FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas (Covering Katy News) — Fort Bend County Library officials still cannot provide a definitive date for when their digital services will be fully restored, more than four months after a cybersecurity attack forced a complete system rebuild.
Library Director Roosevelt Weeks said in an update Friday that the library’s best estimate remains “late summer or early fall” for full restoration, but he says external factors make precise timing impossible.
“Because some milestones, such as external security certification, depend on third-party partners, we still can’t provide a definite ‘go-live’ date,” Weeks said. “Our best estimate continues to be late summer or early fall, and we will update you immediately if that changes.”
The library system has been operating with limited services since the attack, with patrons still able to borrow physical materials and access most digital resources, though the online catalog and account management systems remain unavailable.
No Evidence of Data Breach Found
“After extensive forensic analysis, we have found no indication that patrons’ sensitive personal information was accessed or stolen,” Weeks said in the update.
Weeks said the library’s privacy-first policy helped minimize potential damage from the breach.
“We do not store Social Security numbers, driver’s license scans, or payment card details,” he said. “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.”
Library Chooses Complete Modernization
Rather than rushing to restore the old system, county officials decided to invest in a complete modernization. The Fort Bend County Commissioners Court approved moving the library’s core Polaris platform to a cloud-based service.
“Instead of rushing the old system back online, we decided to invest in modern hardware, software, and cloud architecture,” Weeks said. “This provides faster service and better long-term protection.”
The rebuild involves replacing all servers, network hardware, and security tools. Data restoration is currently underway, with vendors carefully importing backup data and offline transactions recorded during the outage.
“This meticulous work simply can’t be rushed; accuracy now prevents bigger headaches later,” Weeks explained.
Extended Timeline Reflects Complex Transformation
The extended timeline reflects the complexity of the transformation, according to Weeks.
“A transformation of this scale involves lengthy hardware lead times, thorough security testing, and meticulous data validation,” he said. “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.”
Contract approvals for new equipment and managed security services also added time to the timeline, but Weeks said the process ensures taxpayers get the best value.
“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,” he said.
Services Available During System Rebuild
The library continues to offer many services during the rebuild, including book borrowing with expired cards temporarily accepted, new library card registration, and fee-free borrowing with overdue fines waived until full service returns.
Currently unavailable services include the online catalog, account management, holds tracking, and access to the Wall Street Journal and LinkedIn Learning databases.
Enhanced Features Planned for Restored System
When the system is fully restored, patrons will have access to enhanced features including a faster, mobile-friendly online catalog, improved self-service options, expanded digital collections, and stronger privacy protections.
“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,” he said.
The owner of Covering Katy News, Dennis Spellman is employed by the Precinct 3 Commissioner’s Office.
