The city of Dallas is deliberating a proposal to cut funding for its public library system by $4.5 million over the next two years, a decision that could lead to the closure of up to five branches. This includes the already scheduled closure of the Skillman Southwestern branch later this year.
The cuts are part of a larger effort to address a projected $36 million budget deficit. While city officials argue that the cuts will help achieve a more efficient “regional model” of library service, community advocates are urging the Dallas City Council to maintain the current library budget.
Library Director Manya Shorr, who took on her role earlier this year, has suggested that consolidating resources may enable longer operating hours and expanded services at fewer branches. She believes this approach could allow libraries to remain open seven days a week, enhance programming, and better serve Dallas residents.
“The library system has either increased or decreased hours and days open based on the budget given. And that’s very disruptive to the community, staff, and our ability to offer robust and inspirational library services,” Shorr stated.
She also noted that operational hours have changed eight times in the past 15 years, underscoring the instability within the system.
Community advocates, however, express concern about closing neighborhood libraries before Shorr has had adequate time to assess the library system comprehensively. “She’s only been here three months,” said Sarah Evans, chair of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library committee. “We want to give her a year to deeply understand our library system before any major decisions are made.”
The library’s budget stands at about $43 million, making up roughly 3% of Dallas’s $2 billion general fund. City officials have yet to determine which branches will close.
Shorr indicated that the city will employ various criteria to identify which libraries will be designated as regional centers and which may face closures. These criteria encompass traditional metrics, including check-out data, visitor counts, program offerings, program attendance, and computer usage.
Additionally, demographic information such as local poverty levels, accessibility to childcare, and availability of broadband internet at home will factor into their assessment. The library department will collaborate with the facilities and real property management department to evaluate the condition of the library buildings.
“Of course, we need to do community engagement, work with our stakeholders and our elected officials. So just because a library might have a high checkout rate, for example, doesn’t mean that it won’t be on the list for potential recommendation for closure,” Shorr clarified.
Evans, who has been involved in library advocacy for years, reflected on her personal connection to libraries formed in her childhood as part of a military family. She frequently moved, seeking stability in public libraries every summer. Today, residing near the White Rock Hills branch, Evans continues to view the library as a vital community hub where she and her children spend time together.
“We’re asking for the budget to remain flat from last year—not an increase, just to hold steady,” Evans emphasized. “Five million dollars is a rounding error in some departments, but for libraries, it’s everything.”
She further pointed out that the proposed cuts threaten to diminish the library’s role as a community center for education, internet access, and safety. “Libraries, parks, and arts are part of public safety. They provide safe, free places for kids, families, and unhoused residents. You can’t out-police crime without also investing in these spaces,” she added.
Shorr acknowledged the community’s need for more library resources but reiterated the importance of adhering to a balanced budget. “My goal is always to support the city manager’s budget and to run the public library as best I can for the residents of Dallas,” she declared.
Council member Paula Blackmon, whose district includes the Skillman Southwestern branch, has been actively trying to secure about $500,000 to keep the branch open for an additional 12 months. She utilized a similar strategy last year when community outcry led to the library being reconsidered for closure.
As it stands, the last day of service for the Skillman Southwestern library will be September 27.
Members of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library have been donning red T-shirts and attending numerous community budget listening sessions to voice their concerns. They are rallying residents to write emails to their council members in support of the library system. The group has even created a website for residents to sign up to speak at town hall meetings and organize their advocacy efforts.
The Dallas City Council must finalize the budget by the end of September, with public town hall meetings scheduled throughout August offering residents a chance to share their thoughts.
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