From Board Games to Blenders: Fort Bend County Libraries Continue Collecting Items for 'Library of Things'
Fort Bend County Libraries is inviting the community to help build something new—and a little unexpected—this fall: a Library of Things. As part of a pilot initiative set to launch later this year at George Memorial Library in Richmond, the library system is now accepting donations of gently used, non-traditional items that residents will soon be able to check out just like books.
The project offers a simple but powerful concept: make practical, useful items more accessible to everyone in the community—whether for a weekend project, short-term recovery, or just trying something new.
Residents can drop off donations at any Fort Bend County library location during regular business hours. From gardening tools to telescopes, yoga mats to cake pans, the items will form the foundation of the Library of Things’ lending collection.
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What Can You Donate?
The library is accepting a wide variety of items in good condition, including but not limited to:
- Exercise equipment (yoga blocks, resistance bands, hand weights, foam rollers)
- Kitchen gadgets (blenders, bakeware, specialty pans)
- Simple tools (screwdrivers, gardening tools, extension cords)
- Art kits and craft supplies
- Games and puzzles (board games, playing cards, yard games, video games)
- Travel gear (tents, sleeping bags, fishing poles, binoculars)
- Tech accessories (headphones, projectors, webcams, speakers)
- Health & wellness items (blood pressure monitors, crutches, sleep sound machines, light-therapy lamps, stress-relief kits)
- Unique items (telescopes, aromatherapy diffusers, seed packets, spice jars)
All donations are tax-deductible, and donors will receive acknowledgment for their contribution.
A Community Vision Brought to Life
The idea for Fort Bend County’s Library of Things was originally sparked by a student-led initiative. Kyle Nguyen and Rishan Hemrajani, two seniors at Jordan High School, pitched the project as a way to promote sustainability, accessibility, and smart community sharing. With support from the library system and local leaders, their grassroots vision is now becoming a reality.
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By encouraging residents to borrow instead of buy, the Library of Things promotes resourcefulness and community connection—especially valuable in today’s fast-moving, budget-conscious world.
Try Before You Buy—or Borrow Instead
The items in the collection are intended to serve people who might only need something temporarily or want to test it out before committing to a purchase. It's perfect for those trying out a new hobby, preparing for a special occasion, or tackling a one-time repair.
And unlike garage sales or donation bins, this project gives items a second life in a way that continues benefiting the community—again and again.
Donation Drop-Off Locations
Any Fort Bend County Libraries branch during regular hours:
- Albert George Branch Library (9230 Gene Street, Needville, TX 77461)
- Cinco Ranch Branch Library (2620 Commercial Center Blvd., Katy, TX 77494)
- First Colony Branch Library (2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479)
- FBC Justice Center Law Library (1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Rm 20714, Richmond, TX 77469)
- Fulshear Branch Library (6350 GM Library Rd, Fulshear, TX 77441)
- George Memorial Library (1001 Golfview Dr, Richmond, TX 77469)
- Mamie George Branch Library (320 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477)
- Mission Bend Branch Library (8421 Addicks Clodine Rd, Houston, TX 77083)
- Missouri City Branch Library (1530 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX 77489)
- Sienna Branch Library (8411 Sienna Springs Boulevard, Missouri City, TX 77459)
- Sugar Land Branch Library (550 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land, TX 77478)
- University Branch Library (14010 University Boulevard, Sugar Land, TX 77479)
For more information, visit fortbend.lib.tx.us or contact your local branch.
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.
