Popular Magazines Available Online Through Libraries’ Flipster® Service
March 2025
Users of Fort Bend County Libraries have instant access to popular magazines online through the libraries’ Flipster® service from EBSCO Information Services. Flipster is a next-generation magazine service that allows people to browse digital versions of the latest issues of popular magazines for adults, teens, and children, courtesy of the library.
Flipster magazines are full-print, full-color digital duplicates of the hardcopy print magazine, and library cardholders can access them remotely through FBCL’s website. The libraries’ collection includes 58 popular titles ... Read Full Blog
Learn American Sign Language with FBCL’s “Transparent Language” Online Resource
March 2025
American Sign Language (ASL) is available as part of Transparent Language® Online’s database of more than 110 languages to learn!
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!
The Transparent Languages resource offers online courses for people who would like to learn a new language. The online resource includes more than 110 languages – from Afrikaans and American Sign Language to Zulu – as well as ESL (English...
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Discover Animated Children’s Picture Books in the TumbleBook Library Online Collection
The TumbleBook Library is a digital collection of online children’s books available on the library’s website. These animated, talking picture books and graphic novels are presented in an innovative and exciting format that helps children to read, build vocabulary, and have fun at the same time. This collection is recommended for children from pre-K through grade 6.
The TumbleBook Library may be found in the eLibrary on FBCL’s website and can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection, whether at the library, at school, or at home. More than 1100 books are available, and... Read Full Blog
Friends of the Libraries - Membership Drive
March 2025
FBCL invites and encourages area residents to support their local library by becoming a member of the Friends of the Library organizations that support the library system.
Although the enormous amount of work that they do to support the Fort Bend County library system may not always be visible at first glance, the members of the Friends of the Library organizations provide invaluable support and financial assistance to the libraries by holding membership drives and book sales throughout the year.
The Friends of the Library groups are composed of many individuals... Read Full Blog
FBCL's Online “Homework Help” Service Offers Chess Tutoring
March 2025
Fort Bend County Libraries’ Brainfuse HelpNow (Homework Tutoring) service offers free online chess tutoring for all ages and skill levels, from beginners learning the basics to advanced players honing their skills.
Live, on-demand, online chess tutoring is available Monday through Thursday, from 3:00 to 9:00 pm CST. Note: these hours are not the same as the regular Homework Help assistance, which is available seven days a week.
To access the Brainfuse HelpNow chess tutors during the designated time, click on the “Research” tab, then “Homework & Tutoring,” an... Read Full Blog
“1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” Challenge
March 2025
Fort Bend County Libraries’ “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” challenge helps set our youngest book lovers on a path that will encourage a love of reading and lead to a journey of life-long learning.
Part of a nationwide initiative, this ongoing program encourages reading to newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers to foster a love of books and prepare them for school.
“Studies have shown that children who are read to at an early age will be better prepared to learn,” says Dana Brittain, Youth Services Coordinator for the library system. “Children who have been read... Read Full Blog
Video-Streaming Options for Children, Teens, & Adults
March 2025
Fort Bend County Libraries offers an online streaming-video service, Access Video On Demand, in its eLibrary collection of digital resources. Library users have instant, unlimited, 24/7 access to thousands of world-class documentaries, award-winning educational films, independent movies, and helpful instructional videos covering a wide range of subjects.
This video-streaming service includes two collections -- “Access Video on Demand: Master Collection” for adults and “Access Video On Demand: Just for Kids.” From arts and humanities to science, technology... Read Full Blog
Friends of the Library - Spring Book Sales 2025
March/April 2025
People who love books, people who love bargains, and people who need to get rid of some spare change will find a lot in common at the Friends of the Libraries’ Spring Book Sales, where they will discover adult and children’s books, DVDs, and much more -- all at prices that are hard to beat!
Cash or checks are accepted at the book sales, unless otherwise noted. Credit cards, or bills larger than $20, cannot be accepted.
Friends of the Sienna Branch Library, Missouri City
Friday, April 25, 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm
Saturday, April 26, 10:00 am to... Read Full Blog
University Branch Library Hosts Children’s Opera Based On Popular Author Mo Willem’s Stories
March 2025
Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library will present a children’s musical theater performance by Houston Grand Opera’s “Opera to Go!” of Mo Willems’ Bite-Sized Operas, on Thursday, March 13, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, in Meeting Room 1 of the library.
This bilingual (English-Spanish) family-friendly performance features two mini productions – Slopera! A Bite-Sized Opera and Don’t Let the Pigeon Sing Up Late: An Opera with Wings -- based on two children’s books by Mo Willems, the Emmy Award-winning author, illustrator, and playwright, with music by Grammy-nomi... Read Full Blog
Friends of Albert George Branch Library (Needville) Host Spring Book Sale
March 2025
In conjunction with Needville’s Citywide Garage Sale, the Friends of the Albert George Branch Library in Needville will host a Spring Book Sale on Friday, March 14, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm, and on Saturday, March 15, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library.
People who love books, people who love bargains, and people who need to get rid of some spare change will find a lot in common at the book sale, where they will discover adult and children’s books, puzzles, movies, and music, all at prices that are hard to beat. Prices range from 50¢ for pape... Read Full Blog
Live Raptors to Visit Libraries!
March 2025
Learn all about raptors at a special program, “Get WILD for Raptors,” on Wednesday, March 12, beginning at 2:00 pm, in the Meeting Room at the First Colony Branch Library.
This event will be repeated on Saturday, March 29, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, in Meeting Room 1 of the University Branch Library.
During this program, see live raptors that work as education ambassadors to get citizens excited to learn more about the natural world.
Mary Anne Morris, co-founder of Wild Bird Adventures, will talk about the sights, sounds, and natural history of raptors, such a... Read Full Blog
First Colony Branch Library Hosts Puzzle Swap
March 2025
Fort Bend County Libraries’ First Colony Branch Library will have a Puzzle Swap on Saturday, March 29, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library.
Donations will be accepted March 10-28, at the Reference desk in the Adult Services department. Donated items should be in good, usable condition, without any missing pieces.
Those donating gently used puzzles (consisting of 120 pieces or more) will receive a voucher for each item donated. The vouchers can be used at the swap on March 29 to select the same number of items to take home.
In... Read Full Blog
Special Activities for Teens During Spring Break
March 2025
Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) offers programs specifically designed for high school-aged teens (grades 9-12) on a regular basis. From gaming and craft clubs to career readiness and adulting skills, library activities for teens offer opportunities for having fun, making friends, and preparing for the next chapter of their lives.
During Spring Break this year (March 8-15), many of the libraries have special activities planned for teens. In addition to the regular teen programs, these free programs offer an opportunity for teens to unwind and have fun at the library ... Read Full Blog
Exciting Children’s Activities Planned for Spring Break!
March 2025
Families with children of all ages are invited to celebrate their Spring Break with special activities that are planned at Fort Bend County Libraries throughout the week of March 7-15.
In addition to the regular weekly children’s programs, these free programs offer an opportunity for families to unwind and have fun at the library during the break from the regular school routine.
Materials for these activities are made possible by the Friends of the Library organizations that support each library.
These activities are free and open to the public; a library ... Read Full Blog
“Weiss Financial Ratings” Helps Consumers with Finance & Investment Info
March 2025
Fort Bend County Libraries offers an online financial-planning resource – Weiss Financial Ratings – for consumers. This free resource provides powerful tools for individuals who want to protect their finances, invest wisely, grow their wealth, and learn more about financial management.
Throughout the month of March, demonstrations of the key features included in this robust consumer resource will take place at library locations around the county, but library users are welcome to inquire about the resources at any time.
Learn how the reso... Read Full Blog