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, call the Mission Bend Branch Library at 832-471-5900 or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734. The May schedule is as follows:
LIBRARY CLOSINGS
May 10 – Staff Development Day
May 26-27 – Memorial Day
SPECIAL EVENTS
“Food for Thought Cookbook Club” – Thursday, May 16; 3:00 pm, Conference Room. This month, the theme is “Vegan & Vegetarian Cooking.” 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.
“All-Levels Yoga” – Saturday, May 18; 10:30 am, Meeting Room. Registered yoga instructor Ashley Schmidt will present a basic introduction and demonstration of this low-impact form of physical exercise and meditation. Learn the benefits of yoga, the various yoga postures, and the correct way to breathe to receive maximum benefit. All experience levels are welcome to attend. The program will be modified based on the experience levels of those in attendance. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and to bring a yoga mat and a water bottle.
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE “A Universe of Stories” – May 27-Aug 31
Fort Bend County Libraries presents special reading challenges during the summer to encourage reading among readers of all ages. Library programs and activities begin during the week of June 3, and continue through July 27. There is no charge to join the Summer Reading Challenges (SRC), and they are open to everyone, regardless of the county of residence. Participants may register at any Fort Bend County library, or they may register online by going to the FBCL website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) and clicking on the “SRC Sign-Up” image, which will become available on May 27. When the online registration form has been completed, readers will then have their own online page on which to record their books or reading time. Readers may also register and log books/reading time by downloading the free Beanstack Tracker app to their mobile device from the Apple App or Google Play stores. Fort Bend County Libraries and the Summer Reading Challenge will appear as options when the program starts on May 27.
Reading rewards can be redeemed beginning Monday, June 3. Prizes must be collected from the “primary library of use” that the reader indicated on the registration form. The last day to pick up awards is August 31. The names of participants who complete the program will be entered into a drawing for gift cards from area stores — donated by the Friends of the Library organizations — that will be awarded to several lucky readers in a drawing scheduled at the end of the program at each library location.
The Summer Reading Challenges are sponsored by Fort Bend County Libraries, the Friends organizations that support the county library system, andthe Collaborative Summer Library Program, a consortium of states working together to provide high-quality children’s summer-reading program materials for public libraries.
- Summer Reading Challenge for Children
Children from infancy through elementary school-age are invited to come to the library to read a lot of great books, see some exciting programs, and join in some fun activities to kick off a great summer! Children are encouraged to read as many books as they can and they will earn rewards based on the total number of books they read or have read to them. For the first five books read, the child will receive a bookmark. The rewards continue with a certificate for 10 books, a color-changing ruler for 15 books, and a reading trophy for the first 20 books read. For every 20 books read, the participant’s name will also be written on a picture of a space shuttle to be displayed in that branch library. Drawings for puppets will take place weekly.
- Middle School Summer Challenge
Area youth in grades 6-8 can participate in the SRC by logging online the time they spend reading. Kids are encouraged to read as many books as they can, and they will earn rewards based on the total amount of time they spend reading. Upon completion of 20 hours (1200 minutes) of reading, readers will receive a trophy or a mystery prize.
- Summer Reading Challenge for Teens & Adults
Adults of all ages, including young adults in high school, may participate in the YA & Adult SRC by logging online the time they spend reading books and by participating in optional weekly “challenges” that can be completed individually at home online. All YA and adult readers who complete the goal of reading for 1,000 minutes will earn a desk cube with phone accessories, while supplies last. An ultimate grand prize will be awarded to one lucky reader in the library system. Participants in the YA/Adult Summer Reading Challenge who complete the program by logging 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a 16 GB Fire HD 7 tablet with a red case, which will be awarded to one winner in the library system on August 5.
BOOK CLUB – Wednesday, May 8, 7:00 pm, Conference Room.
The book to be discussed is The House on Mango Street, written by Sandra Cisneros. New members invited to attend!
ESL CONVERSATION CIRCLES – Wednesdays, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 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 “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.
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 Survival Basics – Monday, May 6, 7:00-8:00 pm
- MS Excel 2016: Intermediate – Thursday, May 9, 10:30-11:30 am
- Google Drive Basics – Monday, May 20, 7:00-8:00 pm
- MS PowerPoint 2016 Survival Basics – Thursday, May 23, 10:30-11:30 am
3D Printing Class (Reservations required)
Introduction to 3D Printing – Wednesday, May 15, 7:00-8:30 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, May 2, 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. The book to be discussed in May is The Forbidden Wish, written by Jessica Khoury.
- “Free SAT Practice-Test Session” – Saturday, May 4, 10:30 am – 3:00 pm, Meeting Room. A representative from Princeton Review will administer a practice test to college-bound students in grades 9 through 12. This practice test will prepare students for the actual ACT 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 on the library’s online events calendar (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or by calling the library.
- Young Adult Advisory Council – Thursday, May 9, 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!
- YA Program: DIY Dog Toys – Thursday, May 30, 4:00-5:00 pm, Conference Room. In this YA craft activity, teens in grades 9 through 12 will learn how to make handmade dog toys using old t-shirts. All dog toys will be donated to Sugar Land Animal Services. Registration is required.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
The weekly children’s programs will not take place in May. The children’s librarians are preparing for the Summer Reading Challenge, which will begin May 27.
SPECIAL YOUTH & FAMILY EVENT
“Mother’s Day Tea Party” – Saturday, May 11, 10:30 am, Meeting Room. Families with children of all ages are invited to enjoy a morning Tea Party celebrating moms and mother-figures Children are invited to wear their fanciest attire to celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, or any other special people in their lives. Fun activities are planned and refreshments will be served.
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