Maud Marks Library’s May Lineup Brings Family Fun, Cultural Celebrations, Teen Activities and Hands-On Learning to Katy Communicator Residents
For many families in Katy Communicator, the Maud Smith Marks Branch Library is more than a place to check out books — it has become a gathering place where children learn, teens create, seniors connect and neighbors discover new opportunities together. This May, the Harris County Public Library branch is offering a full calendar of free community programming designed to bring residents of all ages through its doors.
Located at 1815 Westgreen Boulevard in Katy, the Maud Marks Library continues to serve as one of west Harris County’s most active community hubs, offering everything from early literacy programming and maker technology classes to cultural events and educational workshops. The branch also features a Family Place Learning Center, Maker Lab equipment, meeting rooms, computer access, citizenship classes, ESL programs and technology training for residents throughout the area.
The library is open Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The branch is closed Sundays.
Residents can also access in-library equipment including scanners, photocopiers, self-checkout stations and printing services.
Cultural Programs and Community Events Highlight May Schedule
One of the month’s featured events will celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a live cultural performance.
On Saturday, May 9 at 3 p.m., the library will host “Step Into Kathak: Discover the Rhythm and Storytelling of this Indian Classical Dance Form from North India.” Guests will learn about Kathak’s history and traditions while enjoying performances from students at Storytellers School of Dance. The event will also include an interactive experience where attendees can try basic Kathak movements and rhythms themselves. Participants will additionally have the opportunity to create a Korean-language bookmark to take home.
Later in the month, the library will welcome acclaimed author Jeff Chang for a special appearance tied to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month programming.
Chang — widely recognized for his influential book Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation — will discuss his new release, Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America, on Saturday, May 30 at 10:30 a.m. The event will include a moderated conversation and book signing, with free copies available for attendees while supplies last. Space is limited, and advance reservations are encouraged.
Book Sale Returns with Bargain Finds for Readers
The Friends of the Maud Marks Library will also hold their popular spring book sale on Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The sale will feature hardback fiction and nonfiction titles, children’s books, paperbacks and discounted hidden treasures for book lovers looking to grow their home libraries affordably. Friends members will receive early access during a preview event on Friday, May 8 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Community book sales like these continue to support library programming while helping connect residents with affordable reading materials for all ages.
Programs for Children, Tweens and Teens Continue Throughout May
Families searching for children’s activities in Katy this May will find a packed schedule of weekly programming focused on literacy, creativity and hands-on exploration.
Weekly Storytimes and Early Literacy Programs
The library’s youngest visitors can participate in several recurring storytime programs throughout the month:
- Read & Rhyme Preschool Storytime takes place Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. for children ages 3-5.
- Preschool Explorers follows Tuesdays from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. with sensory and science-based learning stations.
- Patty Cake Infant Storytime is offered Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. for infants ages 3-18 months and caregivers.
- Totally Toddler Time happens Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. for toddlers ages 18-35 months.
Library officials noted there will be no Storytimes or Preschool Explorers from May 19 through May 31.
After-School Activities for Kids and Teens
Older children and teens can also take advantage of several creative and social programs this month.
The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) will meet Tuesday, May 5 from 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., allowing students in grades 6-12 to help shape future teen programming at the library. A Teen Time Craft session will immediately follow from 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tweens in grades 4-5 can participate in Tween Time Craft on Thursday, May 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., while students in grades 4-12 can join the Lego Challenge for Teens and Tweens on Tuesday, May 12 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The popular Wednesday Wonders program will continue each Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for children ages 6-11, featuring crafts, Lego activities and volunteer-led projects. Programs conclude for the season after May 13.
Educational Workshops and Maker Programs Support Lifelong Learning
Residents looking to build practical skills will also find several educational opportunities at the library this month.
On Monday, May 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the library will host a Laser Cutter Orientation designed to teach participants how to safely use the branch’s maker equipment. Those completing the orientation can later reserve laser cutter time at participating Harris County Public Library locations. Registration is required.
Adults interested in creative projects can attend the DIY Workshop: Upcycled Magazine Flowers and Painted Tin Cans on Tuesday, May 12 at 2 p.m. Participants will create decorative bouquets using recycled magazines and painted containers. Seating is limited and registration is required.
Students preparing for college applications can also attend “Successfully Writing a College Essay” on Wednesday, May 27 at 5 p.m., where advisors will offer guidance on crafting strong personal statements and preparing for admissions essays.
Senior Travel Program Offers Historic Galveston Experience
Seniors age 55 and older are invited to participate in the library’s Timeless Travelers excursion program, which this month includes a guided trip to the historic Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston.
The bus departs Tuesday, May 19, with registration available May 4-9. The educational travel series introduces older adults to cultural and historical destinations throughout southeast Texas and is sponsored by the Friends of the Maud Marks Library.
Additional Services Available to Katy Communicator Residents
In addition to its public programming, the Maud Marks Library offers proctoring services by appointment on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
The library also continues to provide citizenship classes, ESL support, computer and technology instruction and tours for schools and community groups.
The branch will close early at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22 for Memorial Day weekend and remain closed Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25.
For additional information about upcoming events or registration requirements, residents can contact the Maud Smith Marks Branch Library at 832-927-7860 or email mm@hcpl.net.
As Katy Communicator continues to grow and change, community spaces like the Maud Marks Library remain central gathering places where residents of all ages can learn, connect and build lasting local relationships together.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more Katy-area community updates, events and local programming information.
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.