Resident Feedback on Dallas Public Libraries

The resident input feedback opportunity about the Dallas Public Library garnered more than 4,000 responses from February 13 - March 1. 

Respondents’ top considerations for City leaders (from thousands of open-ended responses):

• Libraries are vital to the community. 
• Keep libraries open.
• Increase Library funding. 

Nearly all respondents (99%) said Dallas Libraries are important to them, with 94% saying they are very important. 

97% of respondents say public library funding should be maintained or increased, with 87% saying funding should be increased. Among the 87% who say funding should be increased, 62% said greatly increased.

92% of respondents agree that the City of Dallas should prioritize additional funding to maintain neighborhood libraries and avoid closure. 81% of those strongly agree that additional funding should be prioritized.

41% of respondents prefer traditional library locations, and there is broad interest in library services at alternative locations:

• Community or Recreation Centers (39.3%)
• Mobile or Pop-up Libraries (24.1%)
• Schools or Childcare Centers (21.4%)
• Near Grocery Stores (20.8%)
• Shopping Centers or Malls (17%)
• Transit Hubs (9.7%)

66% of respondents say extended library hours are important, and 62% of respondents say being open seven days a week is important. 

85% of respondents use Dallas Public Library services at least once a month.

We continue to advocate at City Hall for no library closures and the restoration of $2.6 million to next year’s budget. Please love your libraries loudly at the upcoming Budget Town Halls.

When: March 23-26

Where: Locations vary by councilmember

How: Sign up to attend and register on the City Website for virtual meetings. For more details visit the City of Dallas' Budget Town Hall page.

What to Wear: Red Library Shirt (Need one? Let us know!)

Talking Points: The Friends of the Dallas Public Library support the concept of a regional model, but we ask that no library branches be closed, and that the $2.6 million cut be restored to the library budget. This restoration of the budget will allow the library to maintain services and operations.