In addition to attending public meetings, residents who visit Fort Worth City Hall can also check out new books.
Library officials first announced plans in January to open the Downtown Express Library in early spring. The Express location is now open to patrons and offers free Wi-Fi, as well as book reservations and checkout. Patrons can browse over 800 products and take advantage of self-checkout stations. This space does not include public computers or lounge areas. An outdoor book drop is expected to be installed later this month.
This location is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed for lunch for one hour from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM daily. The opening comes as employees from other city departments transition to work in the former Pier 1 Import Building, the site of the new City Hall.
“The Downtown Express Library provides convenient access to library services,” Library Director Midori Clark said in a news release. “While we continue to look for a larger, full-service location, we hope people who live, work, and visit downtown during the day will find this space convenient.”
Location and opening hours
The Downtown Express Library is located at 200 Texas Street in Fort Worth.
Opening hours are Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, except for one hour of lunch closure each day from 1 PM to 2 PM.
The city has been searching for a new location for the downtown library since closing the Central Library in June. Multiple residents expressed concerns about the closure and asked city leaders to ensure that library services downtown continue in some format.
Officials originally approved a lease with Pescador Partners for the use of 100 Main Street in September, but reversed course in November and continued to look for another location.
“We have heard an overwhelming desire from residents to see library services returned to downtown Fort Worth,” District 9 City Councilor Elizabeth Beck said in a statement. “Our goal with this temporary location is to provide downtown residents with access to the library while we search for a permanent location.”
Residents are also invited to attend a public celebration at the Downtown Express Library on March 29 at 9 a.m. Details about the celebration were not immediately available.
At The Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independent of board members and financial supporters.Read more about our editorial independence policy here. Emily Wolfe is a government coverage reporter for The Fort Worth Report. Contact emily.wolf@fortworthreport.org or @_wolfemily
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