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Jan 7, 2024
Jan 8, 2024(2 events)

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).

 

6:00 pm: January Schedule of Children's Programs at Cinco Ranch Branch Library


Jan 8, 2024

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Cinco Ranch Branch Library (2620 Commercial Center Boulevard in Katy) presents a variety of free children’s programs – such as Family Story Time, Pajama Night Story Time, After-School Breaks, and more – every month. The January schedule is as follows:

Family Story Time takes place on Wednesdays and Thursdays, beginning at 10:15 and 11:30 am, in the Meeting Room. Families with children of all ages will enjoy stories, songs, and action rhymes. Craft packets will be given out at the end of each program, so that children may take them home to enjoy.

The schedule of Family Story Time activities is as follows:

January 3 and 4 – New Year

January 10 and 11 – Sleepovers

January 17 and 18 – Things That Go

January 24 and 25 – Time

January 31 – Dance Party

Pajama Night Story Time – an evening alternative for families unable to attend during the day – will take place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, from 6:00 to 6:30 pm. The themes are the same as those for Family Story Time each week. Program dates are January 2 and 16.

Family Fun Night will take place on Mondays, January 8 and 22, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, in the Meeting Room. Families with children of all ages are invited to an evening of games, building challenges, and more.

Mother Goose Time – for pre-walking infants from newborn to 12 months of age – takes place on Tuesdays, from 10:15 to 10:45 am. This activity provides caregiver/infant multisensory circle-time activities -- including simple sign language, folksongs and lullabies, and finger plays -- that are especially designed to stimulate babies’ social, emotional, and physical development through rhythm and music. Attendance is limited to 15 infants. Program dates are January 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.

After-School Break: Paper Airplanes will take place on Wednesday, January 17, from 4:30 to 5:15 pm. This program is for school-aged children in grades 1 through 5. Students will design and test paper airplanes.

 Creative Connections – activities for school-aged children in grades 4 through 8 – take place on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays, from 4:30 to 5:15 pm. The schedule of activities is as follows:

  • January 4 – Slime
  • January 18 – Robots

These programs 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 Cinco Ranch Branch Library (281-395-1311) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

Jan 9, 2024(3 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).

6:30 pm: Katy AARP Chapter Meeting 2024


Jan 9, 2024

The Katy chapter of AARP will meet Tuesday January 9th at Midway BBQ 6191 Highway Blvd in Katy.

The meeting will start at 6:30pm with a short meeting and announcements.  Afterwards, entertainment will be provided by outstanding vocalist / guitarist John Steele.  John has a rich voice and sound.  He shines on classic country as well as pop classics and R&B.  Visitors are welcome.  Allow time to purchase any food before the meeting starts.

 

Jan 10, 2024(2 events)

10:15 am: January Schedule Of Children’s Programs At Cinco Ranch Branch Library


Jan 10, 2024

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Cinco Ranch Branch Library (2620 Commercial Center Boulevard in Katy) presents a variety of free children’s programs – such as Family Story Time, Pajama Night Story Time, After-School Breaks, and more – every month. The January schedule is as follows:

Family Story Time takes place on Wednesdays and Thursdays, beginning at 10:15 and 11:30 am, in the Meeting Room. Families with children of all ages will enjoy stories, songs, and action rhymes. Craft packets will be given out at the end of each program, so that children may take them home to enjoy.

The schedule of Family Story Time activities is as follows:

January 3 and 4 – New Year

January 10 and 11 – Sleepovers

January 17 and 18 – Things That Go

January 24 and 25 – Time

January 31 – Dance Party

Pajama Night Story Time – an evening alternative for families unable to attend during the day – will take place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, from 6:00 to 6:30 pm. The themes are the same as those for Family Story Time each week. Program dates are January 2 and 16.

Family Fun Night will take place on Mondays, January 8 and 22, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, in the Meeting Room. Families with children of all ages are invited to an evening of games, building challenges, and more.

Mother Goose Time – for pre-walking infants from newborn to 12 months of age – takes place on Tuesdays, from 10:15 to 10:45 am. This activity provides caregiver/infant multisensory circle-time activities -- including simple sign language, folksongs and lullabies, and finger plays -- that are especially designed to stimulate babies’ social, emotional, and physical development through rhythm and music. Attendance is limited to 15 infants. Program dates are January 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.

After-School Break: Paper Airplanes will take place on Wednesday, January 17, from 4:30 to 5:15 pm. This program is for school-aged children in grades 1 through 5. Students will design and test paper airplanes.

 Creative Connections – activities for school-aged children in grades 4 through 8 – take place on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays, from 4:30 to 5:15 pm. The schedule of activities is as follows:

  • January 4 – Slime
  • January 18 – Robots

These programs 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 Cinco Ranch Branch Library (281-395-1311) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

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(2 events)

11:30 am: January Schedule of Children's Programs at Cinco Ranch Branch Library


Jan 11, 2024

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Cinco Ranch Branch Library (2620 Commercial Center Boulevard in Katy) presents a variety of free children’s programs – such as Family Story Time, Pajama Night Story Time, After-School Breaks, and more – every month. The January schedule is as follows:

Family Story Time takes place on Wednesdays and Thursdays, beginning at 10:15 and 11:30 am, in the Meeting Room. Families with children of all ages will enjoy stories, songs, and action rhymes. Craft packets will be given out at the end of each program, so that children may take them home to enjoy.

The schedule of Family Story Time activities is as follows:

January 3 and 4 – New Year

January 10 and 11 – Sleepovers

January 17 and 18 – Things That Go

January 24 and 25 – Time

January 31 – Dance Party

Pajama Night Story Time – an evening alternative for families unable to attend during the day – will take place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, from 6:00 to 6:30 pm. The themes are the same as those for Family Story Time each week. Program dates are January 2 and 16.

Family Fun Night will take place on Mondays, January 8 and 22, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, in the Meeting Room. Families with children of all ages are invited to an evening of games, building challenges, and more.

Mother Goose Time – for pre-walking infants from newborn to 12 months of age – takes place on Tuesdays, from 10:15 to 10:45 am. This activity provides caregiver/infant multisensory circle-time activities -- including simple sign language, folksongs and lullabies, and finger plays -- that are especially designed to stimulate babies’ social, emotional, and physical development through rhythm and music. Attendance is limited to 15 infants. Program dates are January 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.

After-School Break: Paper Airplanes will take place on Wednesday, January 17, from 4:30 to 5:15 pm. This program is for school-aged children in grades 1 through 5. Students will design and test paper airplanes.

Creative Connections – activities for school-aged children in grades 4 through 8 – take place on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays, from 4:30 to 5:15 pm. The schedule of activities is as follows:

  • January 4 – Slime
  • January 18 – Robots

These programs 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 Cinco Ranch Branch Library (281-395-1311) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

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(1 event)

10:00 am: Fort Bend County Libraries announces Grand Opening of Fulshear Branch Library


Jan 13, 2024

The Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Fort Bend County Libraries’ Fulshear Branch Library will take place on Saturday, January 13, beginning at 10:00 am, at the new library, located at 6350 GM Library Road in Fulshear, Texas.

The grand opening will be officiated by Fort Bend County Judge KP George, who will be joined by Precinct 1 County Commissioner Vincent Morales and other county and local officials. All area residents are invited to come out and take part in the grand-opening reception.

The Fulshear Branch Library, which replaces the Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library, is now the third largest library in the Fort Bend County library system. Designed by Huitt-Zollars, the 2-story building is 41,980 square feet in size. Flintco is the general contractor.

Construction of the new Fulshear Branch Library is the final phase of a $19.8-million bond referendum approved by voters in November 2015, which included $13.4 million for a new library to be built on the north side of the county.

The library was designed to be family-friendly, with individual areas for children, teens, and adults. The general library areas on the first and second floors are enhanced by natural light from a series of glazed windows framing spectacular views of the area.

The library includes an outdoor patio with charging stations, a drive-through book return in the parking lot, community meeting rooms, study rooms, a puppet theater, and a computer lab for technology classes and public use. Additional computers will be available for public use outside of the computer lab. The library has free WiFi access for individuals wishing to bring their own laptop computers to the library.

Children will be delighted with the interactive game table in the Youth Department, as well as with the whimsical musical elements outside the library.

The Youth Services department will offer a full range of children’s programs, including Mother Goose Time for infants, Toddler Time for children from 1 to 3 years of age, Preschool Story Time for 3- to 6-year-old children, and school-aged programs for children in grades K through 8.

The library will offer book clubs and craft groups, and introductory computer classes for adults will soon be available. Patrons may learn computer basics, such as how to use a computer, how to search the Internet, and how to use Microsoft Office programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

A wide variety of books for children and adults are available for recreational reading and research. Magazines, newspapers, and audiovisual materials are also on hand. The library offers an online digital collection of ebooks and e-audiobooks, as well as e-magazines and streaming movies that can be accessed from home. A generous assortment of research databases is available for patrons to access in the library or from home.

“Part of our library mission is to provide an environment of lifelong learning and enrichment for the entire, diverse community, and this new venture just reinforces our commitment to providing a continuum of service for people of all ages,” said Library Director Clara Russell. “We hope the residents in the area will find the new library a pleasant and enjoyable place where they can study or just relax with a good book.”

The new Fulshear Branch Library is located at 6350 GM Library Road, off Texas Heritage Parkway, north of FM 1093, in Fulshear, Texas.

The hours of operation for the new Fulshear Branch Library are as follows: Monday, 12:00 noon – 9:00 pm; Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Thursday, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm; Friday, 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm; and Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. The library is closed on Sundays.

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).