Longtime educator tops list of names for new library

Published on October 07, 2022

Two women were the top vote-getters in the process to name a new Fort Worth Public Library located in the far southwest part of the city.

Vivian J. Lincoln, a longtime educator and first female African American principal in the Crowley Independent School District, garnered 2,968 votes. Jacqueline Banks an advocate for the arts and non-profit leader received the second-most votes with 1,619. Names were submitted by the public, with five finalists up for voting from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30, 2022.

“With more than 5,000 votes in this naming effort, it was thrilling to see the community become so invested and involved early on with this library,” said Many Shorr, Fort Worth Public Library Director. “Both of these dynamic women made a positive impact on Fort Worth and I know their families are honored by the community support for their legacies.”

Lincoln was born April 13, 1956, in Drew County, Ark. She graduated with honors from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1978, and earned a master’s degree from TCU in 1994. She loved learning and loved the field of education, which became her life’s work. She passed away on May 14, 2022.

According to her family, one of Lincoln’s favorite quotes was “Excellence begins in the home, is nurtured in our schools and is demonstrated throughout life.”

Her remarkable dedication to education spanned almost four decades to the students, staff, parents and communities she served and her love for children, education and excellence was demonstrated throughout all aspects of her life. Locally, she served in Crowley ISD and led Jackie Carden Elementary as principal for 15 years where she had painted on the doorways “Always Believe in Children.” She retired in 2017 after 39 years in public education.

“As a graduate of Crowley ISD schools, it was an honor to share with the Lincoln family that Mrs. Lincoln’s legacy of community service, servant leadership and education would continue to shine bright through this honor,” said District 6 Councilman Jared Williams, Ph.D. “Mrs. Lincoln positively impacted the lives of so many of our neighbors across Southwest Fort Worth and beyond, just like our public libraries do every day. I am proud that the new library will be named after Vivian J. Lincoln—such a fitting name for an institution that will inspire lifelong learning, family and fun.”