1-Attachment 5 FW Library Community Engagement Report 2026-06-04.pdf

Downtown Fort Worth Library | Community Engagement Report June 2026

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT

Downtown Fort Worth Library

A Narrative Synthesis of Community, Civic, and Business Input

Prepared by

DEI Consultants, LLC

June 3, 2026

125+ Stakeholders

Survey Respondents

In-Person Participants

14,074 ThoughtExchange Ratings

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Table of Contents

Introduction: Target Groups and the General Public Section I: Community Engagement Activities Section II: Listening Session Findings (In-Person) Section III: Online Survey Findings — Top 5 Themes Section IV: ThoughtExchange Open-Ended Question Section V: Combined Synthesis — What We Heard Across All Inputs Section VI: Secondary (Emerging but Strong) Themes

Page numbers are approximate and may vary based on printer settings.

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Introduction: Target Groups and the General Public As Fort Worth reimagines its Downtown Library Branch, over 125 stakeholders — including ECBuild, EwingCole, 720 Design, Downtown Businesses, Downtown Residents and Citizen Groups, Education and Cultural Groups, and Unhoused Patrons — were invited to share their important voices.

The result was hundreds of voices contributing to a shared vision. Through in-person community listening sessions, online surveys, and downtown engagement events, people spoke passionately about their hopes and thoughts about the new library.

Their responses reveal both imagination and practicality. Across ages and sectors, participants see the Downtown Library as more than a building. It is the heartbeat of civic life, a place that connects people, knowledge, and opportunity.

“It be the one place downtown where everyone belongs.”

— Community participant

Section I: Community Engagement Activities

Summary and Areas for Deeper Engagement The community engagement process generated valuable input from residents, civic leaders, nonprofits, educators, and library supporters. However, several populations may have been underrepresented:

• Youth and young adults

• Unhoused residents

• Non-English-speaking communities

• Working-class and shift-working residents

• Parents and caregivers

• Some racial and cultural groups whose participation levels did not fully reflect Fort

Worth's broader demographics

While efforts were made to offer engagement opportunities at different times, participation barriers related to work schedules, childcare responsibilities, language access, transportation, and digital access likely influenced who was able to attend and contribute.

Future outreach efforts that incorporate targeted partnerships, multilingual engagement, family-friendly participation options, flexible feedback methods, and additional outreach to underrepresented communities would help ensure the library's vision reflects the full diversity of Fort Worth's residents.

Note on Representation Incorporating targeted partnerships, multilingual engagement, family-friendly participation options, and flexible feedback methods in future outreach will help ensure the library's vision reflects the full diversity of Fort Worth's residents.

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1. In-Person Listening Sessions Six facilitated sessions were held in September 2025, with 70 in-person participants across morning, afternoon, and evening time slots.

Date Time

September 4, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

September 4, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

September 10, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

September 13, 2025 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

September 17, 2025 8:00 am – 10:00 am

September 17, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Listening Session Questions

1. What role do you think the new downtown library should play in our community today?

2. What kinds of programs or events would you or your family be most likely to attend at the new downtown library?

3. Are there any topics or skills you would like to learn more about through the new downtown library offerings?

4. What services would make the new downtown library most useful to you (e.g., job support, tech access, study space, creative tools)?

5. What do you want to do or experience at the downtown library that you cannot do or experience anywhere else?

6. What barriers, if any, would prevent you from using the new downtown library often?

7. How can the new downtown library be welcoming and inclusive for people from all walks of life?

8. Imagine the new downtown library five years from now — what do you hope to see?

2. Online Survey Administered by the City of Fort Worth The online survey was powered by ThoughtExchange and administered by the City of Fort Worth.

Summary of Community Survey Findings The Downtown Fort Worth Library community survey engaged 808 participants, with 753 respondents completing the opening question and between 559 and 753 respondents contributing across individual topics. While participation gradually declined over the course of the survey, the findings remained consistent throughout.

Survey respondents expressed strong support for a downtown library that serves as both a center for learning and a vibrant community destination. Lifelong learning, access to books and

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Respondents also emphasized the importance of welcoming, safe, and accessible spaces that foster connection across diverse populations. While parking, hours of operation, and transportation were identified as key barriers, the overall vision was clear: residents want a downtown library that honors Fort Worth's history while providing innovative programs, modern amenities, and opportunities for lifelong learning, creativity, and community engagement.

Thirty-six questions were included in the survey, with four focused on demographics: gender, race, ethnicity, and level of education. Information on the ages of respondents or their area of residence within the city was not collected.

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Section II: Listening Session Findings (In-Person)

Summary Seventy community members participated in facilitated discussions to help shape the vision for the new Downtown Fort Worth Library. Participants consistently envisioned a library that is more than a place for books — a welcoming community hub that fosters learning, creativity, connection, and belonging.

The strongest themes included creating a vibrant gathering place, expanding arts and cultural programming, supporting lifelong learning and technology access, preserving Fort Worth's history and identity, and providing flexible spaces for study, collaboration, and community events. Participants also emphasized the importance of accessibility, safety, inclusion, and addressing practical barriers such as parking, transportation, and hours of operation.

Question 1: Role of the Library in the Community When asked what role the library should play, participants voiced remarkably consistent themes. They envision a welcoming, flexible public hub that balances modern innovation with Fort Worth's historic soul.

Theme Approx. % of Mentions

Stakeholder Alignment

Community Hub / Third Space 58% Shared across all groups — residents, businesses, and nonprofits

Books, Reading and Discovery 15% Residents, educators, and heritage advocates

Welcoming, Inclusive and Safe 12% Residents, community organizations, families, and advocates

Cultural and Historical Identity 10% Artists, historians, local businesses

Accessibility and Green Space 5% Residents, urban planners, and community members

Residents and downtown professionals alike described a library that feels alive — a central gathering place with free access, shaded green space, and areas to read, study, meet, or simply pause. They want it to be walkable and welcoming, with cafes, cozy seating, and flexible areas for events or quiet reflection.

A strong secondary theme was the return of books and stacks, especially those removed during COVID. Participants asked that the library maintain its identity as a “place of discovery” where browsing, curiosity, and history remain visible.

“Don’t be too modern — keep the books, keep the history, keep the heart.”

— Respondent

Question 2: Programs and Events the Community Envisions

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The public described a library full of creative energy — alive with programs that mix learning, arts, and connection.

Program Theme Approx. % of

Stakeholder Alignment

Arts, Culture and Creativity 24% Artists, educators, and civic groups

Educational and Lifelong Learning

22% Residents, teachers, and families

STEM and STEAM 18% Parents, schools, students, and innovation advocates

Community Events and Small- Group Learning

15% Nonprofits, neighborhood groups, and residents

Writing, Literature and Author Programs

12% Writers, readers, and educators

People called for lectures, artist talks, concerts, poetry nights, and exhibits that make the library an arts and ideas center. They also emphasized STEM and STEAM programs for all ages, with learning through robotics, digital media, or creative technology.

A repeated insight: people do not want passive spaces — they want to learn by doing.

Participants referenced a “Library of Many Things,” with tool-lending, maker classes, and opportunities to experiment with new skills.

“Don’t make a building full of stuff no one knows how to use; teach us how to create.”

— Respondent

Question 3: Skills the Community Wants to Learn Across demographics, learning requests centered on practical growth — skills that strengthen both personal and professional life.

Learning Theme Approx. % of

Stakeholder Alignment

Life and Practical Skills 31% Residents, families, and nonprofits

Career and Job Readiness 24% Businesses, workforce agencies, and young adults

Technology and Digital Literacy 19% Residents, seniors, students, and tech partners

Creative and Writing Skills 15% Writers, educators, young adults, and teens

Intergenerational and Peer Learning

11% Residents, seniors, parents, and youth advocates

People want hands-on classes: home repair, tool use, budgeting, first-time home buying, and “adulting” for teens. Writing, speech, and communication skills were also popular, often paired

DEI Consultants, LLC Page 8 with intergenerational learning like older residents teaching typing or sewing, and youth teaching digital tools.

“Learning should be practical, personal, and passed between generations.”

— Respondent

Questions 4 and 5: Services that Would Be Most Useful Services reflect the modern library’s expanding mission — from access and comfort to social support and creative space.

Top Service Approx. % of

Stakeholder Alignment

Study and Meeting Spaces 27% Shared by all groups, especially students, businesses, and remote workers

Technology Access and Tools 22% All groups, especially students, entrepreneurs, and creatives

Job and Workforce Support 18% Jobseekers and workforce partners

Community Services and Partnerships

17% All groups, nonprofits, and social service providers

Accessibility and Comfort 11% Seniors, families, and caregivers

Quiet study zones and reservable group rooms were the most requested features. Residents also supported expanding technology access — Wi-Fi, laptops, design software, and practice rooms for musicians emerged as a unique local idea.

Many urged a compassionate approach to the unhoused: “Public space is for everyone — find ways to help, not exclude.” This view tied closely to a desire for staff training and partnerships with community organizations to connect unhoused patrons to services.

Question 6: Barriers to Use The most common obstacles were practical — parking, hours, and comfort — but participants also discussed deeper issues of access and perception.

Barrier Approx. % of

Stakeholder Alignment

Parking and Transportation 33% Universal across all groups

Hours and Scheduling 25% Families, workers, and students

Safety and Security 16% Residents and business leaders

Accessibility and Comfort 12% Residents, seniors, and mobility-impaired patrons

Building and Environment 9% Preservation advocates and planners

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Parking availability was the single most cited concern. Respondents also requested later evening and weekend hours to make the library more accessible to working people.

Several noted that historic preservation, while valued, creates spatial and environmental trade-offs — balancing heritage with functionality.

“The building’s beauty is part of its magic, but it needs to work for everyone.”

— Respondent

Question 7: Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment Participants described inclusion not just as a policy but as an atmosphere — rooted in accessibility, safety, and kindness.

Inclusion Priority Approx. % of

Stakeholder Alignment

Accessibility for All 28% Advocates, seniors, and families

Staff Warmth and Training 23% All groups, especially residents

Multilingual and Cultural Representation

18% All groups, especially cultural and immigrant organizations

Calm and Safety 17% Residents and business stakeholders

Support for Vulnerable Populations

14% Social service and nonprofit partners

People emphasized the need for trauma-informed staff who can balance empathy with clear boundaries. Multilingual signage and programs — beyond Spanish to Asian and refugee languages — were frequently mentioned. Participants also addressed the digital divide and literacy barriers, asking the library to serve those who cannot yet read or access technology independently.

“Libraries are where people feel safe. Let’s make sure everyone still can.”

— Respondent

Question 8: The Library Five Years from Now Looking ahead, community members see the library as both a civic landmark and a living network of learning.

Vision Theme Approx. % of

Stakeholder Alignment

Active and Well-Used Hub 32% Shared by all sectors

Downtown Pride and Destination

22% All, especially business and tourism leaders

Safety, Comfort and Maintenance

18% Residents and families

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Vision Theme Approx. % of Mentions

Stakeholder Alignment

Partnerships and Cultural Integration

14% Families, nonprofits, and civic groups

Modernization and Innovation 8% Tech and education partners

Enduring and Supported 6% City leadership and donors

Participants envisioned a building buzzing with life — with people streaming in and out, every floor in use, and programs for all ages. They want a library that symbolizes Fort Worth pride, drawing visitors downtown while serving as a cultural anchor. Many called for more marketing and visible leadership support to ensure the library remains funded and celebrated.

“Keep it open. Keep it alive. Keep it ours.”

Cross-Cutting Insights

1. Connection Across Sectors All groups — residents, nonprofits, and businesses — see the library as the city’s crossroads, linking education, commerce, and community.

2. Shared Language of Access Whether about hours, Wi-Fi, or transit, “access” emerged as the community’s most consistent word.

3. Balance Between Heritage and Innovation Participants want both to preserve the story of Fort Worth and modernize the experience.

4. Safety and Dignity as Design Principles Welcoming spaces require trained staff, thoughtful layout, and compassionate policies.

5. Pride and Visibility The library’s success depends on civic championing — with leaders promoting it as Fort Worth’s gathering place.

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Section III: Online Survey Findings — Top 5 Themes The Fort Worth community does not just want a new library. They want a living symbol of what the city stands for — a place where curiosity meets connection, where learning feels like belonging, and where everyone has a seat at the table.

“The library should be the heart of Fort Worth — open, alive, and built for everyone.”

— Respondent

Summary of Top 5 Themes Analysis of the community survey revealed five interconnected priorities for the future Downtown Fort Worth Library. Respondents envision a library that remains grounded in learning and literacy while also serving as a welcoming community hub, a center for technology access and digital equity, a destination for cultural enrichment and creative expression, and a space that is accessible, safe, and inclusive for all.

Together, these findings reflect a desire for a library that balances traditional library services with evolving community needs — creating a place where people can learn, connect, create, and belong.

Theme 1: Learning and Literacy at the Core Supporting Data Points Key Insights

Q3: Borrow books/e-books/media — 78% Q4:

Lifelong learning and education hub — 83% Q8:

Author talks/book clubs — 76% Q9: Creative arts/writing — 64% Q14: Access to books/materials rated “very important” — 87%

Across nearly every question, respondents centered the library’s role in reading, learning, and discovery. Books remain the anchor, but “learning” extends beyond reading to creativity, self-development, and lifelong curiosity.

Community members see the library as a place of becoming. They want a downtown branch that honors traditional literacy while also expanding into writing workshops, arts-based learning, and intergenerational education. The word “learning” came through not as formal schooling, but as “fuel for growth.”

“A place where curiosity and creativity collide.”

— Survey respondent

Theme 2: Community and Connection Supporting Data Points Key Insights

Q4: Community gathering and event center — 61% Q4: Safe space for youth and families — 55% Q5: Safe, inclusive spaces for connection — 57% Q7: Lounge and reading areas — 79% Q11:

Inclusive programs and events — 57%

Respondents consistently envisioned the downtown library as a “third space” — a civic living room where people from all backgrounds can gather, collaborate, and connect. It is less about services and more about belonging and shared identity.

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The community wants more than a library. They want a hub for connection — a place to meet neighbors, attend events, and feel rooted in the heart of downtown. They see the library as Fort Worth’s social anchor: a safe, welcoming place that reflects who they are and who they are becoming.

“A shared space where learning and life intersect.”

— Survey respondent

Theme 3: Technology, Access and Digital Equity Supporting Data Points Key Insights

Q4: Technology access and digital inclusion — 58% Q5: Technology or internet access as a challenge — 68% Q6: More technology/digital literacy programs — 62% Q7: Tech labs or maker spaces — 48% Q9: Digital skills and technology

— 56%

Respondents clearly identified digital access as a modern necessity. They want the library to bridge the technology gap by offering tools, training, and Wi-Fi — ensuring that students, job seekers, entrepreneurs, and seniors can all participate in the digital economy.

The community sees the library as a digital gateway, not just a physical space. They want both access to technology and help mastering it. This includes device use, digital literacy, creative tech such as 3D printing, and online safety skills.

“Technology is empowerment when someone helps you use it.”

— Survey respondent

Theme 4: Cultural Enrichment and Creative Expression Supporting Data Points Key Insights

Q4: Cultural enrichment through arts and exhibits

— 61% Q7: Art displays or rotating exhibits — 65% Q8: Arts and crafts workshops — 61% Q9:

Creative arts or writing — 64% Q28: Arts and creative programs rated “important/very important” — 76%

Respondents view the downtown branch as a cultural centerpiece that celebrates Fort Worth’s artistic and historical identity. They want opportunities to create, learn, and experience art in many forms — from exhibits and performances to hands-on workshops.

People want the library to reflect Fort Worth’s creativity and diversity — not only through books, but through expression and experience. They see art, storytelling, and local culture as ways to unite the community and inspire civic pride.

“A cultural heartbeat for the city where art, stories, and people meet.”

— Survey respondent

Theme 5: Accessibility, Safety and Inclusion Supporting Data Points Key Insights

Q10: Limited parking — 74% (top barrier) Q10:

Limited hours — 52% (barrier) Q11: Clear safety and conduct policies — 70% Q11: Accessibility

Accessibility concerns — physical, cultural, and emotional — were among the most common themes. The community wants a library that feels safe, open, and equitable for everyone, DEI Consultants, LLC Page 13

Supporting Data Points Key Insights enhancements — 47% Q11: Multi-lingual signage and staff — 48% regardless of age, language, ability, or circumstance.

Residents envision a welcoming and inclusive environment — physically accessible, emotionally safe, and culturally reflective. They emphasize extended hours, safe design, multilingual communication, and equitable access to services. This is not only about safety, but about feeling seen and welcome in the heart of Fort Worth.

“Everyone should feel like they belong the moment they walk in.”

— Survey respondent

Summary of Community-Identified Priorities Theme Primary Focus Areas Community Takeaway

1. Learning and Literacy

Reading, creativity, lifelong learning, authors, discovery

The library remains Fort Worth’s center for books, ideas, and personal growth.

2. Community and Connection

Gathering spaces, safe and inclusive environments, intergenerational activities

A civic “third space” where neighbors connect, families gather, and community pride grows.

3. Technology and Digital Equity

Tech access, digital literacy, maker tools, Wi-Fi, innovation

A bridge across the digital divide ensuring all residents have the tools to thrive.

4. Cultural Enrichment

Art, exhibits, cultural events, storytelling, local history

A cultural heartbeat celebrating art, history, and shared identity.

5. Accessibility and Inclusion

Parking, hours, ADA access, multilingual communication, safety

A library that feels open, safe, and welcoming to every person.

Across all data sources, Fort Worth residents, families, business leaders, and community partners consistently described a downtown library that is more than a building: it is a symbol of belonging and civic renewal. People see it as the place where curiosity, creativity, and connection converge — a downtown anchor that honors Fort Worth’s history while embracing its future.

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Section IV: ThoughtExchange Open-Ended Question

Overview The ThoughtExchange process is a collaborative, anti-bias platform used to gather, rate, and analyze qualitative and quantitative feedback from a group. The process is designed to give every individual a voice and surface the most important insights that resonate with the group — allowing leaders to make data-driven decisions.

The ThoughtExchange platform collects feedback where a broad question is posed to a community, and participants anonymously share, rate, and discuss ideas. This iterative process generates ranked qualitative and quantitative data, which is then analyzed by AI to produce actionable insights, identify common themes, and help leaders make informed decisions and drive community alignment.

The ThoughtExchange Question Imagine the library five years from now. What do you hope to see?

Participants Thoughts Shared Ratings Given

821 561 14,074

Note: These participants overlap with those who participated in the online survey.

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Figure 1: ThoughtExchange Star Score Ratings by Theme

Figure 2: Word Cloud of Most Frequently Used Terms

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The Three-Step Process Step 1: Share The leader of the exchange asks a broad, open-ended question to a group, which can range from a small team to a large community. Participants share their thoughts and answers anonymously. This step helps to collect a wide range of ideas without the influence of social pressure or bias based on who is speaking.

Step 2: Rate After sharing their own thoughts, participants are shown other people’s responses. They rate these anonymous thoughts on a scale of one to five stars, prioritizing the ideas they agree with or find most important. Participants can return to the exchange to share additional thoughts and rate more ideas as they are added.

Step 3: Discover Once the exchange concludes, participants can view the results, which show how the thoughts were rated by the group. Leaders gain access to an AI-powered dashboard that provides instant analysis of the data. The AI organizes responses into key themes, highlighting the most highly rated ideas and identifying common ground and points of divergence.

Summary of ThoughtExchange Findings “The responses envision a future library as a multifaceted community hub that retains its traditional role of offering books and quiet spaces for study while expanding to include modern resources and programs. There is a strong emphasis on accessibility, ensuring the library is centrally located, incorporating modern technology, and maintaining an inclusive, safe environment. The library is also expected to house arts and cultural activities, provide educational programming across ages, and act as a reliable source of information. Architectural preservation, vibrant community engagement, and diverse programming are highlighted as priorities to enrich the community experience.”

— ThoughtExchange AI Analysis, September 29, 2025

“The envisioned library in five years is a vibrant community hub in downtown Fort Worth, emphasizing accessibility, inclusivity, and safety.

Respondents desire a modern yet welcoming environment featuring diverse cultural and educational programs, including facilities for digital and technological learning.”

— ThoughtExchange AI Analysis, September 29, 2025

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Section V: Combined Synthesis — What We Heard Across All Inputs

Overview Across both the online community survey (800+ respondents) and multiple in-person engagement sessions with residents, downtown businesses, nonprofits, and educators, a remarkably unified vision emerged for the new Downtown Fort Worth Library. The public sees the library not just as a building, but as a living hub where learning, creativity, and connection meet.

Five overarching themes cut across every data source and stakeholder group.

1. Learning and Literacy at the Core From both survey and discussion responses, the library’s most consistent role is as a center for lifelong learning, literacy, and curiosity. Over 80% of survey respondents chose “Lifelong Learning and Education Hub” as a top priority, echoed by workshop participants who described the library as “one of the last truly public spaces for discovery.”

Both groups emphasized:

• Access to books, stacks, and browsing experiences

• Opportunities for all ages to read, study, and learn together

• Programs that strengthen both traditional and digital literacy

“Keep the books, keep the history, keep the heart.”

— Respondent

2. A Welcoming Third Space for Community and Belonging Across engagements, the most emotionally charged theme was the desire for a community hub

— a safe, inclusive, and welcoming “third space” between home and work. Participants repeatedly used words like “alive,” “inviting,” and “accessible” to describe what they want the new downtown library to feel like.

Survey data reinforces this sentiment:

• 61% selected “Community gathering and event center”

• 55% highlighted “Safe space for youth and families”

In open-ended feedback, residents envisioned cozy seating, cafes, and flexible areas for both quiet reflection and energetic events — a space that “feels alive and used.”

“A place for dreaming, doing, and being.”

— Respondent

3. Creativity, Culture, and Connection Creativity was the bridge between learning and community. In-person sessions called for arts, cultural programs, and STEAM learning, while the survey confirmed strong demand for arts and crafts workshops (61%) and author talks or book clubs (76%).

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This theme blends expression and education:

• Rotating exhibits, lectures, concerts, and artist talks

• Spaces for makers, writers, and innovators of all ages

• Local cultural identity woven into design and programming

“Don’t make a building full of stuff no one knows how to use; teach us how to create.”

— Respondent

4. Accessibility, Inclusion, and Safety Participants defined “inclusion” not as policy, but as atmosphere — a mix of accessibility, multilingual support, calm, and respect. Community members emphasized trauma-informed staff, visible safety measures, and welcoming design.

Survey data aligns closely:

• 70% emphasized clear safety and conduct policies

• 48% prioritized multi-lingual signage and staff

• 47% valued accessibility enhancements

In-person input also highlighted outreach to unhoused and differently-abled patrons, connecting compassion with practical safety.

“Libraries are where people feel safe. Let’s make sure everyone still can.”

— Respondent

5. Practical Access and Everyday Use When discussing barriers and opportunities, participants focused on usability: parking, hours, Wi-Fi, technology, and comfort. Survey results reflect these realities:

• 74% cited parking as the main barrier

• 52% noted limited hours

• 68% highlighted the need for reliable tech and internet access

In workshops, people expanded these needs into a vision of ease and dignity: free access to devices, study spaces, and help navigating services. They also advocated for partnerships that make learning practical — from job readiness to financial literacy to creative tools.

“The library should be easy to reach, easy to use, and easy to belong in.”

— Respondent

Bringing It All Together Together, these themes reveal alignment across demographics and sectors:

• Residents, businesses, educators, and nonprofits want a dynamic civic space that combines Fort Worth’s heritage with future-ready design

• Both quantitative data and lived stories point to a library that is active, inclusive, and community-anchored

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• The common thread is connection — between people, ideas, and opportunity

“Keep it open. Keep it alive. Keep it ours.”

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Section VI: Secondary (Emerging but Strong) Themes

Overview While the five primary themes represent the clearest areas of consensus, several additional themes emerged strongly across both the survey and in-person engagements. These reflect important opportunities to enrich the design, programming, and partnerships of the new Downtown Fort Worth Library.

These secondary themes surfaced frequently and consistently across both the online survey and in-person engagements. They are the “connective tissue” of the community’s vision — the elements that give depth and character to the library’s role.

1. Youth and Intergenerational Connection Both data sets highlight a desire for the library to bring generations together — from youth mentorships to seniors teaching practical skills.

• In-person discussions proposed an “Adulting Series” for teens and intergenerational learning exchanges (typing, sewing, budgeting)

• Survey data supports this: 58% cited Youth Support and Engagement, and 39% marked Storytime or Children’s Programming

• This theme connects deeply to community resilience and lifelong belonging

“Older people can teach younger people, and younger people can teach us, too.”

— Respondent

2. Local History, Identity, and Pride Many participants see the downtown library as a keeper of Fort Worth’s story — part archive, part civic showcase.

• Engagement participants stressed preservation: “Keep the building historic. Keep the soul of Fort Worth visible”

• 76% of survey respondents favored arts, cultural, and historical exhibits, and 40% rated local history and genealogy as “very important”

• This theme intersects with both heritage preservation and place-making

“Don’t be too modern — keep the books, keep the history, keep the heart.”

— Respondent

3. Wellness and Mental Health While not a dominant top-five theme, well-being was voiced across multiple contexts — from quiet, restorative design to programs supporting emotional and mental health.

• In survey results, 42% prioritized wellness or mental health programs, and 30% ranked mental wellness programs as “important or very important”

• In workshops, people described the library as a “peaceful rest place” and a “mental break zone”

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• This reinforces the library’s evolving role as a place for balance and renewal, not just learning

“A place that restores you, not just informs you.”

— Respondent

4. Partnerships and Cross-Sector Collaboration There is strong appeal for collaboration with schools, universities, local businesses, arts organizations, and social services.

• Stakeholders envision shared programming and co-branded events

• 37% of survey respondents cited entrepreneurial or business support as important, and many comments called for partnerships with Workforce Solutions, FWISD, and the arts

• This builds sustainability and keeps the library woven into the life of the city

“Let’s make the library a crossroads where everyone has a reason to show up.”

— Respondent

5. Sustainability and Green Design An emergent but meaningful thread showed that respondents expressed interest in eco-friendly design, natural light, and outdoor green space.

• 46% selected sustainable or eco-friendly design as a desired feature

• Engagement participants requested green courtyards, rooftop gardens, and outdoor seating areas

• The library is seen not only as a community hub but as a model for environmental responsibility and urban calm

“We need green space to rest, reflect, and breathe.”

In Summary Together, these secondary themes reinforce the community’s call for a library that connects people, place, and purpose — not just through books and programs, but through shared identity, well-being, and sustainable civic life.

End of Report DEI Consultants, LLC | June 3, 2026