The Fort Worth Public Library continues to advance its Open Access
program, started in 2022 as a way to expand the library\u2019s reach outside normal hours.<\/p>\n
Maintained only at the library\u2019s Northwest branch<\/a> in far north Fort Worth, Open Access allows patrons<\/a> to borrow, return and renew items; pick up holds; and use desktop computers, Wi-Fi, printer and document scanner. Restrooms also are open.<\/p>\n Library staff views Open Access as broadening the library\u2019s appeal in the same way that digital checkout of materials is becoming patrons\u2019 preferred means of using the library.<\/p>\n Open Access \u201cis just a really unique feature of this library, and it\u2019s kind of like the ultimate trust exercise in many ways,\u201d Midori Clark, the library\u2019s director, told members of the Fort Worth Library Advisory Board at their Feb. 5<\/a> meeting.<\/p>\n How does it work?<\/p>\n Users must be at least 18<\/a> and a Fort Worth Public Library cardholder in good standing. Preregistration at the city site is required.<\/p>\n Patrons scan their Fort Worth library cards at the branch entrance to unlock the doors outside operating hours. The Open Access system controls the library\u2019s lighting and alarms; movement activates the lights. Security cameras ensure safety and security.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Available hours are 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays; 8 a.m.-noon and 8-10 p.m. Mondays; 8-10 a.m. and 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; and 8-10 a.m. and 6-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.<\/p>\n The library system makes several announcements prior to closing, before the computers and lights turn off and the building alarm sets itself, according to the city\u2019s site.<\/p>\n Not all services are available through Open Access. Ones that are not: laptop and tablet loans, copier services, interlibrary loan pick up, hot spot and musical instrument lending, video game console usage, makerspace labs, 3D printing and meeting room reservations.<\/p>\n The library didn\u2019t provide numbers about usage, but frequent customers are nicknamed \u201cpower users.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey come in from 8 to 10 in the morning, or again, 8 to 10 in the evening,\u201d Felipe Avitia, the Northwest branch supervisor, told advisory board members.<\/p>\n The library hopes to extend the program to other branches, but there\u2019s nothing definitive in the works, the staff said.<\/p>\n Other notes from the meeting<\/p>\n The library staff said the branches recorded 1.2 million in-person visits in 2025, up 7%. The library branches also issued 11,290 new library cards.<\/p>\n The Fort Worth library system has been recognized for its outstanding service and innovation with the 2025 Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association.<\/p>\n The Fort Worth Library Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3) organization, plans its 29th annual Cigar Smoker fundraiser May 6 at The Fort Worth Club. Click here<\/a> for information.<\/p>\n The foundation is accepting applications for two $2,500 college scholarships for high school seniors in Fort Worth. Applications<\/a> must be submitted by March 31.<\/p>\n Fort Worth Library Advisory Board meeting<\/p>\n Documenter name: Cynthia Cordial, Stacy Brookman and Patrick Banis<\/p>\n Date: Feb. 5, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n To see more about this meeting, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n