The Fort Worth Public Library isn't just stocking shelves with books; it's powering through achievements and setting records in community engagement and service expansion. The library's 2025 annual report, freshly released, offers a crystal-clear look at its drive to serve the heartbeat of Fort Worth better – its residents. Citing significant milestones, Library Director Midori Clark proudly conveyed the collaborative spirit driving these victories, stating, “I am especially proud to be part of a team that completed several major projects while simultaneously delivering exceptional services and programs to the residents and guests of Fort Worth,” in a report obtained by the Fort Worth City.
According to the details encased within the pages of the annual report, the library has been making strides that warrant more than a passing glance. The Downtown Express Library now graces the former City Hall building, bringing robust library services smack dab into the city's nucleus. With Council District 7 in the limelight, its first-ever Clifford Crossing Branch library is now a reality, promising to open doors and books to more of the city’s populace. In a landmark move, the Fort Worth Library has welcomed more than 45,000 new library cardholders into its labyrinth of learning over the past year.
But the numbers don't stop there. Over 10,000 library-steered programs have taken place, with attendance rates that echo the community's thirst for knowledge and cultural enrichment – to the tune of more than 112,000 program participants. Riding this wave of collective intellect, the library saw a 14% increase in visitor numbers and a 16% boom in total checkouts – we're talking over 4 million items borrowed. And, as the sun beat down on Fort Worth's summer days, pages turned in the library's summer reading program totalled a stunning 4.5 million minutes ingested by eager minds.
With such an inventory of accomplishments, one would think they'd pause to catch their breath – but the Fort Worth Public Library is already lacing up for the next lap. “While we celebrate these achievements and others in this report, we are eager to engage with our community in more ways and support the dynamic growth of this great city,” Clark envisioned for Fort Worth’s future. Those looking to grasp the full scope of the library's yearly achievements or perhaps get a sneak peek of the plans afoot can head to the Fort Worth City news page for the full download – report, video, etc.
