We’re looking forward to introducing you to FCL. Check out our conversation below.
FCL, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
At Fairmount Community Library, our contribution to the invisible thread of community makes us proud. We provide a third space for many – families, children, volunteers, and neighbors – where connections are made through our diverse range of programming (book clubs, children’s programs, meet-ups, partnerships with other nonprofits, celebrations and more). Providing a wide range of literary offerings also enables our patrons to make educational and thoughtful connections with the world around them
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Fairmount Community Library has been serving the Near Southside since 2015. We renovated and reopened to the public in 2023.
A small library in the heart of the historic Fairmount neighborhood of Fort Worth, FCL is not associated with a public library system. Our library operates because of the hard work and dedication of volunteers from the community since its opening in 2015.
We strive to be open to all our neighbors and to provide exceptional service to those who visit us. FCL is a place that allows anyone – even those with no address or ID – to check out books. FCL offers book lending with over 5,000+ titles and includes an extensive Fort Worth book collection, as well as fiction, non-fiction, books for young readers, young adult novels, graphic novels, and Spanish language books.
Our volunteers and members from the community lead a variety of recurring programs for babies, toddlers, children and young adults, and adults.
FCL’s facilities include a children’s reading room, a classroom, an fenced patio, a central reading lounge, and a Texas Native garden in front. We recently introduced a seed library for gardeners of all levels to share their love of plants. Visitors can enjoy free wifi, a coffee bar, and printing services.
During the winter months, we host a coat drive for neighbors to leave new and used coats for those in need. We also partner with other small organizations to help with community stocking drives, pet adoption events, and more. FCL volunteers participate in events hosted by the Near Southside and by the Fairmount Neighborhood Association.
FCL is more than just books. We are a space for our neighbors to come together.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
FCL was closed for a number of years while we worked to make significant renovations in tandem with the pandemic. Our previous board set up a “Movers and Shakers” Facebook group to bring neighbors together who cared about the future of the library and it’s place in Fairmount. Once a core group of volunteers came together, we were able to see a pathway into the future. This group of community volunteers cleaned the space, renovated floors, painted walls, improved landscaping, took inventory of books and materials, until the library was able to re-open once again in 2022. Today, the library continues to grow. We’ve seen a significant increase in volunteers, expanded programming offerings, and updated children’s reading room and classroom.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
At Fairmount Community Library, we are committed to being a safe and nurturing third space for all neighbors who walk through our doors. Fundamentally, FCL is more than just books and we seek to expand into a micro community center with robust programming, access to resources and a place where all can come to learn, discover, create and connect.
The mission of the Fairmount Community Library (FCL) is to unite, engage, and enrich the Fort Worth community by providing a welcoming space that actively fosters learning, literacy, cultural appreciation, diverse entertainment, and hands-on educational opportunities for learners of all ages.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
We hope our neighbors would share their personal stories of making connections in our space. Whether it was meeting a new friend at Busy Babies or Toddler Time, enjoying a fan-favorite film during Craftflix and Chill, or having a lively discussion at one of the many neighborhood book clubs, these stories would keep the spirit of FCL alive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fairmountcommunitylibrary.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairmountcommunitylibrary/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fairmountcommunitylibrary
- Other: https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/Fairmount-Community-Library/
