Maud Smith Marks Branch Library

About

Maud Smith Marks Branch Library presents year-round programming for all ages. We celebrate local authors and artists and host an annual Community Volunteer Fair. The library is also home to a robust English Language Acquisition program. We present many other well-attended adults and senior programs like senior bus trips and book clubs.

History

The library was named in honor of Maud Smith Marks (1887-1970) who ran the first small County library in Barker, Texas. Starting in the 1920s, she contracted with Harris County to have library books delivered. She issued library cards and made sure children in the area had plenty to read. The current library opened on July 27, 1993.

• Pharos Computer Booking Station(s)

• Photocopier(s)

• Print Station(s)

• Scanner(s)

• Self Check-Out Machine(s)

• Citizenship Classes

• Computer Classes

• English Language Acquisition (ESL) Classes

• Proctoring for Distance Learning Exams

• Tours for Schools and Other Groups

• Community Bulletin Board(s)

• Computer Lab

• Glass Display Case(s)

• Meeting Room(s)

• Vending area(s)

Test takers must ensure the library has the exam before they may schedule an appointment. Staff cannot monitor students throughout the exam. Library staff cannot proctor exams for which they are required to submit identification. The library will scan and email exams OR return completed exams via postal mail if the student provides a stamped envelope.

By appointment only.

• Mondays 6 - 9 PM
• Thursdays 1-3 PM
• Saturdays 10 - 12 PM

Originally known as the Friends of Mason Creek Library, our Friends group first met in 1984, nine years before the current library opened its doors. They worked long and hard to get a full-service library for the rapidly growing area. It was these same people who discovered the contribution to the area of Maud Smith Marks and proposed to the county that the library is named for her. Once the library had a name so did the Friends, who thereafter were known as the "Friends of Maud Marks Library" in 1988.

The Friends of the Maud Marks Library provide funds for services, books, and programs including children's programming, teen programs, and senior bus trips. They have purchased computers for public use. They raise most of their funds from monthly book sales. They always need new volunteers and book donations.

You can contact them through the Friends of Maud Marks Library website at:

http://www.maudmarksfriends.org/contact.html

• Opened: July 27, 1993

• Square Footage: 12,300

• Staff: 12

• Parking Capacity: 50 Standard, 2 handicapped

• Meeting Room Capacity: 80

• Public Access Computers: 38

• Holdings: 94,134

• Yearly Circulation: 816,881

• Yearly Visitors: 142,750

• Yearly Programs Presented: 1,346

• Yearly Program Attendance: 21,087

• Reference Questions: 18,550

Hi, I'm Akhila Bhat, Branch Manager at Maud Smith Marks Branch Library. I love to read mysteries, historical fiction, and children's books. At Maud Marks, we enjoy planning large family programs, and programs that celebrate cultural diversity. There is a lot going on at the library. We hope you visit us soon. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to email or call 832-927-7860.