Did you know that you can get quick and easy help with many day-to-day activities with some of the library’s free online resources? Read magazines online, study a language, get free online tutoring and test preparation, locate public records, or even fix a car and much more with the library’s collection of online databases, which can be accessed 24/7 by anyone with a valid Fort Bend County Libraries card!
The Adult Services staff at several Fort Bend County Libraries locations will demonstrate many of these fantastic resources in February. Each program will highlight different online database resources.
FEB 5
- “Introduction to Brainfuse & LearningExpress Library” – 2:00-3:00 pm – Sienna Branch Library, Computer Lab.
These two resources provide free study aids, test-preparation tools, and online tutoring. Live Homework Tutoring from Brainfuse provides real-time, one-on-one assistance from tutors in English/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies for students in grades K through 12. LearningExpress Library offers practice tests for the GED, ASVAB, SAT, ACT, TASP tests, occupation certification exams, and much more. Register here.
FEB 11
- “What Do I Read Next? An Introduction to NoveList” – 12:15-1:30 pm – Cinco Ranch Branch Library, Computer Lab.
For readers who can’t decide what to read next, the library’s NoveList database can help with suggestions. Learn how to find more books by a favorite author, similar authors, and “read-a-likes” – books that are similar in style to a favorite author or book genre. Register here.
FEB 13
- “Introduction to Chilton’s Online Auto-Repair Library” – 10:15-11:45 am – Sugar Land Branch Library, Tech Center.
Keeping your vehicle well maintained can extend its life and help save money on costly repairs. Fort Bend County Libraries has an online resource that illustrates basic maintenance steps that drivers can manage themselves to keep their vehicle performing optimally. The Chilton Library provides exclusive photographs, diagnostics, step-by-step repair procedures, wiring diagrams, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) maintenance schedules, and recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for automobiles and light trucks – all in one easy-to-use website. Domestic and import vehicle information is updated monthly. A vehicle Selector lets you search thousands of combinations of year, make and model covering the most popular vehicles of the past 30 years, as well as coverage of specialty models. Register here.
FEB 19
- “What Should I Read Next? An Introduction to NoveList” – 2:00-3:00 pm – Sienna Branch Library, Computer Lab.
This readers-advisory feature helps booklovers discover new books and authors. Learn about several book-finding tools and websites, such as NoveList Plus and Goodreads, as well as how to keep track of what one has already read. Register here.
FEB 20
- “Introduction to LearningExpress Library” – 10:15-11:45 am – Sugar Land Branch Library, Tech Center.
Do you want to improve your computer skills so you can qualify for more jobs? Do you want to learn about what career options are available and how to go about applying for them? Fort Bend County Libraries’ LearningExpress Library is a free online computer resource that helps people improve their computer skills, explore careers, prepare for civil-service certification exams for jobs such as firefighters, EMTs, postal workers, and police officers, and much more. During this demonstration, learn how to use the resource’s software tutorials to improve computer skills and learn different types of software programs, such as MS Word and MS Excel. Hear how this resource can be used to explore career options, search for jobs more efficiently, improve interviewing skills, and much more. Register here.
- “Databases for Everyday Life” – 10:30-11:30 am – Sienna Branch Library, Computer Lab.
In this overview of an assortment of databases, discover how easy it can be to accomplish a variety of tasks, such as locating public records, finding a review in Consumer Reports, or even reading the newspaper on the go – all from the comfort of home! Register here.