Irving City Council members expressed strong support for the establishment of a new public library branch during a work session on May 29, 2025. The discussion highlighted the pressing need for library services in the central part of the city, often referred to as a "library desert." Council members acknowledged the significant costs associated with the project but emphasized its potential benefits for the community.

Council member Chris noted the overwhelming consensus among members to move forward, despite concerns about rising expenses. "The cost is crazy expensive. It's unbelievable how expensive things have gotten," he stated, while also recognizing the strain on existing libraries due to the lack of a central branch.

Finance Director Brad Duff provided insights into funding possibilities, suggesting that the boundaries of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 1 could be expanded to include the new library site. This move could help finance the project alongside other public infrastructure initiatives. Duff reassured the council that even after accounting for existing financial commitments, there remains a healthy balance of $17 million available for new projects.

The council plans to explore potential locations for the library and will consider public input as they refine their plans. Next steps include returning to the TIF board for recommendations and preparing for a public hearing to discuss the boundary changes.

As the meeting transitioned into executive session, the council's commitment to enhancing library services in Irving was clear, with members eager to address the community's needs and improve access to educational resources.