Events in October 2024
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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
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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).
Learn How to Avoid Scammers at Library Program Learn How to Avoid Scammers at Library Program
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Oct 5, 2024Fort Bend County Libraries’ Mission Bend Branch Library will present “Avoiding Scams” on Saturday, October 5, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 8421 Addicks Clodine Road, in northeast Fort Bend County.Erica Knighton, from the Prairie View A&M Extension Office in Fort Bend County, will talk about the ways con artists use the Internet, cellphones, and email to target unsuspecting victims. Learn about some of the most common scams, as well as the psychology behind the most effective scams.
Those attending will get tips on ways to protect themselves and their family members from becoming the next victim.
The program is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call the Mission Bend Branch Library (832-471-5900) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
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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
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Oct 6, 2024After 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).
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Local Astronomer Talks About Meteors at Fulshear Branch Library Local Astronomer Talks About Meteors at Fulshear Branch Library
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Oct 12, 2024Learn more about the night sky when Fort Bend County Libraries’ Fulshear Branch Library presents a special program on “Meteors & Meteorites” on Saturday, October 12, from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 6350 GM Library Road off Texas Heritage Parkway, north of FM 1093.Local astronomer William “Bill” Spizzirri, a volunteer with the Fort Bend Astronomy Club’s Astronomy on Wheels program, will explain the difference between meteors and meteorites, where they come from, and their characteristics. He will even have some examples to show!
A member of both the Fort Bend Astronomy Club and the Houston Astronomical Society, Spizzirri has been an avid amateur astronomer for more than 50 years.
The Fort Bend Astronomy Club’s “Astronomy on Wheels” educational-outreach program has been presented at schools, scout meetings, church groups, and at other community meetings over the years.
Recommended for all ages, this program is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call the Fulshear Branch Library (346-481-6800) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
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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
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Oct 13, 2024After 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).
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Libraries Offer Demonstrations Of New Online Linkedin Learning Resource Libraries Offer Demonstrations Of New Online Linkedin Learning Resource
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Oct 16, 2024Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) now offers free, unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning for Library for library cardholders. This online library of more than 16,000 instructional videos – created by recognized industry experts with real-world experience – helps job hunters and other professionals master the professional skills needed to compete and perform well in an ever-evolving job market.Throughout the month of October, FBCL will hold demonstrations of LinkedIn Learning for Library. The demonstrations will take place at the following locations, but those who are interested may also inquire about this resource at any time at any FBCL location.
- Wednesday, October 16, 11:00 am-12:00 noon – Fulshear Branch Library(6350 GM Library Road, off Texas Heritage Parkway) Registration required.
- Thursday, October 17, 10:30-11:30 am – Cinco Ranch Branch Library(2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy) Registration required.
About LinkedIn Learning for Library
Online video courses are available in seven languages – English, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin, French, German, and Portuguese -- and automated closed-captioning is available in 25 languages. New courses are added every week to reflect the most up-to-date trends in the industries.
In addition to interviewing and resumé-writing courses, LinkedIn Learning for Library offers instruction on many different in-demand hard skills and soft skills, enabling users to master business, software, technology, and creative skills to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Users can find instruction on soft skills, such as strategic and critical thinking, time and project management, professional communication, leadership, and remote work.
Courses on hard skills enable learners to develop skills in areas such as 3D and animation, digital marketing, photography and videography, CAD, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, web design, cloud computing, computer literacy, Python, MS Office, and much more.
Learners are able to pursue a whole course in any of the subjects, or they can select individual sections to stay up to date on the most recent trends.
Users can access content through the LinkedIn Learning login page on FBCL’s website by clicking on the “Research” tab and then selecting the “Digital Resources & Databases” option, choosing “Subject” and then “Career & Job Help.”
They can also utilize the LinkedIn Learning mobile app after selecting the FBCL option. Mobile users should begin by downloading the LinkedIn Learning app from the Google Play / App Store. Open the app and select “Sign In” and then “Sign In with Your Library Card.” When prompted to “Enter Your Library ID,” tap on the box and enter “fortbendcountylibraries” (all lowercase, no quotation marks). They will then enter their FBCL library card number (or username) and PIN/password and click “Continue.”
FBCL’s account cannot be accessed by directly visiting the LinkedIn Learning homepage. To take advantage of FBCL’s subscription, LinkedIn Learning must be accessed via the FBCL website or the LinkedIn Learning mobile app after entering the FBCL library ID (fortbendcountylibraries).
First-time users will be prompted to select topics of interest. Users will need to create an account in order to track course progress, create playlists of potential coursework, and keep course notes.
The demonstrations are free and open to the public. To register for a demonstration, visit Fort Bend County Libraries’ website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), 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).
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Libraries Offer Demonstrations Of New Online Linkedin Learning Resource Libraries Offer Demonstrations Of New Online Linkedin Learning Resource
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Oct 17, 2024Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) now offers free, unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning for Library for library cardholders. This online library of more than 16,000 instructional videos – created by recognized industry experts with real-world experience – helps job hunters and other professionals master the professional skills needed to compete and perform well in an ever-evolving job market.Throughout the month of October, FBCL will hold demonstrations of LinkedIn Learning for Library. The demonstrations will take place at the following locations, but those who are interested may also inquire about this resource at any time at any FBCL location.
- Wednesday, October 16, 11:00 am-12:00 noon – Fulshear Branch Library(6350 GM Library Road, off Texas Heritage Parkway) Registration required.
- Thursday, October 17, 10:30-11:30 am – Cinco Ranch Branch Library(2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy) Registration required.
About LinkedIn Learning for Library
Online video courses are available in seven languages – English, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin, French, German, and Portuguese -- and automated closed-captioning is available in 25 languages. New courses are added every week to reflect the most up-to-date trends in the industries.
In addition to interviewing and resumé-writing courses, LinkedIn Learning for Library offers instruction on many different in-demand hard skills and soft skills, enabling users to master business, software, technology, and creative skills to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Users can find instruction on soft skills, such as strategic and critical thinking, time and project management, professional communication, leadership, and remote work.
Courses on hard skills enable learners to develop skills in areas such as 3D and animation, digital marketing, photography and videography, CAD, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, web design, cloud computing, computer literacy, Python, MS Office, and much more.
Learners are able to pursue a whole course in any of the subjects, or they can select individual sections to stay up to date on the most recent trends.
Users can access content through the LinkedIn Learning login page on FBCL’s website by clicking on the “Research” tab and then selecting the “Digital Resources & Databases” option, choosing “Subject” and then “Career & Job Help.”
They can also utilize the LinkedIn Learning mobile app after selecting the FBCL option. Mobile users should begin by downloading the LinkedIn Learning app from the Google Play / App Store. Open the app and select “Sign In” and then “Sign In with Your Library Card.” When prompted to “Enter Your Library ID,” tap on the box and enter “fortbendcountylibraries” (all lowercase, no quotation marks). They will then enter their FBCL library card number (or username) and PIN/password and click “Continue.”
FBCL’s account cannot be accessed by directly visiting the LinkedIn Learning homepage. To take advantage of FBCL’s subscription, LinkedIn Learning must be accessed via the FBCL website or the LinkedIn Learning mobile app after entering the FBCL library ID (fortbendcountylibraries).
First-time users will be prompted to select topics of interest. Users will need to create an account in order to track course progress, create playlists of potential coursework, and keep course notes.
The demonstrations are free and open to the public. To register for a demonstration, visit Fort Bend County Libraries’ website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), 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).
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George Memorial Library to Host Genealogy Lock-IN for Family History Month George Memorial Library to Host Genealogy Lock-IN for Family History Month
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Oct 18, 2024In 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.
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Library to Host colleege-Preparedness Program Library to Host colleege-Preparedness Program
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Oct 19, 2024Fort Bend County Libraries’ Mission Bend Branch Library will host a college-preparedness workshop, “College Series: Understanding College Applications & Financial Aid,” on Saturday, October 19, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, in the Computer Lab of the library, located at 8421 Addicks Clodine Road, in northeast Fort Bend County.William Keaton, Director of College Readiness at Yes Prep Public Schools, will talk about different types of college-entrance applications and financial-aid applications.Learn about the pros and cons of different types of college-entrance applications, such as Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), Regular Decision (RD), Rolling Admissions, and Priority Applications.
Gain a better understanding of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA), and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile.
College-bound students and their parents, as well as anyone returning to college after a break, are encouraged to attend.
The workshop is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and registration is encouraged. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select “Mission Bend Branch Library,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library (832-471-5900), or by visiting the library.
