George Memorial Library (GML), the main library in the system, has the largest collection of materials in the Fort Bend County Libraries system. GML has a particular focus on large-print books, parenting, Spanish-language books, teen materials, literacy materials, and text books from LCISD and FBISD.

GML also houses the Genealogy and Local History Department on the second floor of the building; the department's resources focus on the southeastern United States and includes materials relating to the history of the South, federal censuses, genealogy, and the Civil War. The Joe Grillo Science Center is located in the Children's Department on the first floor.

COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY

Computers for Public Use
Computers for public use are available at this branch by reservation or on a walk-in-basis.

Computer software available on these computers include:

WiFi Access
George Memorial Library provides free WiFi access to the public throughout the building. Contact the Adult Reference Department at George Memorial for more information and connection instructions to use your personal laptop at the library.

Printing and Scanning
Printing from the public access computers is accomplished through the use of network laser printers. You must use a library card to print.

A flatbed scanner is available at this library for images and text.

Technology Classes
The staff of the Fort Bend County library system conducts free entry-level classes on computer software, on a variable basis. Examples include “Microsoft Word Survival Basics” and “Mouse Practice for Scaredy-cats.” Classes are not available at all library locations. For the current classes available, check under Computer/Tech type programs on the calendar.

Computer Lab
George Memorial Library houses a new computer lab with 18 computers and an instructor's computer, as well as a large screen to show computer/Internet screens, video tapes and satellite downlinks. When the lab is not being used for training purposes, it is open to the public. Patrons may reserve some of the computers at this branch.

Distance-learning Workstations
As part of Fort Bend County Libraries' mission to provide educational opportunities, George Memorial Library has a Distance Learning classroom with full videoconferencing capabilities through the library's George Video Communications Network (GVCN). In addition, 1-2 person videoconferencing workstations are also available. Call the GVCN scheduling line (281-341-2692) for more details.

Adaptive Technology
George Memorial Library has a Kurzweil computer that will read text aloud and a machine that will enlarge print for visually-challenged patrons.

Library Programs
George Memorial Library is committed to providing Adult and Youth educational, informational, and cultural programs for its patrons. For a list of programs, go to the library’s Calendar of Events.

Literacy and English as a Second Language
Literacy is important to community growth and an adaptable, diverse workforce. Partnering with the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, George Memorial Library provides facilities for persons wishing to learn to read or to learn English as a second language. Please call 281-341-2652 for more details.

Photocopying Facilities
George Memorial Library has several black-and-white photocopiers available to the public.

Fax Machine

Typewriter
Typewriter use is free at the George Memorial Library and is available on a walk-in basis.

Microfilm copies
The Genealogy and Local History Department at George Memorial Library has several microfilm reader/printers available to the public. Copies are 10¢ per page and payment is by coin.

Notary services
Notary Services are usually available to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Notary fees are $1.00 per signature.

Then County Judge Jodie E. Stavinoha, who worked closely with The George Foundation, was very instrumental in bringing the new building to fruition. Because the county had, at that time, no cultural arts center, the planners wanted the library building to include a gallery on the bottom level for exhibitions and an amphitheater for performing arts events, to provide the community with free, cultural arts programming opportunities. The plaza adjacent to the amphitheater has a fountain as a focal piece; in 1991, a water sculpture designed and created by local kinetic artist Jaroslav Belik was donated by former library director Lillian Stavinoha Humpola in memory of her late husband, Cyril Humpola. The amphitheater was named the Jodie E. Stavinoha Amphitheater for the judge in 1997, and the gallery was named the Bohachevsky Gallery, in honor of long-time county librarian Roman Bohachevsky, when he retired in 2000.

George Memorial Library opened in 1986 with unfinished areas, for future expansion. In the 1989 bond election, funds were included for that expansion, as well as for installation of an automation system. The automation conversion was accomplished in 1991, and in 1995, the partial expansion of George Memorial's second floor allowed for the relocation of the Audiovisual Department from the first floor to the second, the addition of the Distance Learning and Telecommunications Center, and inclusion of a conference room and several study rooms. The final expansion was completed in 2002, with the addition of two conference rooms, a new computer lab, and additional study and bookstack space. The biography collection was relocated from the first floor to second.

The Friends of the Fort Bend County Library was the first group of library friends to be organized in the county, in 1972. Its goal was to support the entire library system with extra funds for things not provided for in the county budget. The group has an ongoing book sale in the library, as well as large, special sales twice a year. This organization has provided funding for trophies for the Summer Reading Club for many years, as well as funds for special programming for both children and adults. It is the primary sponsor of the annual Shakespeare-by-the-Book Festival, and has provided funding for library staff development and continuing education programs for many years. Among the many purchases made by the group for the library is the large Christmas tree that is decorated and put on display in the front lobby of George Memorial every year for the holiday season. For more information about the Friends of Fort Bend County Libraries, or to join the organization, call 281-341-2603.

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