Fort Bend County Libraries Expand Hours Starting October 6, Ushering in New Era of Access and Technology
Fort Bend County Libraries will officially expand hours of operation at most of its branches beginning Monday, October 6, 2025, giving residents across Richmond, Katy, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Fulshear, Needville, and Stafford earlier and more flexible access to library services.
This move comes on the heels of a major digital overhaul that restored the library system’s online services after a six-month network outage. The timing, library leaders say, reflects the community’s renewed interest in local resources following the successful relaunch of its catalog and infrastructure in early September.
“We’re excited to welcome the community into our spaces earlier each day and for longer hours overall,” said Fort Bend County Libraries Director Roosevelt Weeks. “With our new systems in place, it’s the perfect moment to make the library more accessible for everyone.”
Expanded Hours Across 12 Fort Bend County Libraries
Starting October 6, nearly every branch will see earlier opening hours or extended evening hours on select days. The changes vary by location, but most full-service branches—including George Memorial Library, Cinco Ranch, First Colony, and Sienna Branch Library—will now open at 9:00 a.m. several days a week, with some locations staying open as late as 9:00 p.m.
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Each library’s updated schedule is available online at fortbendlibraries.gov, but here’s a quick look at a few highlights:
George Memorial Library in Richmond, the flagship branch and hub for regional library services, will now open at 9:00 a.m. on weekdays and offer Sunday hours from 1:00–5:00 p.m. This location also houses the county’s central collections and tech upgrades, including the new “Library of Things” launching later this fall.
Cinco Ranch Branch Library in Katy and First Colony Branch Library in Sugar Land will both offer 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. hours on Mondays and Tuesdays, ideal for early risers and late-night readers alike.
Mission Bend, Missouri City, and University Branch Libraries will follow a similar model, with multiple days of early and extended hours, plus Saturday access for working families.
Mamie George Library in Stafford and Albert George Library in Needville maintain slightly reduced hours but remain key cultural anchors in their respective communities.
Willie Melton Law Library inside the Fort Bend Justice Center will continue serving the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A Fresh Start After a Tumultuous Year
The expanded hours follow the library system’s September 2 relaunch of its digital network and catalog, marking a pivotal recovery from the February 2025 ransomware attack that disabled public access to catalogs, computers, and email systems for months.
Despite the disruption, library leadership used the downtime to modernize. The upgrade included:
- All-new servers and security infrastructure
- A fully cloud-based online catalog
- A new mobile app for catalog searches and holds
- Restoration of digital services like OverDrive/Libby, Hoopla, LinkedIn Learning, and The Wall Street Journal
- Waived overdue fines for items affected by the outage
- Installation of new public computers and printers, still underway at many locations
The "Library of Things"—a new collection that will allow patrons to check out tools, games, kitchen gadgets, and more—is launching first at George Memorial Library, and the system is currently accepting donations to build out the inventory. Residents can drop off items at any branch during regular hours, and all donations are tax-deductible.
Additionally, popular programs like “Teacher in the Library” homework help for grades 3–6 and “Lawyer in the Library” free legal guidance are back, offering critical in-person services to local families.
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A Commitment to Community Connection
Fort Bend County Libraries continues to serve as a lifeline for residents of all ages—from young readers and college students to jobseekers, seniors, and small business owners. With new digital tools and expanded hours, the system is doubling down on its mission to make learning, literacy, and opportunity more accessible than ever.
Whether you're attending story time at Fulshear, researching case law at the Willie Melton Law Library, or checking out new Wonderbooks at Sienna Branch, the library is ready to welcome you back with open doors—and now, earlier hours.
To view the full schedule for your nearest branch, explore online services, or learn more about programs and events, visit fortbendlibraries.gov or call the Communications Office at 281-633-4734.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for the latest updates on Fort Bend County library hours, programs, and community resources.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
