About Us
Our Mission
The Forest Hill Library District serves as a community center that engages a diverse group of people and connects them to emerging technologies which serve as a gateway to resources within and beyond our walls in order to: promote the value of reading and self-expression in our citizens, promote lifelong learning, independence and individual personal achievement.
Our History
The City of Forest Hill residents were able to use the Fort Worth Public Library free of charge until 1985. After which, citizens living in surrounding areas had to establish their own libraries for their community. The first fundraiser for the Forest Hill Library was the Sesquicentennial Celebration with a parade and a skydiver delivering the first brick. This brick was auctioned off as the diver descended. Forest Hill citizen, Art Cowsen, purchased the brick in May of 1986. (The brick and photo of the skydiver and Mr. Cowsen are on display in the new library.) The first memorial gift was given in memory of Garland and Billye Tidwell. The first Forest Hill Library opened July 30, 1987 in the Forest Hill Mall. The Library received a $600,000 Construction Grant in 1988. However, land could not be found on which to construct a library. Therefore, the Library was certified for seven years in the 2,000 square foot area in Forest Hill Mall. The Library was funded by the city until 1994, when financing ceased due to city budgetary shortfalls. The loss of funding resulted in the closing of the Library in 1994.
The new Forest Hill Library opened its doors in June 2008. The 7,700 square foot structure sits on 5.29 acres of land. The Library’s design leads toward future expansion. The building, pre-engineered with Austin Chalk Stone siding, is covered with a standing seam metal roof. The facility has a concrete parking lot with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) parking, entrances and services to accommodate the handicapped. A drive up book drop and a bicycle rack further accommodates citizens. The library features a Community Room separated from the main library by a gallery hall. This room, which has a forty-five person seating capacity, is used for civic, cultural, and educational programs. The landscaping was prepared by Dr. Dottie Woodson, Extension Program Specialist for the Water Conservation Project.