April Events at Maud Marks Library: Where Katy Families Can Learn, Create, and Connect
For many Katy-area families, the Maud Smith Marks Branch Library is more than a place to check out books—it’s a steady, welcoming hub where children learn, teens connect, and neighbors find meaningful ways to spend time together. This April, that role continues in full force, with a packed schedule of free programs designed to serve residents of all ages across West Harris County.
From early literacy storytimes and teen clubs to hands-on technology workshops and senior outings, this Harris County Public Library branch at 1815 Westgreen Boulevard near Highland Knolls is offering dozens of opportunities for residents to stay engaged, learn new skills, and build community connections close to home.
And for a community that helped bring the library to life decades ago, each event reflects something deeper: a shared commitment to access, education, and neighborly investment that still shapes Katy today.
A Community-Built Library Still Serving Katy Families Today
The Maud Smith Marks Branch Library stands as a direct result of local determination. In 1984, West Harris County residents—recognizing the need for accessible library services amid rapid population growth—formed a Friends of the Library group to advocate for funding and resources.
After years of persistence, fundraising, and community organizing, the effort paid off. With land donated by Vincent Kickerillo and county support secured, the library officially broke ground in 1991.
The branch was named after Maud Smith Marks, a local pioneer who, long before a formal library existed, created one herself—sharing books from her home and a nearby church to ensure children and families in the Barker area had access to reading materials.
That same spirit of access and service continues today through Harris County Public Library (HCPL), which operates the branch as part of a countywide system dedicated to lifelong learning.
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April 2026 Highlights at Maud Marks Library in Katy
Free Tax Assistance for Katy Residents
For families preparing for tax season, AARP will continue offering free tax assistance for elderly and low-income individuals throughout April. Sessions are scheduled:
- Fridays, April 3 and April 10
- Mondays, April 6 and April 13
- 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
- Participants are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot.
Youth and Teen Programs Build Skills and Community
The library’s youth programming remains one of its most consistent draws for Katy families, offering structured, safe, and engaging after-school options.
Highlights include:
- Teen Advisory Board (TAB) & Teen Craft – April 7 (4:15 PM – 5:30 PM)
- Tween Time Craft – April 9 (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
- Lego Challenge for Teens & Tweens – April 14 (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
- Sustainability Craft (Recycled Materials) – April 16 (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
- Teen Anime Club – April 21 (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
- Video Game Day (Nintendo Switch & retro games) – April 23 (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
- Pokémon Club – April 28 (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
- After-School Tabletop Games & Chess – April 30 (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
These programs not only provide entertainment but also help students build creativity, teamwork, and social confidence—something many parents in the Katy area actively seek in local youth activities.
Early Literacy Programs for Young Families in Katy
For parents of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, Maud Marks Library continues to offer some of the most accessible early childhood programs in West Harris County.
Recurring favorites include:
- Read & Rhyme Preschool Storytime (Tuesdays at 10:15 AM)
- Preschool Explorers (Tuesdays at 11:15 AM)
- Patty Cake Infant Storytime (Wednesdays at 10:15 AM)
- Totally Toddler Time (Thursdays at 10:15 AM & 11:15 AM)
- Bilingual Storytime (April 8 at 11:15 AM)
These programs focus on early literacy, language development, and social interaction—key building blocks for school readiness in Katy ISD and surrounding districts.
Hands-On Learning: Technology and DIY Workshops
As libraries continue evolving beyond books, Maud Marks is offering several maker-focused and digital literacy workshops this April:
- 3D Printer Orientation – April 10 (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Cricut Orientation – April 17 (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Laser Cutter Orientation – April 20 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Participants who complete these sessions can gain access to advanced equipment across HCPL’s MakerCentral network, opening doors to new skills in design, fabrication, and creative technology.
Additionally, families can attend a Digital Literacy Workshop on Safe Social Media Use on April 8, led by a Katy ISD school librarian—an especially timely topic for parents navigating online safety.
Programs for Adults and Seniors in West Harris County
The library’s offerings extend well beyond youth programming, with several opportunities for adults and seniors to stay active and connected:
- Spring Terrarium DIY Workshop – April 14 (2:00 PM)
- Scrabble Craft Night for Adults – April 13 (6:00 PM)
- Booked This Afternoon Book Club – April 9 (2:00 PM)
- Timeless Travelers Senior Trip (Alvin Historical Museum) – April 21 (Departs at 9:00 AM)
The Timeless Travelers program, sponsored by the Friends of the Maud Marks Library, continues to provide enriching, educational experiences for residents aged 55 and older, reinforcing the library’s role as a lifelong resource.
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Holiday Hours to Know
The library will close early at 5 PM on Thursday, April 2, and remain closed April 3 through April 5 in observance of the Easter holiday.
Regular hours resume afterward, with evening availability on select days to accommodate working families.
Why This Matters for Katy Residents
For many households in Katy and West Harris County, access to free, high-quality programming can make a meaningful difference—whether it’s preparing a child for school, helping a teen build confidence, or giving seniors a chance to stay socially connected.
The Maud Smith Marks Branch Library continues to meet those needs in a way that reflects the community’s original vision: neighbors investing in something that benefits everyone.
What’s Next
Registration is required for select workshops and programs with limited seating, so residents are encouraged to register for their events online, call 832-927-7860 or visit the library in person to secure spots early.
As Katy continues to grow, spaces like Maud Marks Library remain essential—not just for services, but for connection, learning, and shared community identity.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more updates on local events, programs, and opportunities across Katy and West Harris County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.