Fort Bend County Libraries’ Mission Bend Branch Library, 8421 Addicks Clodine Road in Southwest Houston, presents a variety of free children’s programs, Young Adult programs for teens, adult computer classes, and special events for people of all ages each month. All programs are free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlib.tx.us), or call the Mission Bend Branch Library (832-471-5900) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734). The November schedule is as follows:
LIBRARY CLOSINGS
Nov 11 – Veterans Day
Nov 28-Dec 1 – Thanksgiving
SPECIAL EVENTS
“International Games Week” – Nov 4-9. An initiative of the American Library Association, International Games Week is a celebration of communities coming together to play at the library. A variety of board games and puzzles will be available at the Adult Reference Desk to be enjoyed while visiting the library. The week will culminate on Saturday, Nov 9, 10:00 am-4:30 pm, with a Retro Arcade in the Computer Lab, board games at the Reference Desk, and much more! This event is suitable for all ages.
NEW! “No-Glitter-Please Craft Club” – Tuesday, Nov 19, 2:00-3:00 pm, Conference Room. In this new monthly craft club, which will meet on the 3rd Tuesday of every month, 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.
“Facebook for Business” – Tuesday, Nov 19, 7:00-8:00 pm, Computer Lab. Learn how to use this popular social-media website for business. Get tips on setting up a business page and hear about features that are unique to business pages. Registration is required.
“Food for Thought Cookbook Club” – Thursday, Nov 21; 1:00-2:00 pm, Conference Room. This month, the theme is “Thanksgiving Foods.” Cooking enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels – from beginners to advanced — are invited to join. Those attending are welcome to bring their own cookbooks and recipes, or they may browse the library’s collection of cookbooks. Share tips, get ideas, and enjoy the camaraderie of other individuals who have an interest in cooking and good cuisine! Meets on the third Thursday of every month; different cooking genres are explored each month.
“Painting Kindness Rocks” – Monday, Nov 25, 2:00-3:00 pm, Conference Room. Join the library in encouraging random acts of kindness in Fort Bend County by creating “Kindness Rocks.” In this adult craft program, those attending will use markers and paint to draw uplifting messages or pictures on small rocks, with the phrase “#TheKindnessProject” written on the bottom of the rock. The rocks can then be left in random public places for unsuspecting recipients to find, brightening their day and inspiring others to spread kindness and positivity in the world. Materials for this program will be provided.
BOOK CLUB – Tuesday, Nov 12, 2:00 pm, Conference Room. The book to be discussed is The White Pearl, a novel written by Kate Furnivall. New members invited to attend! This book club meets on the second Tuesday of every month.
CONVERSATION CIRCLES
ESL Conversation Circles — Wednesdays, Nov 6, 13, 20, 27; 1:30-2:30 pm; Conference Room; presented in English. Fort Bend County Libraries offers a program for individuals of all nationalities who would like a place to practice their English language and conversation skills. The “ESL Conversation Circles” provide an opportunity for non-English-speaking people to gather in a relaxed setting, and discuss topics of their own choosing while practicing their English skills.
Spanish Conversation Circle – Tuesday, Nov 12, 6:00-7:00 pm; Conference Room; presented in Spanish. Spanish-language learners are invited to attend this new monthly meeting, where they will have an opportunity to practice their Spanish language and conversation skills in a casual, relaxed setting. This program normally takes place on the 2nd Monday of every month, but because of the holiday, the group will meet on the 2nd Tuesday in November.
ADULT COMPUTER CLASSES
All computer classes will take place in the Computer Lab. Reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Events,” select “Mission Bend Branch Library,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at 832-471-5900, or by visiting the library.
MS Excel 2016 Series
- MS Excel Survival Basics – Monday, Nov 4, 6:00-7:00 pm
- MS Excel: Formulas – Wednesday, Nov 13, 6:00-7:00 pm
- MS Excel: Pivot Tables – Monday, Nov 18, 6:00-7:00 pm
3D Printing Classes (Reservations required)
- Introduction to 3D Printing – Wednesday, Nov 20, 6:00-7:30 pm, Computer Lab. Library staff will introduce the 3D printer and explain how library patrons can print their own designs. Those attending the session will also learn about free websites that can be used to find 3D files or to create their own 3D designs. Prior to the class, attendees are encouraged to create an account with TinkerCAD at https://www.tinkercad.com.
YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS (for teens in grades 9-12)
- Young Adult Book Club – Thursday, Nov 7, 4:00-5:00 pm, Conference Room. Teen readers in grades 9-12 will have the opportunity to meet with others who share the same love for great books, and have a lively discussion on the reasons a book or its characters were liked or disliked. In November, teens are invited to talk about The Serpent King, a novel written by Jeff Zentner.
- You Can’t Avoid Adulting: Etiquette – Tuesday, Nov 12, 6:00-7:00 pm, Meeting Room. Etiquette coach Toni Dupree will share tips on communication etiquette, social etiquette, and business etiquette for high school-aged teens and young adults in their early 20s.
- Young Adult Advisory Council – Thursday, Nov 14, 4:00-5:00 pm, Conference Room. At this monthly meeting, teens in grades 9-12 are invited to express ideas, organize upcoming activities, and suggest new programs and books that would be of interest to young adults at the library. Earn volunteer/service hours and meet new friends while helping to shape the future of library services for teens!
- DIY Cat Toys – Thursday, Nov 21, 4:00-5:00 pm, Meeting Room. Cat lovers in grades 9-12 will enjoy a purrrrfect afternoon by making DIY cat toys with ribbon and yarn. All cat toys that are created will be donated to Sugar Land Animal Services. Students who participate will earn Volunteer-Service Hours. Registration is required.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Mother Goose Time – Thursdays at 10:15 am – 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. Mother Goose Time is intended for infants from age 1 month to 12 months. This activity will NOT take place on November 28; the library will be closed for the holiday.
Toddler Time – Wednesdays at 10:15 am – offers structured caregiver/child activities, stories and songs for older babies, from 1 to 3 years of age.
Story Time – Tuesdays at 10:15 am – presents stories, movies, and age-appropriate craft activities for children 3 to 6 years of age. This activity will NOT take place on November 5 because of elections.
Pajama Night Story Time – Wednesdays at 6:30 pm – gives families with children of all ages an evening option for some activities presented during the day time.
After-School Breaks – 2nd and 4th Thursdays beginning at 4:15 pm. Crafts, movies, stories, and more for school-aged children in grades K through 5. The schedule for November is as follows:
- Nov 14 – Charlie Brown’s Cartoon Luminaries
- Nov 28 – LIBRARY CLOSED
Middle Grades Book Club – Monday, Nov 18, 5:30 pm. Young readers in grades 3-8 will have the opportunity to meet with others who share the same love for great books, and have a lively discussion on the reasons a book or its characters were liked or disliked. In November, readers are invited to bring a book about food.
SPECIAL YOUTH EVENTS
Middle Grades: Comic-Book Twister – Saturday, Nov 16, 2:30 pm, Meeting Room. Students in grades 5-8 will have an opportunity to play a special game of twister – with a twist! Participants will test their knowledge about superheroes and animé characters.
Tech Tuesdays: Hour of Code– Tuesday, Nov 19, 5:30 pm. Learn about computer coding by using fun, game-like activities. This program is for students in grades 3-8. Registration is required.