📰 About The Bookmark

The Bookmark is the Forest Hill Library District’s monthly digital newsletter — designed to keep our community informed and inspired.  Each issue of The Bookmark enlightens readers with updates on library happenings, offers valuable insight and features a Community Spotlight celebrating the people who make Forest Hill special.

Stay connected, stay curious, and stay part of our story — one issue at a time.

NOVEMBER 2025: SPECIAL EDITION

Honoring a Trailblazer: Mrs. Jerline M. Harvey

Community Pioneer | Library Founder | Visionary Leader

🌳 Rooted in Purpose

Born and raised in East Texas, Mrs. Jerline M. Harvey learned early the values of faith, family, and service — principles that guided her lifelong dedication to empowering others.  A natural leader in school and community, she carried her passion for education into her work as a State-Certified Vocational Counselor, helping individuals discover purpose and opportunity through learning.

🏡 A Legacy in Forest Hill

After making Forest Hill her home in 1975, Mrs. Harvey became a pillar of strength and leadership.  Her commitment to civic life touched every part of the community — from neighborhood safety programs to her historic election in 1989 as the first African American woman to serve on the Forest Hill City Council.

📚 Building a Community Through Knowledge

In 1988, Mrs. Harvey founded the city’s first public library, creating a place where everyone — regardless of background — could learn, connect, and grow.  Even after that original library closed, she never stopped advocating for access to information and education. Her persistence led to the creation of the Forest Hill Library District and, ultimately, the opening of the beautiful new library facility in 2008 — a true cornerstone of the community.

🌿 A Vision That Grew

Mrs. Harvey’s dream went beyond bookshelves. She envisioned the library as the heart of the city — a place for gardens, walking trails, and community gathering spaces that would nurture both mind and spirit.  In 2016, the Library Board honored her legacy by naming the facility The Jerline M. Harvey Public Library, a lasting tribute to her vision and service.

💫 An Enduring Impact

Mrs. Harvey passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy defined by compassion, leadership, and faith.  Her life’s work reminded all who knew her that one person’s vision could change the story of an entire community.

🌟Continuing Her Legacy

Today, Executive Director Michael Hardrick and his dedicated team continue to build upon Mrs. Harvey’s foundation — expanding programs, embracing innovation, and ensuring the library remains both a community hub and the heart of Forest Hill.  

Most recently, they have embarked on the important task of completing the much-needed and community-driven library expansion project — a reflection of the continued growth Mrs. Harvey envisioned.  Her dream lives on in every visitor who walks through the library doors, inspired by her belief that learning unites and uplifts all people.

📅 Stay Connected

For programming information, check out our monthly calendar and/or visit the following tabs: Children’s, Teens, Adults, Family and Podcast.  Be sure to tune in next month for the next issue of The Bookmark.

🏛️ FOREST HILL LIBRARY DISTRICT

Honoring Our Past. Inspiring Our Future.