Mid City Times

The Fort Worth Public Library has undergone significant changes and achievements in the past year, as it continues to provide resources and activities to the residents of Fort Worth. From the opening of the Vivian J. Lincoln Library to the closure of the Central Library, the library remains committed to informing, educating, and entertaining people of all ages.

One of the library's highlights in 2023 was the successful implementation of various programs and activities. Story times were a favorite among visitors, with 1,736 sessions drawing 33,330 attendees. The library also hosted special guest appearances, including storybook characters Pete the Cat and Llama Llama, as well as the Fort Worth fire and police chiefs and officers. These events attracted nearly 600 guests.

The library's commitment to engaging teenagers was evident through programs such as the ABCs of Babysitting course and Teen Robotics. The babysitting course, which aimed to prepare young caregivers, saw over 100 teens participating in the 12 classes held throughout the city. Meanwhile, the Teen Robotics program attracted 37 fans and provided an introduction to simple robot design and coding.

The Fort Worth Public Library Foundation played a crucial role in supporting these activities. The foundation directs community donations to enhance the library's offerings, including the babysitting course and robotics programs.

For book enthusiasts, the library offered a variety of book clubs and reading initiatives. Over 1,000 people attended 142 meetings of the 20 in-person book clubs for adults, discussing a total of 145 books. The Stay at Home Book Club, a Facebook group launched during the pandemic, saw continuous growth with 1,162 members and discussions on 16 books in the past year. Additionally, the library hosted virtual programs such as What Fort Worth Reads, attracting 1,055 weekly viewers, and Tuesday Night Trivia, which drew 664 participants.

The library also provided valuable resources for learning and skill development. Free computer classes were attended by 1,135 individuals, offering instruction on specific skills, software usage, and general computer use. Additionally, the library offered programs for Spanish-speakers pursuing their high school equivalency certificate, conversational English classes for non-native speakers, and a Civics for Citizenship course to prepare individuals for the U.S. citizenship exam.

The library's commitment to accessibility extended beyond books. In 2023, non-book items available for checkout included musical instruments, a GPS unit, a karaoke machine, and a metal detector for adults. Teens had access to ABCs of Babysitting kits, while children could check out backpacks supporting the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative and Libros escolares de Mexico kits featuring books provided by the Mexican Consulate.

The library's dedication to promoting literacy was evident through its circulation statistics. Library cardholders checked out over 1.7 million printed books in the past year, demonstrating a love for reading within the community. Additionally, the library experienced a 17% increase in digital circulation, with 1.45 million items checked out. The number of unique users also increased by 13%, reaching 41,846 cardholders, while new users increased by 5% to add 13,847 newcomers to the system.

In terms of organizational development, the library welcomed Midori Clark as its new director in January 2023. Clark, previously the library and cultural services director for the City of Aurora, Colorado, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role.

Looking ahead, the Fort Worth Public Library has plans for further expansion. A new location is set to open in early 2024 in the Clifford Crossing shopping center, marking the first library in District 7.

The Fort Worth Public Library's accomplishments in 2023 reflect its dedication to serving the community and providing accessible resources and programs for all residents. As the library continues to evolve and grow, it remains a vital institution in the city of Fort Worth.