FBCL's Online “Homework Help” Service Offers Chess Tutoring
March 2025
Fort Bend County Libraries’ Brainfuse HelpNow (Homework Tutoring) service offers free online chess tutoring for all ages and skill levels, from beginners learning the basics to advanced players honing their skills.
Live, on-demand, online chess tutoring is available Monday through Thursday, from 3:00 to 9:00 pm CST. Note: these hours are not the same as the regular Homework Help assistance, which is available seven days a week.
To access the Brainfuse HelpNow chess tutors during the designated time, click on the “Research” tab, then “Homework & Tutoring,” an... Read Full Blog
“1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” Challenge
March 2025
Fort Bend County Libraries’ “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” challenge helps set our youngest book lovers on a path that will encourage a love of reading and lead to a journey of life-long learning.
Part of a nationwide initiative, this ongoing program encourages reading to newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers to foster a love of books and prepare them for school.
“Studies have shown that children who are read to at an early age will be better prepared to learn,” says Dana Brittain, Youth Services Coordinator for the library system. “Children who have been read... Read Full Blog
Video-Streaming Options for Children, Teens, & Adults
March 2025
Fort Bend County Libraries offers an online streaming-video service, Access Video On Demand, in its eLibrary collection of digital resources. Library users have instant, unlimited, 24/7 access to thousands of world-class documentaries, award-winning educational films, independent movies, and helpful instructional videos covering a wide range of subjects.
This video-streaming service includes two collections -- “Access Video on Demand: Master Collection” for adults and “Access Video On Demand: Just for Kids.” From arts and humanities to science, technology... Read Full Blog
Friends of the Library - Spring Book Sales 2025
March/April 2025
People who love books, people who love bargains, and people who need to get rid of some spare change will find a lot in common at the Friends of the Libraries’ Spring Book Sales, where they will discover adult and children’s books, DVDs, and much more -- all at prices that are hard to beat!
Cash or checks are accepted at the book sales, unless otherwise noted. Credit cards, or bills larger than $20, cannot be accepted.
Friends of the Sienna Branch Library, Missouri City
Friday, April 25, 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm
Saturday, April 26, 10:00 am to... Read Full Blog
University Branch Library Hosts Children’s Opera Based On Popular Author Mo Willem’s Stories
March 2025
Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library will present a children’s musical theater performance by Houston Grand Opera’s “Opera to Go!” of Mo Willems’ Bite-Sized Operas, on Thursday, March 13, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, in Meeting Room 1 of the library.
This bilingual (English-Spanish) family-friendly performance features two mini productions – Slopera! A Bite-Sized Opera and Don’t Let the Pigeon Sing Up Late: An Opera with Wings -- based on two children’s books by Mo Willems, the Emmy Award-winning author, illustrator, and playwright, with music by Grammy-nomi... Read Full Blog
Friends of Albert George Branch Library (Needville) Host Spring Book Sale
March 2025
In conjunction with Needville’s Citywide Garage Sale, the Friends of the Albert George Branch Library in Needville will host a Spring Book Sale on Friday, March 14, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm, and on Saturday, March 15, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library.
People who love books, people who love bargains, and people who need to get rid of some spare change will find a lot in common at the book sale, where they will discover adult and children’s books, puzzles, movies, and music, all at prices that are hard to beat. Prices range from 50¢ for pape... Read Full Blog
Live Raptors to Visit Libraries!
March 2025
Learn all about raptors at a special program, “Get WILD for Raptors,” on Wednesday, March 12, beginning at 2:00 pm, in the Meeting Room at the First Colony Branch Library.
This event will be repeated on Saturday, March 29, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, in Meeting Room 1 of the University Branch Library.
During this program, see live raptors that work as education ambassadors to get citizens excited to learn more about the natural world.
Mary Anne Morris, co-founder of Wild Bird Adventures, will talk about the sights, sounds, and natural history of raptors, such a... Read Full Blog
First Colony Branch Library Hosts Puzzle Swap
March 2025
Fort Bend County Libraries’ First Colony Branch Library will have a Puzzle Swap on Saturday, March 29, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library.
Donations will be accepted March 10-28, at the Reference desk in the Adult Services department. Donated items should be in good, usable condition, without any missing pieces.
Those donating gently used puzzles (consisting of 120 pieces or more) will receive a voucher for each item donated. The vouchers can be used at the swap on March 29 to select the same number of items to take home.
In... Read Full Blog
Special Activities for Teens During Spring Break
March 2025
Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) offers programs specifically designed for high school-aged teens (grades 9-12) on a regular basis. From gaming and craft clubs to career readiness and adulting skills, library activities for teens offer opportunities for having fun, making friends, and preparing for the next chapter of their lives.
During Spring Break this year (March 8-15), many of the libraries have special activities planned for teens. In addition to the regular teen programs, these free programs offer an opportunity for teens to unwind and have fun at the library ... Read Full Blog
Exciting Children’s Activities Planned for Spring Break!
March 2025
Families with children of all ages are invited to celebrate their Spring Break with special activities that are planned at Fort Bend County Libraries throughout the week of March 7-15.
In addition to the regular weekly children’s programs, these free programs offer an opportunity for families to unwind and have fun at the library during the break from the regular school routine.
Materials for these activities are made possible by the Friends of the Library organizations that support each library.
These activities are free and open to the public; a library ... Read Full Blog
“Weiss Financial Ratings” Helps Consumers with Finance & Investment Info
March 2025
Fort Bend County Libraries offers an online financial-planning resource – Weiss Financial Ratings – for consumers. This free resource provides powerful tools for individuals who want to protect their finances, invest wisely, grow their wealth, and learn more about financial management.
About Weiss Financial Ratings
How do you know if your bank or credit union is financially stable? Did you pick the best life insurance or property-insurance company? Are you getting the best deal on your Medigap insurance? Which mutual fund will give you the best return? Which stocks... Read Full Blog
FBCL Receives “Achievement of Library Excellence” Award
February 2025
Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) has been recognized by the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association (TMLDA) -- an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League -- with the 2024 Achievement of Library Excellence Award for its distinguished work in providing innovative programs and services to the people of Fort Bend County.
Of the 542 public libraries in Texas, only 102 received this award in 2024.
To successfully receive the award, libraries must exhibit excellence in each of ten categories:
Services to under-served po... Read Full Blog
Fort Bend County Libraries Welcomes New Director Roosevelt Weeks
October 2024
Fort Bend County Libraries is excited to welcome Roosevelt Weeks as the new Library Director of the Fort Bend County library system. He will assume the role on October 7, 2024. He replaces former Library Director Clara Russell, who retired in June.
Weeks brings more than two decades of distinguished experience in library leadership, most recently as Library Director at the Austin Public Library system, where he has worked for the past seven years. Prior to that, he served as Deputy Director/Chief of Staff at the Houston Public Library (HPL) system for 11 years. He a... Read Full Blog
Sugar Land Branch Library to Celebrate 25th Anniversary
August 2024
In celebration of its 25th Anniversary, Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sugar Land Branch Library will host an Open House on Saturday, August 31, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, in the Meeting Room of the library.
In addition to light refreshments and crafts, the public is invited to participate in a community-art project during the event by painting or coloring individual pieces of a library mural. After the event, the individual pieces will be reassembled to complete a mural, which will be on display in the lobby of the library through the end of the year.
The Sugar... Read Full Blog
February is Black History Month
February is Black History Month -- what better time to recognize some of the outstanding contributions of African-American writers, illustrators, and other artists to the world of modern literature!
Several awards for writers and illustrators of children’s books are named in honor of Coretta Scott King. These awards recognize African-American authors and illustrators of outstanding inspirational and educational books for children and young adults. Click here for a list of the 2019 award winners.
The Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Awards for New T... Read Full Blog