Library patrons may notice some changes this summer as the Keller Public Library and other MetrOPAC cities end their partnership with the City of Fort Worth.

Keller has been a charter member of the MetrOPAC consortium since 1999, and the partnership grew to include the cities of Benbrook, Burleson, Fort Worth, Haltom City, Keller, Richland Hills and Watauga. Originally envisioned to share the cost of library management software and allow residents to benefit from one another’s collections, contract changes being proposed as part of this year’s renewal were significant.

The new contract would have set Fort Worth up as a regional provider, setting policy, fees and terms for all the cities in the consortium.

“Keller would have lost much of our autonomy, essentially becoming a branch of the Fort Worth Library system,” Keller Library Director Jana Prock said. “We believe such changes would have negatively impacted service to our residents, and would certainly have limited our ability to adapt future library services to the needs of our community.”

The Keller Library Board voted unanimously to separate from the partnership at the end of the current contract on Sept. 30, 2021. The other MetrOPAC libraries have made the same decision.

 “What we’re working on now with the other cities leaving the Fort Worth contract are plans for a new library cooperative,” Library Manager Kelly Holt said. “We’re also in discussions to grow the system, actively working to recruit other area libraries.”

While the current MetrOPAC contract officially ends Sept. 30, library patrons will see changes early this summer. A tentative transition schedule would likely limit borrowing between the libraries as early as June, and begin blocking in-person checkouts for non-residents of each respective library by July. 

“The transition period may be a little bumpy, but we’re confident this move is in the best interests of both current and future residents,” Prock said. “I know our staff will overcome any challenges we face in the months ahead, and I encourage our patrons to reach out with any questions or concerns as we move forward.”

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m a Keller resident. How will I be impacted?
Keller residents will not be able to use their Keller card at libraries in the City of Fort Worth, nor will they have as immediate access to physical materials in the Fort Worth collection. Materials in the Fort Worth collection will continue to be available through the Interlibrary Loan system, but that program takes longer than the daily delivery routes that currently move materials among the partnered libraries.

I’m a Fort Worth resident. How will I be impacted?
Fort Worth residents will not be able to use their Fort Worth cards at the Keller Public Library, nor will they have as immediate access to physical materials in the Keller collection (though they will remain available through the Interlibrary Loan system). Fort Worth residents with questions or concerns about upcoming changes should reach out to the Fort Worth Public Library at 817-392-READ (7323) or library@fortworthtexas.gov.

I’m a resident of one of the other consortium cities. How will I be impacted?
All of the other consortium cities have tentative plans to join the new library cooperative that will include the City of Keller, so you will likely continue to have borrowing privileges in Keller. For more information, please contact your home library.

Does Keller offer a non-resident library card?
Yes, non-residents have the option of purchasing a Keller Public Library card. Please call 817-743-4800 for more information.

Does losing access to the Fort Worth collection mean my wait times for materials will be longer?
That’s difficult to say at this point and will vary based on many factors.

About 18% of materials checked out by Keller residents in 2020 came from the other consortium libraries, including Fort Worth. Meanwhile, about 40% of checkouts that took place at the Keller Public Library last year were made by non-residents and 42% of Keller’s collection was lent to outside libraries throughout the year. 

So while this change means our inventory will lose Fort Worth Library materials, our residents will also see less competition for the materials in Keller’s own physical collection.

Will this change impact Keller’s digital collection?
No. Keller’s digital materials on platforms like Hoopla, Libby (Overdrive) and more operate independently from the consortium and will not be impacted.

Will this impact the partnership between the Keller Public Library and Keller High School?
No. Keller High School students, regardless of their residency, will continue to have the option of registering for a free Keller library card.