KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 2, 2023
By Natalie Cook Clark
School is out for the summer, but keeping students reading has proven beneficial for academic growth and social growth. Local libraries are making summer reading fun and programs start now!
The Importance of Summer Reading for Students
Local libraries in both Harris and Fort Bend Counties are making summer reading programs fun for Katy students. Experts stress the importance of summer reading for students.
According to Scholastic, summer reading helps kids to maintain learning, foster social-emotional development, discover the joy of stories, and stress the importance of lifelong learning.
No matter the age or reading level of your child, local libraries have programs to accommodate all. Katy residents are able to attend libraries in both Harris and Fort Bend Counties, membership benefits vary by county.
Katy-Area Libraries:
Maud Smith Marks Branch Library (Harris County)
1815 Westgreen Blvd
832-927-7860
Monday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Katy Branch Library (Harris County)
5414 Franz Road
281-391-3509
Monday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Cinco Ranch Branch Library (Fort Bend County)
2620 Commercial Center Blvd.
281-395-1311
Monday 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
All area public libraries are closed on Sundays.
Summer Programs
Both counties are hosting summer reading programs for students.
Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County launched their Summer Reading Challenge on May 29, but students can still register online and participate through August 31. The reading challenge is broken into three categories that accommodates younger children. Middle Grade readers, and Teens can participate in the YA/Adult reading challenge.
Registration to participate in the summer reading challenges is free and open to the public, regardless of which county you live in. Register online.
Summer programing at the Cinco Ranch Branch starts the week of June 5 and promises numerous activities for students from infancy to school-aged children.
Follow Cinco Ranch Branch Library on Facebook for upcoming programs and event information.
Harris County
There are two Harris County public libraries in the Katy-area, Maud Smith Marks Branch and Katy Branch. Both are offering a summer reading challenge and plenty of fun summer programing.
Starting June 5, students can start to log books for the Harris County summer reading program. Registration is now open. Talk to your local Harris County library for details.
Maud Smith Marks Branch Library kicks off their summer programing next week. On June 6 from 3:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. Katy teens can enjoy the Teen Summer Reading Kick-Off Event. Enjoy crafts, pizza and refreshments and plenty of books.
This summer, younger readers can enjoy Afternoon Adventures and Totally Toddler Story Time. The library will also host the popular Chess Wars where tween and teens of all levels can play chess.
Katy Branch Library will also play host to numerous summer programs including Andyroo at the Katy Library, where families can make music and sing silly songs. Other programs include: Little Sprouts Baby Story Time, Seedling Squad Story Time, Club de Libros and more.
While most events are free, many do require an entry ticket. Follow Katy Branch Library online and on Facebook for program information.