Fort Bend County Libraries to launch new borrowing program, library policy changes

“We were both frustrated by the constant need to purchase expensive, one-time-use items,” Hemrajani said.

Zooming in

Fort Bend County residents over the age of 18 with a full-service or homebound library card can borrow items from the Library of Things for free, per the release. Patrons must also provide photo identification and proof of residence at checkout.

Current items available include:

• Binoculars
• Telescope
• Power and moisture meter
• Projector
• Selfie ring light
• Smart pen
• Metal detector
• Studio headphones with a microphone
• Podcast recording equipment
• Thermal camera
• Gimbal stabilizer
• Portable cassette player

A few policy changes will also go into effect June 8, including the expansion of e-cards to all Texas residents, per the release.

Other changes include:

• Increasing the blocking fee threshold from $5 to $25
• Allowing patrons to borrow three Wonderbooks—print books with an included audiobook and audio player—at once instead of one
• Increasing automatic renewals from two to three times for borrowed items
• Expanding library card expiration from two years to three
• No longer requiring identification for computer use cards