The Skillman Southwestern Branch Library is scheduled to close its doors, leaving community members heartbroken and reflecting on what the library has meant to them over the years.
Sue Ramirez, a longtime member and past president of the Skillman Southwestern Library Friends, expressed her emotions while reading heartfelt letters from fellow members reacting to the closure.
“Just talking about it gets me teary,” Ramirez said, highlighting the significance of the library not just as a place for books but as a hub of community connection.
The loss of the library signifies a deeper loss for the friends group, which had forged close bonds through their shared love for literature and the library.
In discussions following the announcement of the closure, members expressed their sadness, joking yet serious about how they would miss each other and the camaraderie built over years of volunteering and supporting the library’s initiatives.
“Somebody would say something like, ‘Oh, Sue, what are we going to do without your book sales? I love the book sales,’” said Ramirez, reflecting on the group’s tight-knit relationships.
The city of Dallas recently finalized its 2025-26 fiscal year budget of $5.5 billion, which did not allocate funds for keeping the Skillman Southwestern Branch Library open.
Just weeks prior, there was hope when the city council tentatively approved an amendment to utilize $386,612 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to keep the library operating for an additional year, albeit on a reduced schedule of just three days a week.
However, Mayor Eric Johnson’s proposal to close the library took precedence as he prioritized funding for aquatics programs and a reduction in the tax rate, leading to the eventual decision to shut it down.
The decision received backlash from residents, many of whom spoke passionately about the importance of libraries during the council meeting.
Eileen Gregory, President of the Skillman Southwestern Library Friends, was not entirely surprised by the decision, expressing concerns that the city’s plans to streamline library services while focusing on a more regional library model spelled trouble for local branches like Skillman.
“It’s kind of like being on life support,” Gregory remarked, acknowledging the lukewarm plan to keep the library operating on limited hours and reduced programming.
The city cited the existence of the Vickery Park Branch Library, which operates seven days a week, as a factor in the decision to close Skillman.
However, Gregory strongly defended the Skillman library’s value, stating, “That’s simply not true,” countering the narrative that it was a low-performing library.
The library had remained vibrant and active, evident by the numerous programs and community engagement initiatives it hosted.
While last year’s efforts led to a temporary victory for the Skillman library, this year, members reflected on their appreciation for District 9 City Council member Paula Blackmon, who fought for the library’s cause.
Ramirez stated, “We admire Paula so much. If it hadn’t been for Paula, we wouldn’t have even gotten this far, and we all know that.”
Gregory echoed this sentiment, saying, “Paula did her best. I don’t think she could have tried harder.”
In her September 19 newsletter, Blackmon echoed the community’s disappointment and highlighted the collective efforts made to preserve the library throughout the year.
“Thanks to your advocacy, we were able to keep the library open last year for an additional year. While I am deeply disappointed by this outcome, I remain incredibly proud of the community’s tireless work and united voice,” she noted.
Though the library’s closure will officially take place on September 27, 2025, there will be a farewell celebration on that date.
The event, organized by the Skillman Southwestern Library Friends, is an opportunity for the community to extend their goodbyes to both the beloved library and its staff.
Residents are invited to the library from 1 to 3 p.m. to share memories and enjoy refreshments as they honor the legacy of their neighborhood resource.
Meanwhile, the friends board is beginning the process of wrapping up their nonprofit status.
Members are deliberating whether to dissolve and distribute their assets to other library nonprofits or potentially support another branch without a friends group.
Ramirez encouraged her fellow friends group members to continue supporting library initiatives and consider joining other volunteer groups in the community.
Gregory reflected on her experience over the past five years with the Skillman library and expressed her sadness over its impending closure.
“It’s been a great experience,” she stated, lamenting the loss of a place that had cultivated not only a passion for reading but also a sense of belonging within the community.
As the final closure date approaches, the voices of those who treasured the Skillman Southwestern Branch Library will remain resolute in their advocacy for libraries, symbolizing their importance in fostering connectedness and learning in the community.
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