UPDATE
July 11, 2025
Library Technology Rebuild – Progress Update
First and foremost, thank you for your extraordinary patience as we work through the aftermath of the recent cybersecurity attack. Our team, in close partnership with County IT, continues to make steady progress toward a safer, more capable library system. Below is the latest on where things stand, why the rebuild is taking time, and, importantly, what we know (and don’t know) about any potential data exposure.
Security & Your Personal Information
- No evidence of data compromise. After extensive forensic analysis, we have found no indication that patrons’ sensitive personal information was accessed or stolen.
- Minimal data collected by design. The library has long followed a privacy-first policy:
o We do not store Social Security numbers, driver’s license scans, or payment card details.
o We collect only the basics (name, address, email/phone, and reading history necessary to run holds and checkouts), and we purge many of these records on a rolling basis.
o This approach significantly reduces the risk of identity theft, even in the unlikely event of a data breach.
Where We Are Today
- New infrastructure is in place. All replacement servers, network hardware, and security tools have arrived and are currently being installed.
- Polaris is moving to the cloud. Our core library platform (Polaris) is being rebuilt as a fully cloud-based service, approved by the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court. Moving to the cloud provides stronger security, faster updates, and the ability to add new features more quickly.
- Data restoration is underway. The vendor is carefully restoring backup data and importing all offline transactions recorded during the outage. This meticulous work simply can’t be rushed; accuracy now prevents bigger headaches later.
Why the Timeline Expanded
A transformation of this scale involves lengthy hardware lead times, thorough security testing, and meticulous data validation. We truly understand that waiting can be challenging, but these important steps are necessary to ensure we deliver a safer, more resilient, and stronger library system for years ahead.
- Modernization instead of a rollback. Instead of rushing the old system back online, we decided to invest in modern hardware, software, and cloud architecture. This provides faster service and better long-term protection.
- Contract approvals safeguard your tax dollars. Finalizing purchase agreements for new equipment and managed security services added extra weeks, but it ensures we get the best value and performance for county residents.
- Built-in resilience for the future. The extra time enables thorough security testing and strengthening, an initial investment that helps prevent similar disruptions in the future.
Because some milestones, such as external security certification, depend on third-party partners, we still can’t provide a definite “go-live” date. Our best estimate continues to be late summer or early fall, and we will update you immediately if that changes.
What’s Coming for You
When the rebuild is finished, you’ll enjoy:
- A faster, mobile-friendly online catalog, accessible on any device, inside or outside the library, with self-service renewals and holds.
- Faster check-out and check-in with upgraded self-service options.
- Expanded digital collections of e-books, audiobooks, streaming media, and easier one-click borrowing.
- Enhanced research tools and new learning platforms.
- Stronger privacy and security protections for every account.
Services you can use right now:
- Borrow books, DVDs, and other items (expired cards are temporarily accepted).
- Sign up for a new library card.
- Enjoy fee-free borrowing—overdue fines are waived until full-service returns.
- Access most digital resources, including e-books, e-audiobooks, magazines, and research databases.
- Connect to Wi-Fi at every branch.
- Print from USB drives at many locations (call ahead to confirm).
- Attend programs, classes, and events.
- Staff is available to locate items for you, even items located at other branches. If the item is located, staff can set it aside for you to pick up at the location it is found.
Temporarily unavailable:
- Online catalog, account management, and holds tracking
- The Wall Street Journal and LinkedIn Learning databases
- Hotspots and Launchpads for checkout
We are committed to delivering a stronger, smarter, more resilient, and better-equipped library, making the best possible use of your tax dollars while prioritizing your privacy and security.
If you have questions, please contact your local branch or check this page for updates. We’ll keep you updated as milestones are reached.
Thank you for standing with us as we build the future of your library.
— Library Director Roosevelt Weeks & Your Library Team
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
April 28, 2025
We are actively working to restore library services as quickly as possible while also taking this opportunity to modernize our hardware and software, ensuring that you can enjoy the same or even higher level of service. County and Library staff are currently receiving upgraded equipment and collaborating with software vendors to prepare for the restoration process.
Once all necessary equipment is in place, we will begin restoring services. While we do not yet have a firm timeline for when everything will be fully operational, we will provide updates as our work progresses.
Thank you for your patience and support as we enhance our systems.
March 12, 2025
On February 24th, the library became aware of a network disruption that impacted some of its services. Upon learning of the incident, our IT professionals took immediate action to mitigate its impact, and most online resources have since been restored. We are also working with cybersecurity professionals to investigate the matter.
We recognize that this may cause concern regarding the security of patrons’ personal information. We want to reassure the community that the library intentionally limits the types of personal information it collects from patrons. The library does not store personal information from patrons that could easily be used to commit identity theft or fraud—such as social security numbers or financial information. Our primary objective is to restore full services and ensure the security of the library’s network.
We sincerely appreciate your patience during this time, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, our branches remain open, and our staff is available to assist with any service needs. As more information becomes available, it will be shared with the public on the Fort Bend County Library system’s website.
Thank you.
Roosevelt Weeks
County Librarian
Fort Bend County Libraries
Roosevelt.Weeks2@fortbendcountytx.gov
FAQs for Library Patrons
Q: Why is the library experiencing network disruptions?
• On February 24, the library became aware of a cybersecurity incident that impacted some of its services. Upon learning of the incident, our staff took immediate action, and most online resources have since been restored. We are currently investigating the cause of the incident. While this investigation remains ongoing, the library remains operational. Where appropriate, we will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Q: Was the library hacked?
• We are currently investigating the cause of the incident. We are working with County IT professionals and following best practices to ensure our systems and data remain secure.
We will be able to provide more information once we have completed our investigation.
Q: Is my personal information at risk?
• At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that the sensitive personal information of patrons has been compromised. In addition, the library takes proactive measures to limit its collection of personal information, avoiding collecting the types of information that would put patrons at risk of identity theft.
Q: What personal information does the library have?
• When you sign up for a library card, the library collects your name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth. The library does not collect patrons’ personal information such as social security number, driver’s license number, or financial account information.
Q: I use computers at the library – is my search history at risk?
• No, library computers are equipped with software that erases user data after each patron’s session.
Q: Why was Fort Bend’s library subject to a cybersecurity incident and other libraries were not? For example, the Houston library is online, but the Fort Bend County library has been without internet for over a week.
• Each library system operates on a separate network. We are collaborating with County IT professionals and following best practices to ensure we securely restore access to our systems. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused, and we appreciate your patience.
Q: What are you doing to address this incident?
• We are currently investigating the cause of the incident. We are working with County IT professionals and following best practices to ensure we securely restore access to our systems. We will be able to provide more information once we have completed our investigation.
Q: When will services be back online?
• We are making every effort to restore access to all services as soon as possible. Most services have already been restored. However, since our investigation remains ongoing, we cannot provide a firm timeline.
Q: Why can’t you share more information right now?
• Our investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing. We will be able to provide more information once we have completed the investigation.
Q: How can I access library materials and services in the meantime?
• Physical items: Our branches remain open, and library patrons may continue to browse and borrow physical items with a library card (even if the library card is expired).
• Online Services: Library patrons still have access to eBooks via OverDrive/Libby and Hoopla. Should you have any questions on how to access eBooks, please contact our librarians who will be happy to assist you with gaining access to these materials.
• Contact Information: If you need assistance or have further questions, our librarians are available to assist via the online chat feature, telephone, or email. As always, our librarians are available to assist you during operating hours in-person at any of our branches.
• Please continue to check our website for the latest updates.
Q: Will the library still issue late fees?
• No, all overdue fines are waived until the network disruption has been resolved.
Q: How can I receive the latest updates?
• We will continue to share updates on our website.