For families looking for something close to home that does not require another hit to the household budget, Maud Smith Marks Branch Library is filling October with opportunities to learn, create, play and connect.

The Harris County Public Library branch at 1815 Westgreen Boulevard in Katy will offer free programs for nearly every age group, including storytimes, teen activities, technology training, career assistance, health education, book clubs and a cultural excursion for adults 55 and older. For residents of The Lakes, the calendar offers more than books on a shelf. It is a chance to pick up a new skill, keep children engaged, get help with a job search or simply spend an afternoon doing something different.

A Community Library With Deep Roots in West Harris County

Maud Smith Marks Branch Library has served the west Harris County and Katy area since opening in 1993. Its namesake, Maud Smith Marks, helped bring county library books to the Barker community in the 1920s, making reading materials available to local children decades before the branch bearing her name opened. The Friends of the Maud Marks Library began organizing even before the branch was built and continue supporting library programs and services today. 

Today, the branch includes a Family Place Learning Center, maker equipment and technology classes alongside more traditional library services. That mix is especially visible in October, when programs range from preschool literacy to 3D printing and workforce support. 

Teens Can Earn Service Hours, Play Games and Upgrade Their Halloween Look

Local teens can start the month with the Teen Advisory Board on Tuesday, October 6, from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. Students in grades 6 through 12 can earn 30 minutes of service hours each month, then stay for a Teen Time Craft from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m.

Halloween gets its own creative twist on Thursday, October 8, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., when professional makeup artist Ash leads Halloween SFX Tips for Teens and Tweens. Students in grades 4 through 12 can learn techniques ranging from glamorous looks to theatrical gore. Tickets are required and will be available beginning at 4 p.m.

On Tuesday, October 13, students in grades 4 through 12 can gather for Game Day from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., with tabletop games, Nintendo Switch games and snacks.

Young chess players also have an opportunity to sharpen their strategy. Chess with First Checkmate takes place Thursday, October 15, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for students in grades 2 through 12, with coaches available to offer guidance and help players improve.

Maker Classes Open the Door to 3D Printing, Cricut and Laser Cutting

For residents curious about the technology available through Harris County Public Library, October brings three hands-on orientation opportunities.

A Cricut Orientation is scheduled for Monday, October 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. A 3D Printer Orientation follows Wednesday, October 14, from 6 to 8 p.m., and a Laser Cutter Orientation will be held Thursday, October 22, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Participants who complete the orientations can become eligible to schedule time on corresponding equipment at HCPL branches and MakerCentral after completing any required machine-specific orientation. Participants also receive applicable badges through Beanstack, including Cricut, Cricut Air, 3D Printer, Dremel DigiLab 3D45, Laser Cutter and Dremel DigiLab LC40 badges.

Registration is required for these programs, and space is limited.

Career Help and Computer Assistance Bring Practical Support Close to Home

Adults preparing for job interviews can practice before the real thing during Mock Interview Speed Rounds on Thursday, October 1, at 4 p.m.

The “So, Tell Me About Yourself” workshop uses short, one-on-one practice interviews to help participants work through common interview questions while receiving feedback on their answers, body language, delivery and overall presentation.

Workforce Solutions will also host information sessions at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 2, and Wednesday, October 7. Residents can learn more about employment opportunities, training programs, youth resources and other workforce services.

Those who need help navigating technology can schedule One-On-One Computer Assistance on Wednesdays at 2 or 3 p.m. The one-hour appointments can cover common computer tasks, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, internet navigation and help using computers, smartphones or tablets.

For someone in The Lakes trying to update a resume, prepare for an interview or simply become more comfortable using technology, those free services can turn a trip to the library into something immediately useful.

Adults Can Craft, Read, Learn and Compete

October also brings several programs designed simply to make learning and free time a little more interesting.

Harris County Public Health will present Nutrition Facts Labels on Tuesday, October 6, at 2 p.m. Participants will learn how to understand serving sizes, calories, nutrients and Percent Daily Value information, with an emphasis on comparing products and making informed food choices. Registration is required.

The Adult DIY Workshop: Macrame Ghosts takes place Tuesday, October 13, at 2 p.m. Registration is required and seating is limited.

Readers can join Booked This Afternoon on Thursday, October 8, at 2 p.m. to discuss The Librarians by Sherry Thomas. A Halloween edition of the book club returns Thursday, October 29, at 2 p.m. with Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney.

Those with a competitive streak can try the Word Search Showdown on Saturday, October 10, at 2 p.m., racing the clock for prizes and bragging rights. Registration is required and seating is limited.

There is also a Puzzle Swap. Residents may bring up to two gently used, complete puzzles in their original boxes beginning September 24 and receive tickets to exchange them for different puzzles during Swap Day on Saturday, October 24, at 2 p.m.

Seniors Can Explore Houston’s BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Maud Marks Library’s Timeless Travelers program will take adults age 55 and older to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Tuesday, October 20. The bus departs at 10 a.m.

The Houston-area mandir is the first traditional Hindu mandir of its kind in North America and serves as a center for religious, cultural and community activities.

Registration for the trip runs October 5 through October 10. Timeless Travelers offers free monthly trips around Southeast Texas focused on history, culture and educational enrichment. The series is sponsored by the Friends of the Maud Marks Library.

Storytimes, Music, LEGO and Exploration Give Younger Children Plenty to Do

For the youngest library visitors, Read & Rhyme Preschool Storytime is normally offered Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. for ages 3 to 5, helping build early literacy through oral language, phonological awareness and print recognition. Crafts or coloring activities are also offered after storytime.

On October 6, Classical Sing Move and Play will present “The Music of Mexico” as part of Hispanic Heritage Month programming for children ages 3 to 5.

Preschool Explorers, also for ages 3 to 5, meets Tuesdays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. with science and sensory exploration stations. No registration is required.

Totally Toddler Time gives children ages 18 to 35 months an early literacy experience through songs, dancing, finger plays, shared reading and group activities. Sessions are held Thursdays at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. Families should arrive 15 minutes early to receive a ticket.

Elementary-age children can join Wednesday Wonders from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. On October 7, National Charity League volunteers will lead a craft activity. The monthly LEGO Challenge follows on October 14.

Because Maud Marks Library will be used for voting, families should note several temporary programming changes. Storytime programming will pause beginning October 19, with no storytimes from October 19 through October 31. The library also notes that Storytimes and Preschool Explorer programming will be unavailable from October 20 through November 4. Wednesday Wonders will not meet October 21 or October 28.

Friends Book Sale Brings Bargain Books at the End of the Month

Book lovers can wrap up October at the Friends of the Maud Marks Library Book Sale on Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shoppers can browse hardback fiction and nonfiction, children’s books, paperbacks and other finds at low prices. Friends members will get an early look during a members-only preview Friday, October 30, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The sale also circles back to the library’s community roots. The Friends group has supported the branch for decades, helping fund programs and resources that continue to benefit local families. 

With activities stretching from toddler storytime to workforce assistance and senior travel, October’s schedule gives The Lakes residents plenty of ways to make use of a nearby public resource without spending much, or in most cases, anything at all.

Maud Smith Marks Branch Library is located at 1815 Westgreen Boulevard in Katy. For program information, registration requirements or availability, call 832-927-7860 or visit the Harris County Public Library website. Residents can also follow the Maud Marks Library Facebook page for updates.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more local events, family activities and community resources happening close to home.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

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.

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