LIBRARIES SUPPORT NEW WRITERS

Libraries Support New Writers with National Novel-Writing Month Activities

Katy ISD Board of Trustees Approve Attendance Boundary Modifications for Several Elementary Schools

In recognition of National Novel-Writing Month in November, Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) encourages fledgling writers or anyone who has ever wanted to write a novel to join in this coast-to-coast annual writing challenge.

Established in 1999, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a creative-writing project designed to empower and inspire vibrant creativity among aspiring writers, who are encouraged to write 50,000 words of a novel in the 30 days of November.

Throughout the month, Fort Bend County Libraries will host programs that are intended to encourage new writers by providing tips and tricks, writing and publishing advice, and support from other aspiring novelists.

The Story Spinners Writing Club, which normally meets once a month at George Memorial Library, will meet weekly on Thursdays, November 3rd, 10th and 17th, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. The topics will be “Character Agency,” “Voice” and “Endings.” From beginning blogger to published novelist, writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome to join the Story Spinners Writing Club to write, share, learn, support, network, and critique each other’s work.

The Mission Bend Branch Library will present an introductory program, “NaNoWriMo 101,” on Saturday, November 5th, beginning at 2 pm. Library staff from the Adult Services department will provide an overview of the writing initiative, how it works, and how to get started. Registration is required.

Write-ins – informal gatherings where novice writers can network with each other for encouragement and inspiration – are scheduled on Mondays, November 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th, at two locations: George Memorial Library in Richmond from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, and at the Sienna Branch Library from 5 to 8 pm. Join fellow writers for quiet writing time, word sprints and feedback.

The Cinco Ranch Branch Library will also have a write-in opportunity for quiet time and feedback. This “Creative-Writing Workshop” will take place on Monday, November 7th, from 6 to 7:30 pm.

Aspiring writers are invited to participate in FBCL’s Book Fest on Saturday, November 12th, from 10 am to 3 pm, at George Memorial Library. This event will include writers’ workshops, presentations by Houston-based authors Liara Tamani and Valerie Sweeten, and a keynote address by Dr. Stephen Klineberg, author of Prophetic City: Houston on the Cusp of a Changing America. A complete schedule of the day’s programs will be posted on the FBCL website.

A Writers’ Corner workshop, “Pressbooks: Creating eBook & Printable Book Files,” will take place on Tuesday, November 29th, from 10:30 to 11:30 am, in the Computer Lab at George Memorial Library. PressBooks allows authors to publish professional-quality ebooks and print-ready files. In this class, learn how to create a new book, set a theme template, add parts, chapters, and metadata, troubleshoot and export as an ebook. Registration is required.

These events are free and open to the public. For more information, or to sign up for the programs requiring registration, visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, click on “Classes & Events,” select and the library and choose the program on the calendar, or call 281-633-4734.

The Katy Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to approve an Attendance Boundary Modification (ABM) for two of the District’s future elementary schools, Elementary #45 and #46, as well as areas served by Bethke, Campbell, Golbow, Hutsell, Leonard, McElwain and McRoberts elementary schools. This ABM would address the rapid growth within the neighborhoods surrounding those campuses. The new ABM will go into effect for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Periodic boundary modifications ensure efficient campus usage and help balance enrollment across Katy ISD campuses. This past July, the District began surveying families who were identified as potentially impacted by the boundary modifications.

“ABMs are commonly known to take place when a new campus is set to open. However, this same process can be utilized when the District observes schools being over-utilized or under-utilized,” said Ted Vierling, Chief Operations Officer at Katy ISD.

Currently, the northwest quadrant of Katy ISD is experiencing increased growth due to several new housing developments and businesses coming to the area. Both Elementary #45 and #46 are located in this quadrant and are scheduled to open in the fall of 2023.

To view the final ABM modifications, visit the Katy ISD ABM website at https://www.katyisd.org/domain/5700.