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🎉 Good News, Forney — Your “Library” Is One Tap Away

Okay, so full disclosure: the city of Forney doesn’t have a big brick-and-mortar library. No quiet corners filled with that cozy paper smell or the magic of getting lost between shelves of stories which is honestly ridiculous for a city this size. But guess what? The city does pay for a fully-functional digital library membership for its residents. Yes — ebooks, audiobooks, the works.
According to the city website:

"The City of Forney is happy to partner with OverDrive to offer our residents a free and comprehensive digital library. This service is entirely free for all residents of the City of Forney and operates much like a traditional public library membership."
Forney TX Official Website

So you can stay in your pajamas, grab your device, and borrow books without ever leaving the couch. Nice.

✅ What You Get (and why it’s awesome)

eBooks & audiobooks — Yep, we’re talking both formats. So if you’re more “listen while walking the dog” than “sit still with a novel,” you’re covered. The city page says: “You can read or listen to borrowed books in your browser, or download them to your computer. You can also send borrowed books directly to a Kindle or other mobile device using the Libby™ app.” Forney TX Official Website
Send to Kindle — If you have a Kindle (or Kindle app), you can borrow an eBook and push it over to your device. Sweet.
No late fees — Since it’s digital, when your checkout period ends, the book simply disappears (or becomes inaccessible). No scrambling for drop-offs, no surprise fees. The city says: “All loans automatically expire on their due date — no need to worry about late fees!”
Convenience — Anytime, anywhere: in the car (passenger only, please), on the couch, during your kid’s sports practice.
Shared with the consortium — The service is part of the Northeast Texas Digital Consortium via Libby/OverDrive, meaning you get access to a broader collection thanks to the “library of libraries.” Northeast Texas Digital Consortium+2Northeast Texas Digital Consortium

Here’s how you join. Fair warning: it’s not instant; it did take a couple of weeks when I did it. But worth it.

Fill out the Library Card Request form. Head to the city’s Online Library page: Library Card Request Form Forney TX Official Website
Fill in your name, address, email, phone. Make sure you put your correct Forney address.
Find your library in the Libby/OverDrive system. Once you get the email, it will provide your card number and PIN. Then:
- Download the Libby app (iOS App Store / Google Play) App Store
- Open it, search for your library: likely “Forney City Library” or part of the Northeast Texas Digital Consortium. (Note: the “members list” shows “Forney City Library” among libraries in the consortium.) Northeast Texas Digital Consortium
- Sign in with your card number and PIN.
Browse, borrow, enjoy. Once logged in:
- Browse collections: eBooks, audiobooks, by genre, etc.
- Choose a title → Borrow it or place a hold if it’s checked out.
- Read/listen in-app, or send to your Kindle (for eBooks) if that’s your thing.
- Push play on an audiobook during your next drive or while doing chores.
Tips & extras:
- You can hold up to 5 items at a time (one account).
- Keep track of expiration dates—though no fines, you’ll want to finish before it returns automatically.

Wait for your email. The city warns:

“Please expect a processing time of at least five business days for your submission and for a response to be provided.” Forney TX Official Website
In practice: I submitted, and it took about two weeks before I got the “Welcome” email with my library credentials. So yes — plan for a little wait.

Check your eligibility. You must live within the Forney city limits. On the city website:

“Only residents within the legal city limits of Forney will receive a membership. If you do not live in city limits but reside within Kaufman County, you can request access to Kaufman County’s virtual library by emailing library@kaufmancountylibrary.net”

So if you live just outside the green-map boundary, you might need the Kaufman County route.

😎 Why This Is Worth It (Even If You’re Not a “Book Worm”)

Want to listen to a thriller while mowing the lawn or commuting? Audiobooks.
Want a bedtime story for your kid without buying 50 new books? Just borrow.
Kindle lover? You can send the book there and forget about paper, bookmarks, etc.
Avoiding libraries in person (because parking? or busy-ness?)—you’re set.
Late-fee-free means no surprise costs.
You’re supporting your city’s investment (yes, Forney is paying for this service so all city residents benefit!).

Final Words

Hi Forney! The next time someone says “Where’s the library in town?” you can grin and say: “Right in my pocket.” Grab your device, submit that form, wait a bit, then dive into thousands of books (and audiobooks). It may not be your traditional library building—but it definitely builds up your reading/listening game.