2025 Annual Meeting Recap
ICYMI: Here's the highlights from the meeting!
On June 24, nearly 120 members gathered at the Communities Foundation of Texas for a successful and inspiring Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.
The evening included the election of new officers and board members, a look back at our 75-year legacy, and an honest look ahead at the challenges facing our Library system. Here are a few highlights from the night:
- Leadership Transitions:
Outgoing Chair Ken Benson introduced the Dallas Public Library’s new director, Manya Shorr, and thanked Heather Lowe, Assistant Director of Technology and Strategic Direction, for her dedicated service as interim director over the past nine months.
- Celebrating Impact:
Benson highlighted FoDPL’s remarkable achievements in advocacy and fundraising—totaling over $60 million raised over 75 years. He emphasized the need to grow that impact even further, urging the organization to work toward providing $1 million annually to support Library programming and to continue building strong public and political support.
- Bylaws Update:
Members voted to approve a bylaws amendment allowing board members to serve three consecutive three-year terms, increasing the previous limit of two.
- New Leadership:
Newly elected Chair Nicole Paquette shared her lifelong passion for libraries and called her new role “truly a life highlight,” pledging to do all she can to support the Dallas Public Library.
- Advocacy in Action:
Advocacy Committee Chair Sarah Evans praised the Friends’ work with the City Council and efforts to keep all library branches open. She also cautioned that a difficult budget year may bring new challenges and emphasized the importance of continued advocacy.
- Membership Milestone:
Membership Committee Chair Leigh Hopkins reported significant growth in FoDPL membership, which has risen to 619 members—an increase of 209 from last year.
Thank you to all who attended and continue to champion the power and promise of our libraries. Together, we’re building a stronger future for the Dallas Public Library.
Photos from the night
Your donation can make a difference in the lives of students in need. Help us support education and create a better future for our communities.
2025 Friends Annual Award Winners
A.C. Greene Award
Lillian M. Bradshaw Award
Robert L. Solender Award
The A.C. Greene Award recognizes a community volunteer who has rendered exemplary service to libraries, literacy and learning throughout our Dallas community. This year, Michelle Freeman and Evelyn Howard shared the A.C. Greene Award
Michelle's 's volunteer work has focused on reshelving books - logging more than 2,500 hours in the past decade at seven branches,
Evelyn has taught English Language Learning classes for eight consecutive semesters at the White Rock Hills branch.
Robert L. Solender Award
Lillian M. Bradshaw Award
Robert L. Solender Award
The Robert L. Solender Award recognizes current Friends of the Dallas Public Library members who have rendered exemplary service to lifelong learning, reading and supporting/promoting libraries. Annette Corman was honored for service that exemplifies Solender's values of support for libraries, public service, and lifelong learning.
Annette, a member of the Friends for more than three decades and a board member for much of that time, said she was particularly gratified, having been a friend and admirer of the late Mr. Solender. Annette has also been named to the Friends Advisory Council.
Lillian M. Bradshaw Award
Lillian M. Bradshaw Award
Lillian M. Bradshaw Award
The Bradshaw Award recognizes a current Dallas Public Library staff member who has rendered exemplary service to learning, literature and library service. This year's honoree was Haley Kral, manager of the Polk-Wisdom branch.
Haley has played a crucial role in the Library's early literacy initiatives as a teacher, mentor and innovator.
The award includes a $1,000 scholarship from the Friends to pursue continuing education or professional development.