OCTOBER PROGRAMS AT
MISSION BEND BRANCH LIBRARY
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 October schedule is as follows:
SPECIAL EVENTS
“How to Pay for College” – Tuesday, Oct 15, 6:00-8:00 pm, Conference Room. Brannon Lloyd, a college financial-planning educator, will provide an overview of the costs associated with attending college and will discuss ways of qualifying for different types of financial aid without getting trapped in a financial nightmare of high rate, high payment, and expensive debt. Learn how to avoid loans, maximize merit-aid, and avoid pitfalls that may hurt a student’s eligibility for financial aid. Get tips on things to do to increase a student’s chances of obtaining scholarships and grants. This program is recommended for college-bound students and their parents.
“Food for Thought Cookbook Club” – Thursday, Oct 17; 1:00-3:00 pm, Conference Room. This month, the theme is “Pie.” 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.
“Introduction to Brainfuse & LearningExpress Library Study Tools” – Tuesday, Oct 22, 7:00-8:00 pm, Computer Lab. This class presents a basic introduction to Brainfuse and LearningExpress Library – two online resources provided by the library to help students understand their homework and prepare for tests. Learn how to improve test-taking confidence with a variety of practice tests — such as the GED, ASVAB, SAT, ACT, TASP tests, and occupation-certification exams — that can be taken at the user’s convenience from any computer with an internet connection. Hear about the live, online homework tutoring service from Brainfuse, which can be accessed through the library’s website for free. Brainfuse provides online tutors for English/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Registration for the demonstration is required.
“Video-Editing Basics with WeVideo” — Monday, Oct 28, 7:00-8:00 pm, Computer Lab. Learn how to use WeVideo — an online video-editing tool — to capture, create, view, and share movies. Get tips on adding video clips, music, and more. Registration recommended, but drop-ins are also welcome.
“Adult Craft: Spooky Slime” – Wednesday, Oct 30, 4:00-5:00 pm, Conference Room. In this hands-on adult-craft class, participants will make their own slime and decorate a jar in which to keep it. This fun craft activity can add a spooky touch for festive activities. Materials will be provided. Registration is required.
BOOK CLUB – Tuesday, Oct 8, 2:00 pm, Conference Room. The book to be discussed is The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, a Flavia de Luce novel written by Alan Bradley. New members invited to attend! This book club meets on the second Tuesday of every month.
CONVERSATION CIRCLES
ESL Conversation Circles — Wednesdays, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30; 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.
NEW! Spanish Conversation Circle – Monday, Oct 14, 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 new program will take place on the 2nd Monday of every month.
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 Word 2016 Survival Basics – Tuesday, Oct 8, 10:30-11:30 am, Computer Lab. Learn the basics of using this word-processing software program to create letters, resumés, forms, and other types of documents.
- MS Word 2016: Essays – Wednesday, Oct 9, 7:00-8:00 pm, Computer Lab. Get tips for using this word-processing software to type an essay. Learn how to create headers and footers, add page numbers, adjust paragraph spacing, and utilize other features to create the ideal essay.
- Tech Hour FAQ – Thursdays, Oct 10 (10:30-11:30 am) and Oct 24 (2:00-3:00 pm). One-on-one assistance is available to help with basic questions about technology, eReaders, or computer skills. Drop-ins are welcome.
3D Printing Classes (Reservations required)
- Introduction to 3D Printing – Saturday, Oct 19, 10:30 am-12:00 noon, 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, Oct 3, 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 October, teens are invited to talk about the graphic novel of their choice.
- Free SAT Practice-Test Session – Saturday, Oct 5, 10:30 am – 3:30 pm, Meeting Room 2. A representative from Princeton Review will administer a practice test to college-bound students in grades 9-12. This practice test will prepare students for the actual SAT test. The scores on this practice test will only be shared with the student; they will not be sent to any educational institutions. Bring two #2 pencils, and a non-graphing calculator if available. Registration is required; sign up by going to the library’s online events calendar (fortbend.lib.tx.us) or by calling the library.
- Young Adult Advisory Council – Thursday, Oct 10, 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!
- Teen Read Week: Tile Art – Thursday, Oct 17, 4:00-5:00 pm, Conference Room. Teens will have an opportunity to show off their favorite books or hobbies by making a Mod-Podge® tile coaster featuring pictures that represent them. Participants may bring their own printed images, or browse through the library’s selection, to create their tile art.
- YA Spooky Trivia – Thursday, Oct 31, 4:00-5:00 pm, Conference Room. Teens in grades 9-12 will have a fun afternoon answering spooktacular trivia, ranging from literary horrors to different types of candy, in a Jeopardy-style trivia hour. The team that earns the most points will win a prize!
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.
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.
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 October is as follows:
- Oct 10 – Mad-Scientist Laboratory
- Oct 24 – Bone-Bender Twister
SPECIAL YOUTH & FAMILY EVENTS
Family Movie @ the Library – Monday, Oct 14, 2:30 pm, Meeting Room. Halloween night will never be the same after three 17th-century witches are accidentally transported to present-day Salem, where they brew a hilarious cauldron of mischief and mayhem. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy star in this fun-filled tale full of outrageous antics. This movie is rated PG. It is recommended for families with children aged 10 and up.
Tech Tuesdays: 3D Print Glo-Bobs Bands – Tuesday, Oct 15, 5:30 pm. Learn the basics of 3D printing by making little critters with glowing eyes and bands. This program is for students in grades 3-8. Registration is required.
Middle Grades: Monster Pac-Man DIY – Saturday, Oct 19, 2:30 pm, Meeting Room. Students in grades 5-8 will have an opportunity to build a spooky edition of the Pac-Man game.
Middle Grades Book Club – Monday, Oct 21, 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 October, readers are invited to talk about R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series.