'Open Access' allows use of library outside regular hours
Published on October 03, 2022
Tamara Pearce's daughter needed a book for school, and the mom knew just where to get it. But on Mondays, Fort Worth Public Library locations don't open until noon.
"I just used the Open Access to the Northwest branch," Pearce said. "It was so easy and convenient. I was able to come straight to the library after dropped her off at a school. It was such a time-saver!"
Her 3-year-old daughter loved feeling special because they were able to go inside by themselves. "We will definitely be using this awesome feature again," Pearce said.
As part of a new service launch, Fort Worth Public Library cardholders may access materials and resources outside of regular operating hours at the Northwest Branch Library. The new service, “Open Access," allows a cardholder 18 years and older to use their Fort Worth Public Library card to enter the building during set extended hours each day when the library is normally closed. Visitors may use their library for self-service functions such as checking out materials, printing/copying documents and using public computers. Existing cardholders must agree to specific service terms and have staff enable Open Access on patron library cards before accessing the service.
“Open Access is just another way we are working to remove barriers between the public and the resources available inside our buildings,” said Library Director Manya Shorr. “We are looking to implement this service at locations where, for example, we see a large commuter population that may have difficulty accessing the library during the day. We’ll expand this service with careful consideration.”
Open Access started at Northwest on Sept. 3.
Morgan Walls has used Fort Worth libraries for a couple of years, usually visiting the library once or twice a week. Open Access might just be the best thing to ever happen to the library, Walls said.
“Open Access helps me get easy access to pick up my holds and borrow movies when I wouldn’t be able to,” Walls said. “My favorite thing about the library is how easy it is to use. I can borrow movies and books with just a few steps.”
Open Access expands hours for patrons with access to Northwest from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, a day that location is normally closed. During the other days of the week, Open Access allows cardholders to use the library from 8 a.m. to normal opening times in the mornings, and from closing to 10 p.m. in the evenings. Open Access hours are not available on Fort Worth Public Library holidays.
“This is the type of innovation and continuous improvement we like to see from our City departments,” said Fort Worth Assistant City Manager Jesica McEachern. “Our Library’s continued commitment to exceptional customer service and breaking down barriers to access is commendable.”
Services available during Open Access include use of the self-service kiosk to borrow or return items; picking up holds; use of public computers; accessing the facility’s Wi-Fi; and printing, scanning or copying documents. Some items will not be available during Open Access, including checkouts of items such as hotspots and musical instruments; and use of video game consoles or 3D printers. Northwest’s creative lab is closed during Open Access.
Kaeleen Williams is taking full advantage of Open Access at Northwest. “This is amazing! I’ve been looking for a spot close to home to go sit and read or plan for homeschool week on Sundays and after my kids are in bed at night,” Williams said. “It’s nice to not have to spend a ton of money to sit somewhere or worry about noise level. Thank you so much for doing this.”