Feb. 15, 2023 – FORT WORTH, TEXAS – Educators looking to build their classroom libraries are invited to select free books, DVDs, CDs and other items from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, and 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Fort Worth Public Library’s Central Library at 500 W. 3rd St. downtown.
The “Fill the Bag” events offer educators non-circulating, surplus items in good condition to enhance community vitality and support education and growth in Fort Worth. The available items span all ages and stages of learning, and include English and Spanish-language materials. This will be the second installment of the Library’s Fill the Bag events. The first took place in December of 2022 and drew in 252 educators.
“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to add so much literature to my classroom library,” said Fort Worth ISD teacher Katie Porter, who attended the events in December.
Educators, including Headstart and Pre-K through college-level instructors, will be provided one large tote bag to fill with whatever they feel will support their classroom. An additional tote bag will be provided for periodical materials if needed. Check-in will be at street level at the Central Library; all educators must bring their school ID and homeschool instructors may bring their Fort Worth Public Library Educator Card.
The Fort Worth City Council approved the free distribution of items on Nov. 8, 2022.
“As a public library system, we strive to keep the circulating collection in our locations relevant with new releases and popular items our patrons check out. After a while, we don’t need the same number of copies of an item and that adds to our surplus,” said Library spokesperson Theresa Davis, “Our leadership thought this was a great way to get these materials in the hands of those who could use and appreciate them.”
To learn more about the events, visit fwpl.info/fill.
Need an Educator Card? Signups will be available at the event. The cards allow educators to check out up to 100 items at a time for up to 42 days and reserve up to 25 items. As with regular checkouts, there are no fines on overdue materials, but cardholders are responsible for paying to replace lost or damaged items.
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About the Fort Worth Public Library – The Fort Worth Public Library is committed to building a community of learners, dreamers and doers. The Library strives to provide spaces for learning, self-discovery, shared experiences and personal growth. The Library operates as a department of the City of Fort Worth serving residents and visitors at 18 different locations around Fort Worth, Texas and through numerous community partnerships. www.FortWorthLibrary.org