With its activity stations, bright colors, interactive art
installation and cozy cubbies, local architecture firm KAI purposefully
designed the library to serve children, teens and their caregivers, as well as
honor late Fort Worth civil rights pioneer and educator Reby Cary.
A grand opening celebration for the $5.49
million library was held on Aug. 14 and featured outdoor games, music
performances, story times, craft activities and more.
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Manya Shorr
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Special guests at
the ribbon cutting included Mayor Mattie Parker, District 8 City
Councilman Faith Ellis, the daughter of Reby Carys, Library Director Manya Shorr and former
City Councilmember Kelly Allen Gray.
Faith Ellis, the daughter of Reby Cary, also participated in the ceremony.
“In a city full of young families, Reby Cary
Youth Library exemplifies what Fort Worth is all about when it comes to
supporting parents and kiddos—a safe, innovative place for growth, exploration
and learning,” said Mayor Parker.
“I know our Fort Worth families are looking
forward to having fun in this new space, my own family included.”
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Kelly Allen Gray
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Named after local African American educator
Reby Cary who spent his life dedicated to learning as well as breaking down
racial divides, the Reby Cary Youth Library includes amenities such as a large
outdoor sensory garden to encourage neighbors to gather at the library, a maker
space which utilizes technology for creative activities, and multiple study
rooms.Instead of tall-stacked bookshelves and
hardback chairs typical of a traditional library, the library has lower
shelving and seating designed to encourage families to read together.
“We are so excited to open the doors on this
new library, and we know Fort Worth families are going to love it,” said
Library Director Shorr.
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Darren L. James
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“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.”
During the project’s design development phase, KAI’s team immersed
itself into the community to gather public input in an effort to blend the
building with the historical elements of the surrounding neighborhood.
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Chris Nettles
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“With the West Meadowbrook neighborhood evolving through an influx
of young couples and families, the neighborhood lacked facilities specifically
catering to children,” said KAI President Darren L. James, FAIA.
“We envisioned a library that was truly transformative for the
underserved neighborhood and encouraged children to embrace learning and take
pride in who they are and who they could become, much like the library’s
namesake.”
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Rendering of planned $5.49 million
Reby Cary Youth Library, Fort Worth, TX
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In addition to providing architectural and interior design
services on the project, KAI also coordinated the civil, landscape,
structural/mechanical/electrical/plumbing engineering, fire protection,
audio-visual, lighting, technology and cost estimating services through various
teaming partners.
The design team worked closely with award-winning artist Creative
Machines to create an interactive public art installation suspended
from the ceiling called “Only Connect."
The remarkable installation is made up of over 20,000 glass
marbles and cascading LED lights. Visitors can manipulate the artwork’s
lighted colors and patterns through the simple touch of a button and sensor
points distributed throughout the library.
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Faith Cary-Ellis, daughter of Reby Cary
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"The Reby Cary Youth Library is our dream come true.
This project is the epitome of what can happen when neighborhood residents,
city officials and the private sector come together for the good of an entire
city.
"KAI heard the voices of residents which has resulted in this stellar
community hub for our youth and their families," said Former City
Councilmember Kelly Allen Gray.
"I can’t wait to see
it filled with young minds exploring, finding their voice in a space they
can call their own."
The general contractor on the project was FPI Builders of Fort
Worth, Texas.
CONTACT:
Jennifer Beidle
314-607-9459
jennifer@jbeidlepr.com
www.kai-db.com.
