Volunteer Spotlight: Allison Fitzgerald, Fort Worth Public Library

Volunteer Spotlight: Allison Fitzgerald, Fort Worth Public Library

Published on April 27, 2026

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Fort Worth. I earned a degree in communications from Texas Wesleyan, where I met my husband. Also, I earned a master's in library science from UNT and a master's in education from DBU. I have been a teacher and a librarian in both private and public schools, all grades from preK-12th. My husband and I have been married for 26 years and have two adult kids; one is a junior at Vanderbilt University and the other, a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University, is involved in production and stage management in local theater.

How long have you been volunteering with the City of Fort Worth?

I began volunteering in November of 2025.

What are your main duties as a volunteer?

My duties differ by library. I organize and shelve books, DVDs and other library media. I also help prepare materials for story time, and I've sorted seeds for the seed catalog at Vivian J. Lincoln Library.

What inspired you to start volunteering?

With both of my kids grown and out of the house, I found I had free time on my hands. Libraries are my passion and I wanted to help my community in a meaningful way, so I was thrilled when the Fort Worth Libraries began having volunteers.

What is your favorite thing about it?

Being in the midst of the library. I enjoy the organization, seeing what is offered at different locations and being able to help people.

Describe a favorite memory or moment from your time as a volunteer.

I love being able to listen to story times (and singing the songs, quietly, to myself) - it reminds me of attending library story times when my kids were little.

How has volunteering impacted your life or perspective?

Every time I volunteer, I am reminded why libraries are so important to our communities. They are third spaces - free, safe places where anyone can go and just sit, or use a computer for free, or take a conversational Spanish class or even print materials for free. They are a vital part of our city, and each library takes pride in knowing their particular community of patrons.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?

I would encourage anyone who is thinking about volunteering to go for it. The Library staff have been so welcoming and kind.

What do you enjoy in your spare time when you're not volunteering?

I enjoy needlepointing, reading, traveling and walking my two corgis with my husband. Currently, I am on the Lariat Reading List Committee, which is part of the Texas Library Association. I am also on the City of Fort Worth's Community Development Committee.

• Volunteers