Four Dallas Public Library branches could be on the chopping block this year.
The Oak Lawn Branch, the Skyline Branch in the Buckner Terrace neighborhood, the Renner Frankford Branch in Far North Dallas and the Arcadia Park Branch in West Dallas are being recommended for closure as the city moves toward a regional library model.
Under that model, staff and funds would be concentrated in fewer, larger libraries able to offer expanded hours and programs. The Central Library is not a part of the regional model plan, according to the city.
Related
Breaking News
Library Director Manya Shorr will brief the Quality of Life, Arts and Culture Committee on the library’s strategic plan on Jan. 20.
The library system has been under strain after budget decisions last year resulted in the permanent closure of the Skillman Southwestern Branch, with books, computers and furniture reassigned and the property slated for sale after council action.
The public auction will be on Feb. 10 at 11 a.m. at the Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St.
Budget debates in 2025 also included proposals to cut millions from library funding and possibly shutter multiple branches in the coming years, triggering community opposition at public town halls and budget hearings.
Shorr, who started in her role last year, previously defended branch consolidations as a way to preserve services.
Related
In the past, Shorr told The Dallas Morning News, the city’s criteria to determine which locations to shut down will include traditional library metrics such as checkout data, visitor count, programs offered, program attendance and computer usage.
City officials will also include demographic information, such as poverty levels in the areas where the branches are located, access to child care and access to broadband internet at home.
The city will be holding community meetings to hear from residents the following dates:
- Monday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m. at Vickery Park, 8333 Park Lane
- Thursday, Jan. 29, 6 p.m. at Hampton-Illinois, 2951 S Hampton Road
- Saturday, Jan. 31, 9:30 a.m. at Fretz Park, 6990 Belt Line Road
- Tuesday, Feb. 3, 6 p.m. at Pleasant Grove, 7310 Lake June Road
- Wednesday, Feb. 4, 6 p.m. Virtual
- Thursday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m. at Bachman Lake, 9480 Webb Chapel Road
As the library department prepares to engage the public on the future of services, residents face a stark reality: Dallas’ plan to “reimagine” its library system could mean a very different landscape for neighborhood libraries, with closures and consolidations reshaping where and how Dallas residents access books, technology and community space.