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52 Faces of Community<\/a> is a Fort Worth Report weekly series spotlighting local unsung heroes. It is sponsored by Central Market<\/a>, H-E-B<\/a> and JPS Health Network<\/a>.<\/p>\n At the end of the year, these rarely recognized heroes will gather for a luncheon where the Report will announce one honoree to represent Tarrant County at the Jefferson Awards in Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n ENJOY READING THE NEWS AGAIN<\/strong><\/p>\n Discover refreshing, nonpartisan<\/strong> reporting on stories happening in your backyard.<\/p>\n Farrell\u2019s service to the library earned him recognition in 52 Faces of Community<\/a>, the Fort Worth Report\u2019s weekly series spotlighting unsung heroes in Tarrant County.<\/p>\n Nestled at the intersection of East Rosedale Street and Interstate 35, the Shamblee library branch serves as an anchor to the Historic Southside, Farrell said.\u00a0<\/p>\n In a neighborhood marked by deficits \u2014 including the lack of a grocery store, deteriorating streets and high poverty and homeless rates \u2014 the library\u2019s management has struggled to combat negative public perception associated with the area and maintain a calm and welcoming environment.<\/p>\n When Michele Gorman interviewed Farrell for a management position at another library branch in 2023, she immediately knew she found the right candidate to make a much-needed difference at Shamblee, she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n As assistant director of public service for the Fort Worth library system, Gorman recognized Farrell\u2019s \u201cyou cannot break my peace\u201d mantra would empower him to bring calm and focus to the Shamblee branch.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHe is all about the community that he serves, but he knows how to draw the line and keep people safe. It is vitally important to him.\u201d<\/p>\n Michele Gorman, nominator<\/p><\/blockquote>\n One of few free and public resources in the Historic Southside, Shamblee serves a high number of people experiencing homelessness.\u00a0<\/p>\n On any given night, Farrell said, about half a dozen people will sleep outside the library, waiting for its doors to open in the morning. When Farrell comes to unlock the entrance, he greets them warmly, holding the door open and asking how he can help.\u00a0<\/p>\n Although physical or verbal altercations have been common at the branch, Farrell said he works to keep situations from escalating. Like all library staff, the Shamblee team receives deescalation training.\u00a0<\/p>\n The branch\u2019s rules of behavior, prominently displayed in its foyer, have been essential in maintaining order. All are welcome at the library, Farrell said, but they must practice mutual respect and follow the rules.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cYour grandmother had rules in her house. You wouldn\u2019t break those rules,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is our house. This is the neighborhood\u2019s house \u2026 if you act up, we gotta do something about it.\u201d<\/p>\n But just like grandma\u2019s house, Shamblee offers a variety of fun, informative activities and programming, from watercolor painting to classes for non-English speakers to learn the language. Since assuming the branch manager position, Farrell has worked intentionally to increase programming opportunities and show families that Shamblee is safe and welcoming to all.\u00a0<\/p>\n Nearly two years into his leadership, Shamblee has recorded an increase in patronage and program attendance and an increasingly inclusive culture, although there are \u201cstill a lot of challenges,\u201d Gorman noted.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not going to tell you that Blake is the answer to all the problems,\u201d she said. \u201cI think what we have is a guy who is trying his hardest, and a team that is trying its hardest.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n In fiscal year 2024 \u2014 from October 2023 when Farrell took the job to September 2024 \u2014 Shamblee saw a 22% increase in visits over the same time frame the previous year, according to library data provided to the Report. The number of programs offered increased by 114%, and program attendance jumped by 147%.\u00a0<\/p>\n So far into fiscal year 2025, library staff project the increases to continue trending. From October 2024 to August, the branch recorded a little more than 100,000 visits.<\/p>\n Know an unsung hero in Tarrant County?<\/p>\n Tell us about them by filling out the form below. <\/p>\n Reflecting on his colleagues\u2019 praise of his management, Farrell commended his team at Shamblee. As a manager, he focuses on empowering staff to think creatively and capitalize on their unique strengths and skills, and sharing resources and information transparently.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI really feel like I\u2019m not leading it, that I am just part of the team,\u201d Farrell said. \u201cI\u2019m just the one that gets to go to most of the meetings.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Heading into his third year as a branch manager, Farrell\u2019s focus remains clear. Shamblee is for everyone.\u00a0<\/p>\n When someone enters his library, it doesn\u2019t matter what their housing or employment status is. Farrell wants to make their day \u201cjust a little bit better.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe they\u2019ll remember, \u2018Hey, Shamblee was nice to us. Maybe we should go back,\u2019\u201d Farrell said. And when they do, he\u2019ll be waiting with a smile to hold the door open.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cecilia Lenzen is a government accountability reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at cecilia.lenzen@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udf31 Set Roots. Grow the Report.<\/strong><\/p>\n North Texas Giving Day is here! Donate now through Sept. 18 to help us reach our goal of $50,000, and your gift will be matched.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative<\/a> for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.<\/p>\n Republish This Story<\/p>\n\n
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