Fort Bend County Libraries landed two competitive state grants from a $1,067,128 statewide pool, funding that will support a new technology lab and literacy programming across the system that serves Katy and Fulshear cardholders.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission announced the FY2027 awards on Wednesday, Aug. 5, after commissioners approved the grants at meetings on June 5 and July 31 in Austin.

$72,365 for a technology hub

The larger of the two awards is a $72,365 Special Projects Grant funding the Sienna Community TechHub, a new technology and multimedia learning space at the library system's Sienna Branch in Missouri City. According to TSLAC's grant recipients page, the TechHub will offer free access to graphic design software, audio and video production tools, coding platforms, 3D printers and digital fabrication equipment.

Workshops will target multiple age groups.

Fort Bend County Libraries was one of 14 systems statewide to receive a Special Projects Grant, a category totaling $715,627. The Special Projects category funds expanded library services for populations that have difficulty accessing them.

Texas Reads Grant for literacy programs

The system also won a Texas Reads Grant, one of 14 awarded statewide from a $128,341 pool. Texas Reads funds support reading and literacy efforts including book talks, English literacy classes, author visits, book clubs and summer reading activities. The individual dollar amount of Fort Bend's Texas Reads award was not listed in the state's announcement.

Both grants are funded through the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the Library Services and Technology Act.

What it means locally

Fort Bend County Libraries operates the Cinco Ranch Branch Library at 2620 Commercial Center Blvd. in Katy and the Fulshear Branch Library at 6350 GM Library Rd. in Fulshear, along with nine other locations across the county. The Fulshear branch, a two-story, 41,980-square-foot building funded by a 2015 bond election, opened in January 2024 as the system's third-largest location.

Library director Roosevelt Weeks, who took the helm in October 2024 after leading the Austin Public Library system, has emphasized literacy and technology access as priorities for the county system.

The grant funds cover Sept. 1, 2026, through Aug. 31, 2027. Fort Bend County Libraries has not announced a launch date for the Sienna Community TechHub.