Ft Worth Times

Visitors to the Fort Worth Public Library’s newest facility will be greeted with large windows that let natural light pour into the interior, details and art that feature treelike structures and designs, amenities such as a quiet reading room and study spaces – and a 12-foot-long dinosaur made of car parts.

Why it matters: The community is invited to help celebrate the grand opening of the new Vivian J. Lincoln Library at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 8, at 8829 McCart Ave. in far southwest Fort Worth.

Highlights of the 18,000-square-foot building include:

• An atrium-like element in the center called “the lantern,” which caps the children’s area with a bank of windows along the ceiling that are supported by treelike posts.
• Fabled, an art piece by Area C Projects, features portals to multimedia submissions from community members.
• An Idea Lab where visitors of all ages can create and explore.
• Special spaces including a large meeting room that can be divided, a conference room, quiet reading room and study spaces.
• Bumpersaurus, a sculpture composed of car and machine parts originally donated to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, relocated to the Central Library and now at the Vivian J. Lincoln Library.
• A City of Fort Worth municipal court.

What they’re saying: “We are excited to offer city services in this fast-growing area of Fort Worth,” said Marilyn Marvin, interim director of the Fort Worth Public Library. “The community support has already been tremendous, and we know the Lincoln Library will provide a gathering place for everyone to learn, dream and do new things.”

“This library will provide an incredible focal point for Far Southwest Fort Worth neighbors to come together,” said District 6 Councilmember Jared Williams. “I know the Vivian J. Lincoln Library will be an important part of what brings a sense of community and opportunities for lifelong learning to residents of this vibrant community for years to come.”

“My mom would have been so humbled, delighted and filled with gratitude to have the newest library named in her honor,” said Melissa Smith, Vivian J. Lincoln’s daughter. “Her lifelong commitment to children and excellence in education will continue to be nurtured through each and every individual who visits the Vivian J. Lincoln library.”

Go deeper: Nestled next to a growing residential area, the library parklike property includes a small hiking trail behind the library. The facility is one way Fort Worth is expanding services to the far southwest corner of the city. The new library is named for Vivian J. Lincoln (1956-2022), a longtime public educator who was principal of Jackie Carden Elementary School in Crowley ISD for 15 years before retiring in 2017. Her name was selected through a public voting process. Funding for the $9.6 million construction cost project was through the 2018 Bond.

Original source can be found here.