Downtown Fort Worth could be getting its library back. Here’s planned location

Fort Worth could finally be getting a fully functioning downtown library branch.

The City Council will vote on whether to purchase the the Center for Transforming Lives building at 512 W. Fourth St. at its Aug. 13 meeting, according to a city press release.

Downtown has been without a traditional library branch since June 2023 after the library building at 505 W. Third St. was sold to Dallas-based Dart Interests for $18 million . The developer is considering a 20-story tower on the site.

The city was in talks to lease a 8,700-square foot space at 100 Main St. in September 2023 , but those negations fell through.

The building proposed for the new downtown branch is owned by the nonprofit Center for Transforming Lives — formerly known as the YWCA Fort Worth & Tarrant County. The group works with women and children struggling with poverty and homelessness, and is building a larger campus at 3001 S. Riverside Drive.

The city’s library department is proposing using funds from the sale of the old downtown library building to fund the $6.5 million purchase along with $6.5 million in updates, according to a library spokesperson.

Downtown residents will still be able to use the “Express Library” branch during renovations. It is in a roughly 100 square foot office in the city hall building at 200 Texas St.

“The new Fort Worth Downtown Library will enrich the downtown landscape, and serve as a vibrant hub for learning, innovation, and community engagement,” said Fort Worth City council member Elizabeth Beck, who represents downtown.

She noted the new site at 512 W. Fourth St. holds a special place in the hearts of residents and its use as the new library branch illustrates the city’s dedication to preserving its history while evolving to meet changing needs.