use the Cricut, an electronic cutting machine that can cut all sorts of designs from materials like paper, vinyl, cardstock, and more! To follow along with the demonstration, participants should bring their own vinyl that is appropriate for the user’s intended purpose (Heat-Transfer Vinyl HTV for fabric, removeable vinyl for wall art, or permanent vinyl for cups/paper crafts). Registration required.

Materials for these programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Library organizations that support each library.

The activities are free and open to the public. Registration is required for some of the programs. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select the branch library, and find the program on the date indicated. For more information, call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

Jan 10, 2024(1 event)

7:00 pm: Resolve To Read More Books & Join A Book Club In 2024!


Jan 10, 2024

Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) encourages readers of all ages to make a New Year’s resolution to read more books in 2024!

Share that passion for reading with other book lovers – and make new friends with similar interests -- at one of the many book clubs that meet monthly at FBCL locations throughout the county. New members are always welcome!

FBCL’s book clubs represent a wide variety of books and genres, and they meet at designated times and days every month. Whether you enjoy a good love story, a gritty crime novel, or an illustrated graphic novel, there is likely to be a group sharing that interest nearby!

The book titles are typically available in the libraries’ regular collections – either as a hardcopy print version or digitally as a downloadable ebook or e-audiobook – but special “book-club collections” are also available at the check-out desk at the hosting library, so be sure to inquire about additional availability.

The following is a list of the book clubs that meet at FBCL locations, along with their January selections.

Cinco Ranch Branch Library, 2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy (281-395-1311)

  • Literary Lunch League Book Club(for adults). Wednesday, January 3, 12:00 noon. The book to be discussed is Where the Crawdads Sing, written by Delia Owens. Meets on the 1st Monday of every month.
  • “The Butler Did It” Mystery Book Club(for adults). Thursday, January 11, 2:00 pm. The book to be discussed is Whiskey Sour, by J.A. Konrath. Meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month.

 Mission Bend Branch Library, 8421 Addicks Clodine Road (832-471-5900)

  • Mission Bend Book Club(for adults). Wednesday, January 10, 7:00 pm. The book to be discussed is Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, by Trevor Noah. Meets on the 2nd Monday of every month.

The book club meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call the branch libraries or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

Jan 11, 2024(1 event)

2:00 pm: Resolve To Read More Books & Join A Book Club In 2024!


Jan 11, 2024

Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) encourages readers of all ages to make a New Year’s resolution to read more books in 2024!

Share that passion for reading with other book lovers – and make new friends with similar interests -- at one of the many book clubs that meet monthly at FBCL locations throughout the county. New members are always welcome!

FBCL’s book clubs represent a wide variety of books and genres, and they meet at designated times and days every month. Whether you enjoy a good love story, a gritty crime novel, or an illustrated graphic novel, there is likely to be a group sharing that interest nearby!

The book titles are typically available in the libraries’ regular collections – either as a hardcopy print version or digitally as a downloadable ebook or e-audiobook – but special “book-club collections” are also available at the check-out desk at the hosting library, so be sure to inquire about additional availability.

The following is a list of the book clubs that meet at FBCL locations, along with their January selections.

Cinco Ranch Branch Library, 2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy (281-395-1311)

  • Literary Lunch League Book Club(for adults). Wednesday, January 3, 12:00 noon. The book to be discussed is Where the Crawdads Sing, written by Delia Owens. Meets on the 1st Monday of every month.
  • “The Butler Did It” Mystery Book Club(for adults). Thursday, January 11, 2:00 pm. The book to be discussed is Whiskey Sour, by J.A. Konrath. Meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month.

 Mission Bend Branch Library, 8421 Addicks Clodine Road (832-471-5900)

  • Mission Bend Book Club(for adults). Wednesday, January 10, 7:00 pm. The book to be discussed is Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, by Trevor Noah. Meets on the 2nd Monday of every month.

The book club meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call the branch libraries or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

Jan 12, 2024
Jan 13, 2024