Page 21 - CityofArlingtonFY26AdoptedBudget

Business Plan

In FY 2024, 744,181 people visited a local library to browse the collection, check out items to take home, enjoy a program or
class, attend a meeting, use public computers, or create in the maker space. Library users checked out over 1,200,379 physical
books and 450,947 e-books, downloadable audiobooks, and e-magazines. Over the year, 62,147 visitors attended a program,
event, or workshop, and 80,844 people used a public computer. There were 135,433 registered library account holders, and the
library collection included 454,302 physical items and 70,441 e-content items.

To further the City’s Council Priority to Strengthen our Communities, the Library offers a wide array of programs for all ages,
often in partnership with other organizations. These events not only enhance quality of life and civic involvement, they foster
appreciation for literacy and the arts and improve vocational skills for residents in Arlington. The Library’s innovative and
engaging programs also provide people another avenue to connect with their community.

The Library Department is present outside of the confines of the library locations and the Library team is out and about
connecting with members of our community at various virtual and in-person outreach programs and events. Some of these
community connections are the different schools, both Arlington Independent School District and private, various faith-based
organizations, Tarrant County College, University of Texas at Arlington, Police Department, Water Department, senior living
residents, and apartment complexes, to name a few.

The Library services offered are many and varied, and we hope that we have whatever it is you are looking for, from books,
magazines, eBooks, downloadable audio books, and streaming videos to programs, spaces, and experiences for people of all
ages and stages of life. Each of the library locations offers a welcoming environment for the entire community. We hope you
will explore our branches and the Downtown Library and discover all the free resources you can use with your library card.
The Arlington Public Library is accredited through the Texas State Library and Archive Commission and is a certified member
of ProLiteracy Worldwide and the Tarrant Literacy Coalition for Adult Education.

The Arlington Municipal Court of Record serves the important functions of preserving public safety, protecting quality of
life, and deterring future criminal behavior. The Municipal Court is a state trial court that operates at the municipal level of
government. The Court’s jurisdiction includes Class C misdemeanors, city ordinances, and civil violations that occur in the City
of Arlington. The Arlington Municipal Court departmental units are comprised of the following divisions:
Administration, Data Entry, Dockets, Records, Warrants, Customer Service, Mailroom, and
Collections. Municipal court clerks have the authority to perform ministerial and administrative
duties. These duties include processing the clerical work of the court, administering daily
operations, maintaining court records and dockets, and processing fine payments and bonds.

More people come into contact with municipal courts than with all other Texas courts combined. As
such, the Arlington Municipal Court implements best practices in court management and performance
assessment in processes and procedures. Court personnel serve an important role in promoting procedural justice, public
confidence, integrity, and impartiality of the justice system in Arlington.

FY 2026 Proposed Budget and Business Plan 15 City of Arlington, Texas