The Friends of the Dallas Public Library hosted its annual Literary Lions Luncheon on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Arts District Mansion. This year, we're proud to welcome award-winning sociologist and Director of NYU’s Institute for Public Knowledge, Eric Klinenberg, in conversation with Krys Boyd, Host and Managing Editor of KERA’s Think.
Nearly 300 library lovers gathered with us as we celebrated our library system and National Library Week. Klinenberg's inspiring words allowed us to think about libraries in new ways as he highlighted their role as social infrastructure meant to bring residents together.
At a time when the Dallas Public Library system is facing significant budget challenges, this conversation feels especially urgent. It will help strengthen our collective voice as advocates and reinforce why a modern, vibrant, and responsive library system is an essential civic investment.
In that spirit, we are especially proud to have presented the 2026 Exall Award to Atmos Energy for their long-time support of the Dallas Public Library system. Their support demonstrates what is possible when corporate leadership invests in the social infrastructure that helps communities thrive. Their partnership helps ensure that Dallas libraries remain welcoming spaces that provide opportunity for everyone.
Thank you for believing in the power of libraries to build the strongest future for Dallas.
