HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 146 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 22-146
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council October 4, 2022
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SUBJECT: OPEN ACCESS AT THE FORT WORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY
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The purpose of this Informal Report is to provide information on a new service at the Fort Worth
Public Library (FWPL) called Open Access.
One of the challenges that the library faces is being open when the public needs library services.
The library serves all 940,000 residents and already has around 95,000 visitors monthly. It is
nearly impossible to always be open when needed without adding a substantial number of
additional staff. For this reason, the library began offering unstaffed library hours with a soft
launch on September 3 at the Northwest Branch Library in District 2.
The Northwest Library is now open 7 days a week. Open Access hours will be:
Sunday: 8 a.m. — 10 p.m.
Monday: 8 a.m. — 12 p.m.; 8 p.m. — 10 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday: 8 a.m. — 10 a.m.; 8 p.m. — 10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 8 a.m. — 10 a.m.; 6 p.m. — 10 p.m.
The remaining open hours will be staffed.
Most regular library services will be available, including:
• Self-service checkout (borrow, return, and renew items)
• Holds pick-up
• Desktop computer access
Wi-fi access
Printer/copier/scanning services
Document scanning services
Restrooms
• Space use for reading, studying, and gathering
Any Fort Worth Public Library cardholder 18 years of age or older in good standing can sign up
online or at any FWPL location. Participants will be required to agree to follow the library rules of
behavior at all times. Although it is not expected to happen, if serious problems arise, patrons are
asked to call 9-1-1 . There are also unmonitored interior and exterior cameras.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 22-146
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council October 4, 2022
Page 2 of 2
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SUBJECT: OPEN ACCESS AT THE FORT WORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY
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The Information Technology Solutions (ITS) department generously paid for the technology
upgrades needed to implement Open Access and all new libraries are being built with the
infrastructure in order to add the service. Not all locations will have this service and the pilot at the
Northwest location will help determine which locations to consider for the future.
More information can be found at
https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/library/services/open-access
If you have any questions on this report, please contact Manya Shorr, Director, Fort Worth Public
Library, at 817-392-7706 or manya.shorr(a)fortworthtexas.gov.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS