DALLAS – A beloved Dallas library is once again facing closure. And this time, it’s not the only location on the chopping block.
The city’s new library director believes the system needs an overhaul.
Dallas Library Closures 
What we know:
As Dallas city council members discuss a proposed $5.2 billion budget, they are looking at ways to make cuts.
That includes closing the beloved Skillman Southwestern Branch Library in Northeast Dallas, along with four other branches.
The backstory:
Last year, neighbors fought to save the Skillman library. Council member Paula Blackmon helped to find one-time funding to keep it open.
What they’re saying:
Library Director Manya Shorr said the city has reduced, then expanded library hours eight times over the past 15 years.
She recommends fewer locations with better, longer hours.
Shorr believes the city needs to re-imagine its library system based on what’s already proven to work.
“Pop-up libraries, book vending machines, retail locations,” she said. “Bookmarks in NorthPark is a great example of a small nimble location that is booming that hasn’t been replicated.”
What’s next:
Dallas City Manager Kim Tolbert said the four library branches that could close in next year’s budget have not yet been decided.
The only library currently slated for closure is the Skillman branch.
The Source: The information in this story is from a recent Dallas City Council meeting.