Kevin Brady Library Leads MC System Modernization

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Montgomery County Library System is set to embark on a sweeping, multi-decade transformation, launching a comprehensive systemwide improvement initiative on December 4, 2024. This ambitious project aims to modernize facilities and services across the county, beginning with a significant $12.5 million expansion of the Kevin Brady Library and Community Center in The Woodlands.

The initiative, projected to unfold over the next 10 to 15 years, is a direct response to Montgomery County’s rapidly expanding population and the evolving needs of its residents. It represents a commitment to ensuring that libraries remain vital, accessible, and technologically advanced community hubs for decades to come.

The Kevin Brady Library, located at 8535 SH 242, will be the first focal point of this massive undertaking. Construction for its substantial 21,500-square-foot expansion is slated to commence in early 2025, with an anticipated completion by summer 2026. This addition will boost the library’s total footprint to an impressive 41,500 square feet.

The expansion will dramatically enhance the library’s offerings, introducing new community rooms, additional meeting spaces, and a dedicated area specifically designed for teens. Beyond the new construction, the project includes a general redesign of the interior spaces, significant updates to technology infrastructure, and improved overall accessibility, all geared towards creating a more contemporary and user-friendly environment.

Funding for the Kevin Brady Library’s $12.5 million upgrade comes directly from the voter-approved bonds passed in 2022, underscoring strong community support for library enhancements. Director Joanna Schofield confirmed that the library will remain open to the public throughout the construction period, though patrons should anticipate phased closures of certain areas as work progresses.

“This systemwide initiative is about more than just adding square footage; it’s about reimagining the role of our libraries in a thriving, growing county,” said Director Joanna Schofield. “Planning for this monumental effort began back in August 2023, and we are incredibly excited to see the first phase at the Kevin Brady Library come to fruition. These improvements will ensure our libraries continue to be dynamic centers for learning, connection, and discovery for all ages, keeping pace with the needs of our rapidly growing population.”

The investment in the Kevin Brady Library sets the precedent for future enhancements across the Montgomery County Library System, promising a brighter, more modern future for library services throughout the region. Residents are encouraged to visit the Montgomery County Library System’s official website for updates and further information regarding the project.