An open letter to our community….
Dear Library Patrons,
I hope you and your family are safe and well. In compliance with County Judge KP George’s Stay-at-Home order, all Fort Bend County Libraries closed on March 20. While our buildings may have closed, we never stopped serving the community. The library has always offered a wide selection of digital resources. We have expanded access to those resources including eBooks, videos, music, full-length magazines, databases, and Homework Help, to name a few. We have also implemented an e-Card option, which can be applied for online and gives Fort Bend County residents access to our digital media, databases, and online Homework Help. No fines or fees have been charged for materials that were due during the closure. We will give advanced notice when this changes. As we all adjust to this “New Normal,” the library remains dedicated to serving our patrons. Things will be different, but we will get through this together!
Our goal is to open our doors to the public when we can safely do so. Working with the County Judge’s Office, Health and Human Services, and our own Library Reopening Committee, we are developing a phased-in approach to reopening and look forward to the day we can again provide full public access to library branches. We will proceed with an abundance of caution to assure that patrons and staff are as safe as possible. Timing is of the utmost importance as information regarding coronavirus changes on a daily basis. No date for reopening has been set at this time, but please take full-advantage of all we have to offer, and continue checking back as more services are added during this phased-in approach to reopening.
Last year, the library enjoyed 2,068,716 visitors. We circulated 3,405,187 materials, and answered 1,083,641 reference questions. In our “New Normal,” welcoming visitors, providing programs and classes, checking in and out materials, and answering patrons’ questions may not look like days gone by, but our staff of dedicated employees will continue to provide great customer service to a wonderful community. How this looks with social distancing and other preventative measures is the task set before us.
As we explore the options, please take advantage of our Books & More! Curbside Pick-up service, OverDrive, Hoopla, Homework Help, and the many other resources and services currently offered to library cardholders. Also, enjoy the videos of puppet shows, arts & crafts activities, and book talks created by our talented staff, just for you! Visit our website at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us for updates, or check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Clara Y. Russell
County Librarian