Downtown News
Fort Worth City Council to vote on new location for downtown library
Fort Worth is angling to get its downtown library back: The city's Property Management and Library Administration is seeking approval from the Fort Worth City Council to purchase a property at 512 W. Fourth St. for a future, permanent downtown library, following its closure last year.
According to a release, the city would use funds from the sale of the previous library at 500 W. Third St., which they sold in 2023.
The building they want to buy is currently home to Center for Transforming Lives, a facility founded in 1907 serving women and children escaping poverty and homelessness. which will relocate to a larger space at 3001 S. Riverside Dr. at the end of 2024.
The purchase will be discussed during the Fort Worth City Council's August 13 meeting.
“The new Fort Worth Downtown Library will enrich the downtown cultural landscape and serve as a vibrant hub for learning, innovation and community engagement,” says District 9 Council Member Elizabeth Beck in a release. “This historic building holds a special place in the hearts of Fort Worth residents and is a testament to Fort Worth’s dedication to preserving our city’s history while advancing our future to meet the evolving needs of our diverse community.”
Portions of the building that are not protected by the historic registry will be renovated to serve as a modern, public library.
Downtown residents continue to have access to the Downtown Express Library location for library services at 200 Texas St.
“When we bring a library into any neighborhood it is vitally important to hear from the residents what they need and want in their community,” says Library Director Midori Clark in a release. “Since arriving in Fort Worth in January I have heard loud and clear from the community that they want a downtown library, and we will find ways to continue to engage with residents about how this new location is developed.”
Pending a council-approved sale, planning for renovations could begin in early 2025.