December 2023
Catch the holiday spirit at Fort Bend County Libraries! Throughout the month, FBCL will have a variety of programs, from winter wellness and holiday-stress relief to wrapping those hard-to-wrap gifts or crafting personalized gifts and décor.
The activities are free and open to the public. For more information or to register, call the branch library or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
University Branch Library
• Craft Squad: Winter Wellness – Friday, December 1, 2:00-4:00 pm. People who enjoy crafts are invited to join the Craft Squad, where they can make new crafty friends, learn a new craft or two, and share tips, tricks, and resources with fellow crafters. Each month features a different craft demonstration. In December, the featured craft demonstration is “Winter-Wellness Products.” In this beginner-level class, learn how to make aromatherapy shower melts for easier breathing, lilp balm to soothe chapped lips, and a gingerbread sugar scrub for exfoliation. Materials for this program are made possible by the Friends of the University Branch Library. This program is for adults and older teens ONLY. Registration is required; click here to register.
• Introduction to Canva: Holiday Cards – Wednesday, December 6, 6:00 pm. Canva is a free, online graphic-design tool. Canva’s easy-to-use interface provides access to millions of photographs, graphics, and fonts, enabling the user to create designs for web or print. Learn how this tool can be used to create holiday greeting cards. Registration required; click here to register.
• Culinary Book Club: Holiday Cookies – Wednesday, December 20; 1:30-2:30 pm. This month, the theme is “Holiday Cookies.” During this monthly recipe exchange, participants are encouraged to bring a recipe and a photo of their dish or a short video showing how to prepare it.
• “Constellations & Cocoa” -- Wednesday, December 20, 6:30-8:30 pm. Learn about the science of astronomy and the mechanics of telescopes. After an indoor presentation, the program will move outside (weather permitting), where participants will use telescopes to gaze at the night sky while enjoying hot cocoa. This event is presented by volunteers from Fort Bend Astronomy Club’s “Astronomy on Wheels.”
• Holiday Open House -- Thursday, December 21, 2:00-5:00 pm. Catch the holiday spirit during this come-and-go event, with music, trivia, crafts, a photo booth, and a hot-cocoa bar with sweets. Books on holiday entertaining, decorating, and cooking will be available for check out, along with seasonal music CDs and movies. This event is made possible by the Friends of the University Branch Library.
Sugar Land Branch Library
• YA Holiday-Cookie Decorating for Teens – Monday, December 4, 4:00-5:00 pm. Teens (grades 8-12) who need a break from studying for finals can show off their cookie-decorating skills. Materials are provided courtesy of the Friends of the Sugar Land Branch Library.
Sienna Branch Library
• Introduction to 3D Printing: Ornament – Tuesday, December 5, 2:00-3:00 pm. Library staff will introduce the 3D printer, demonstrate how to create ornaments, 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. Attendees are encouraged to create an account with Tinkercad at https://www.tinkercad.com prior to the class. Designs created in this class will be printed and available for pickup later in the week. Registration required; click here to register.
• Last-Minute Holiday Shopping – Tuesday, December 19, 2:00-3:00 pm. Discover some fast, cost-saving ways to get gifts for anyone and everyone. Registration required; click here to register.
• Holiday-Stress Relief – Wednesday, December 27, 10:30 am-12:00 noon. De-stress from the hectic holidays by relaxing with an adult coloring activity, puzzles, and more. Materials will be provided courtesy of the Friends of the Sienna Branch Library.
Mission Bend Branch Library
• DIY Decorations: Holiday-Bauble Creations – Tuesday, December 5, 3:00-4:30 pm. Craft some holiday cheer while repurposing leftover craft supplies to make personalized décor to brighten the home or give as gifts during the winter season. Registration required; click here to register.
Cinco Ranch Branch Library
• DIY Stocking Stuffers for Teens – Tuesday, December 5, 5:00-6:30 pm. Teens (grades 9-12) will discover easy-to-make gifts for family or friends. Materials for this activity are made possible by the Friends of the Cinco Ranch Branch Library. Registration required; click here to register.
• Zentangles Mindfulness – Tuesday, December 12, 6:00-7:30 pm. Escape the stress of the holidays with the mindfulness craft of Zentangles, an easy-to-learn, relaxing, fun way to create beautiful images. This repetitive, pattern-making exercise is perfect for increasing relaxation and focus, while expanding one’s imagination and creativity. Materials for this activity are made possible by the Friends of the Cinco Ranch Branch Library. Registration required; click here to register.
• Shimmer Flute Choir Performance – Saturday, December 16, 10:30 am. The flute ensemble will perform a musical interpretation of the children’s story The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and a musically narrated telling of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The performance will be followed by refreshments and wintery crafts.
• DIY Glitter Vases for Teens – Tuesday, December 19, 3:00-4:00 pm. Teens (grades 9-12) will learn how to make glitter vases to use as décor for their rooms or to give as gifts. Materials for this activity are made possible by the Friends of the Cinco Ranch Branch Library. Registration required; click here to register.
Mamie George Branch Library (Stafford)
• Adult Craft: DIY Peppermint & Handmade Container – Wednesday, December 6, 10:30 am. Learn how to make peppermint bath salts and a personalized container. Registration required; click here to register.
Missouri City Branch Library
• Gift-Wrapping Party – Friday, December 8, 2:00-4:00 pm. Escape the prying eyes of curious onlookers to wrap gifts at this come-and-go time at the library. A small selection of wrapping paper, tape, and scissors will be provided, but those attending are encouraged to bring their own decorative materials, bows, ribbons, etc. Enjoy music and hot wassail while getting creative gift-wrapping ideas. Supplies are provided by the generous support of the Friends of the Missouri City Branch Library. Registration required; click here to register.
• Crafty Creators: Yogurt-Jar Snow Globes – Wednesday, December 13, 7:00-8:00 pm. Learn how to upcycle yogurt jars into fun, winter-themed snow globes. Materials are made possible by the Friends of the Missouri City Branch Library. Registration required; click here to register.
• YA Gingerbread-House Challenge for Teens -- Tuesday, December 19, 4:00-5:00 pm. Teens (grades 9-12) will compete to create the most imaginative gingerbread houses. Materials are made possible by the Friends of the Missouri City Branch Library. Registration recommended; click here to register.
First Colony Branch Library
• Winter Open House – Saturday, December 9, 9:00 am-2:00 pm. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays to enjoy some winter-themed crafts, games, refreshments, and more at this come-and-go event. Made possible by the Friends of the First Colony Branch Library.
• Wrap & Yap: A Gift-Wrapping Party – Thursday, December 21, 11:00 am. Anyone needing a helping hand wrapping gifts – or who just wants some company while wrapping – is invited to get and share tips or simply enjoy the camaraderie of others during this festive activity. Some wrapping materials will be available, but those attending are encouraged to bring their own. Materials are made possible by the Friends of the First Colony Branch Library.
George Memorial Library (Richmond)
• Winterfest – Saturday, December 9, 10:00 am-12:00 noon. In celebration of the season, the library will show a selection of holiday-themed short films while serving cookies and beverages. A wintery scene will be available for photos, and a craft station will entertain the children. Take a break from the hustle and bustle and relax at this fun, casual event for the whole family!
Albert George Branch Library (Needville)
• Relax at the Library – Monday, December 18, 4:00-5:00 pm, Meeting Room. Adults and teens (age 13 and up) are invited to take a break and relax with some cozy winter activities. Sip on hot cocoa while making a 3D paper snowflake, or work on a coloring page or puzzle. Refreshments are made possible by the Friends of the Albert George Branch Library.