Courtesy of Fort Worth Public Library
Reby Cary Youth Library
Fort Worth's newest public library is the city's first designed specifically for children.
A grand opening celebration for the Reby Cary Youth Library will take place Aug. 14 at 3851 E. Lancaster Ave., featuring outdoor games, live music, story times, crafts, and more. The 8,122-square-foot space is meant to serve children, teens, and their caregivers through a creative lab, sensory garden, and open spaces, along with books.
The Reby Cary Youth Library was an estimated $3.25 million project, funded by the bond approved by voters in 2014. Designed by KAI Texas and constructed by FPI Builders LLC, the space includes an interactive art installation, "Only Connect," that allows visitors to change its light colors via hidden buttons throughout the library.
The library takes its name from Reby Cary, the late Fort Worth educator who became the first Black instructor at Tarrant County Junior College in 1967, the first Black professor at the University of Texas at Arlington in 1969, and the first Black member of the Fort Worth Independent School District School Board, among other accomplishments.
Cary's daughter, Faith Ellis, is expected to participate in the grand opening ceremony.
Remarks begin at 9:30 a.m., with special guests including Mayor Mattie Parker, District 8 city councilman Chris Nettles, former councilwoman Kelly Allen Gray, and library director Manya Shorr.
“We are so excited to open the doors on this new library, and we know Fort Worth families are going to love it,” library director Manya Shorr said in a statement. “The laser-focus on children and youth will allow the Reby Cary Youth Library to go above and beyond the excellent work all our libraries provide to the community. It is fitting that Reby Cary’s name is on the building, as not only was he a barrier-breaking pioneer in so many aspects, but his priority was children and preparing them for bright futures.”