🌳 Forest Hill Library District:

A Legacy of Learning and Community

Established 2000

The Forest Hill Library District is more than just a library—it is a community cornerstone, connecting people of all ages and backgrounds to information, technology, and lifelong learning.

📖 Our Founding Story

The vision for a public library in Forest Hill began with Mrs. Jerline Harvey, the passionate founder and original organizer of the Forest Hill Public Library. The first location opened its doors on July 30, 1988, inside the Forest Hill Plaza (formerly Forest Hill Mall). Mrs. Harvey was instrumental in guiding the library's growth, and in 2007, she accepted a gift-deeded parcel of land at 6962 Forest Hill Drive, where a new library would soon take shape. She served faithfully as a Library Trustee until 2016, leaving a legacy of commitment and service.

🧱 A Community Built on Dedication

Before the library’s founding, Forest Hill residents accessed the Fort Worth Public Library free of charge—until 1985, when surrounding communities were encouraged to establish their own library systems.

The Forest Hill community rallied with its first fundraiser during the Texas Sesquicentennial Celebration in May 1986, where a skydiver delivered the “first brick” of the future library. This symbolic brick was auctioned off mid-air and purchased by citizen Art Cowsen. The first memorial gift was given in memory of Garland and Billye Tidwell.

📚 Growth and Resilience

After receiving a $600,000 construction grant in 1988, the Library faced a major hurdle—no suitable land was available. As a result, the library remained in its 2,000-square-foot mall space for seven years. In 1994, due to city budget cuts, the library was forced to close.

However, the story didn’t end there.

Thanks to continued community support and leadership, the new Forest Hill Library was completed and opened in June 2008. This 7,700-square-foot facility now sits on 5.29 acres and was designed with future expansion in mind. Its architecture includes Austin Chalk Stone siding, a standing seam metal roof, ADA-compliant access, drive-up book drop, and bike racks.

🏛️ Friends of the Library Community Room

A dedicated Community Room, connected by a gallery hall, supports civic, cultural, and educational events. In 2023, this space was formally named in honor of the Friends of the Library. It offers seating for up to 45 people and is available for private events and public programs. Please refer to the Community Room Rental Policy for more information.

🌐 Regional Impact & Strategic Growth

In July 2023, the Forest Hill Library District entered into an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Everman, TX, extending library services to its residents.

Today, the Forest Hill Library District thrives as a hub for education, resources, and community gatherings. We’ve established strong partnerships with Tarrant County, FWISD and Everman ISD, local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. We host year-round events for children, teens, adults, and seniors.

Looking ahead, we are excited to move into our next chapter of growth—including plans for a new building expansion to better serve our growing and diverse communities.

💡 Our Mission

The Forest Hill Library District serves as a dynamic community center, engaging a diverse population with access to technology and vital resources. Our mission is to:

• Promote the value of reading and self-expression
• Support lifelong learning, independence, and personal achievement
• Empower individuals through access to information and opportunity