Fort Bend County Libraries resumed its Books & More Curbside Pick-Up service May 4.
From May 4-7, patrons checked out more than 21,000 items through the curbside pickup programs, according to FBCL Communications Specialist Michele Pettigrew.
While the curbside program was initially available for a few days in March, all library buildings have been closed because of the coronavirus pandemic since March 18, and the curbside program was suspended March 20.
In order to use the curbside pickup service, library card holders must call their local library branch and request a maximum of 10 items. Patrons can also place holds on materials online.
Library staff will then search the shelves for the requested materials and call the patron to notify them their items are available for pickup. Pickup is no-contact, and library staff will place all items in the trunk.
Curbside service is available at all locations Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. On Saturdays, most branches have curbside service from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Albert George Branch Library in Needville, the Mamie George Branch Library in Stafford and the Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library has pickup on Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to return previously checked-out library materials in the outside book drop located at each library location. No late fines will be changed for materials that have been checked out during the libraries' extended closure, Pettigrew said.
FBCL has 12 area locations with libraries in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Katy and Fulshear.
Other library resources
FBCL recently launched a free e-card program for residents who do not have a traditional library card. An e-card allows patrons to check out digital library materials.
The library system's Summer Reading Challenge starts May 25 and continues through Sept. 30. Children, teens and adults can register online and begin tracking reading time and books completed. Additionally, throughout June, FBCL youth librarians will post videos of engaging, family-friendly activities at 10 a.m. each weekday. A full list of library events can be found online.
FBCL's Brainfuse HelpNow service provides live, on-demand homework help to students in grades K-12. Tutors are available in math, science, social studies and English/language arts seven days a week from 2-11 p.m. Additionally, nonurgent questions can be submitted, and students will be provided an email response in 24 hours.
The library system is also offering library card holders access to Transparent Language Online, a program with language courses in more than 100 languages as well as English assistance for English language learners. This resource can be accessed through the library’s website and is free to library card holders.
For more information on FBCL program offerings, visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us.
