Meet Fairmount Community Library

We had the good fortune of connecting with a Fairmount Community Library board member, and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fairmount Community Library, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
The Fairmount Community Library is nestled in the Historic Fairmount Neighborhood in the heart of the Near South Side of Fort Worth. With a population of nearly 56,000, many seek out this historic area for its charm and funk, making it a hub for families, creatives, and community-minded folks.

We are volunteer-led, community-focused and seek to be a safe space for all.
In the early 2000’s, The Neighborhood Library became a staple in the community. In 2015 The library changed hands under a new 501c3 and rebranded as Fairmount Community Library. The space began to offer more activities like Scrabble nights, food drives, poetry nights and live music beyond its book lending program of over 1200 titles.

In 2019, the library’s doors temporarily closed to make way for renovations and safety enhancements. These updates were delayed due to the pandemic, but the interest in keeping the library afloat never wavered.

Since 2022, an outpouring of support from dedicated volunteers and neighbors has made it possible for us to fund structural improvements, develop a new board of directors, and re-envision the library space.

In June 2023, new and excited volunteers hosted a soft re-opening for neighbors to see the completed and in-progress renovations. Our first events since 2019 – Story-Time with Lt. Dan the Cat Who Can and PRIDE Happy Hour – were well-attended by dozens of excited families from all over Fort Worth.

Fairmount Community library’s impact extends across generations of Near Southside residents and enhances the uniqueness of our flourishing neighborhood. We are energized and excited to provide volunteer and education opportunities for those seeking community and enrichment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
At the Fairmount Community Library, we are more than just books. We are a cooperative effort to empower knowledge and inspire creativity, open to everyone with a desire to learn and in need of a place to gather.

What makes us unique is that we are completely funded by generous donations from the community and that volunteers operate the library. We are walkable from the Fairmount and Ryan Place neighborhood. We have an area for young children to play and learn, a classroom that can be rented out, an open patio to read and relax, and a place for neighbors to come and be able to learn together.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We love the Near Southside, especially Fairmount Historic District and Magnolia Ave! Here’s how we’d spend the perfect day:

Take a drive or stroll through the beautiful Elizabeth Avenue and make your way north to the Fairmount Historic District. Each home in the neighborhood is uniquely beautiful – from 4 squares to bungalows – these American Craftsman homes are colorful and cozy. Be sure to stop by the Fairmount Community Library off 5th and Allen to see what’s happening!

Continue your journey by making a stop at the Fairmount Community Garden where neighbors tend to plots of vegetables, butterfly gardens, and herbs. You’re sure to come across a few feral cats – they’re social and cared for collectively by the Fairmount community.

Before you know it, you’ll be in the heart of the Near Southside, Magnolia Ave, where you can enjoy some of our favorite local spots. Start your day with a quiche or seasonal cookie from Stir Crazy Baked Goods. Stroll down Magnolia Ave and explore the unique shops and local eateries along the way. One of our favorite coffee shops, White Rhino is just off Magnolia and 8th Avenue.

Be sure to sign up for a glass blowing experience at SiNaCa Studios and of course head to Grand Cru to “wine” down or, if wine isn’t your thing, stop by Lockwood Distilling for a refreshing cocktail. There are so many amazing restaurants and bars on Magnolia, you’re sure to find the perfect one to fit your vibe – from elevated to outdoor patios – after a beautiful day in our favorite neighborhood!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We’d like to give a “shout out” to the amazing Near Southside community, especially the volunteers and families in the Fairmount and Ryan Place neighborhoods. Since the Fairmount Community Library is volunteer-led and operated, its success depends on volunteers from throughout the Near Southside.

The re-launch of the library would not be possible with our energetic leadership who have propelled the reopening of the library over the last few years: former Board Chair, Alicia Bohannon, current Board Chair, Kat Valentine, and Treasurer Christina Brinker. We have a new board consisting of 14 members of which 13 are first time members. This new energy has breathed a new energy into the space and we’re so excited for our upcoming announcement our new slate of programming and hours of operation.

Website: https://www.fairmountcommunitylibrary.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairmountcommunitylibrary/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fairmountcommunitylibrary

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fairmount-community-library-fort-worth