Haslet leaders discuss new library options, potential nonresident fee and consultant study
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Summary
Mayor and library board members discussed a proposed new Haslet library, proximity of a Fort Worth branch, possible nonresident card fees, an estimated $4 million construction cost, and a planned consultant study to assess future needs.
City of Haslet officials on March 25 reviewed options for library service and facilities as Fort Worth plans a new branch about two miles from the city limits and the local library board considers a possible nonresident fee.
Mayor (speaking in the meeting) said Fort Worth is building a new library on Avondale Haslet Road roughly two miles from Haslet’s limits and noted Fort Worth’s policy charges nonresidents a $50 annual card fee. “It will open within 2 years, as I understand,” the mayor said about the Fort Worth facility. The mayor also gave a rough cost estimate for a potential new Haslet facility: “Why don't you take, 8,000 square feet times $500 a square foot. And that's $4,000,000. Approximately 4,000,000.”
Commissioners and staff discussed whether Haslet should wait to see the effect of the Fort Worth branch before committing to a new local library and raised concerns about capacity. One commissioner said the current library is about 3,500–3,600 gross square feet and sometimes turns nonresidents away from programs because rooms are full. The mayor and staff said the city budget includes funding to retain a consultant to study Haslet’s future growth and facility needs; staff estimated the city’s population could reach about 9,000 once planned housing is complete.
Officials said the conceptual site depicted in materials is not currently city-owned and that the $4 million figure is a ballpark estimate subject to design and engineering. The mayor said the city has not yet investigated potential grant sources in detail.
If the library board pursues a nonresident fee, staff said it would likely require a recommendation to City Council and additional planning; the mayor and staff indicated some attrition of nonresident users could occur if a fee were charged. No formal action was taken; the discussion was an informational workshop item and the city will retain a consultant to study facility needs.
