Proposed Library Restructuring Could Leave Four Dallas Communities Without Local Branches
Four branches of the Dallas Public Library could potentially close as part of a new “regional model” proposal. Here’s everything you need to know.
In September 2025, the Skillman Southwestern Branch of the Dallas Public Library closed following budget cuts. Members of the community had successfully fought back against the city council’s decision to permanently close the branch the year prior, but were ultimately unable to do so a second time. The Skillman’s books, furniture, and computers were redistributed to other local libraries. Now, four more branches of the DPL could potentially close as part of a proposal to remodel the current system.
The proposal, which was designed to save costs, involves creating a “regional model” for Dallas’s library system. Essentially, seven flagship libraries would be designated at seven existing branches in the city. These would operate on extended hours and would be open seven days a week. Additional services and staff would be incorporated as part of the expansion. Today (Tuesday, January 20) the Quality of Life Committee will view a presentation further explaining the regional model and how it will reportedly serve the community by saving costs and focusing resources on these seven flagships.
While the proposal makes sense in theory, many library patrons are opposed to closing four more branches, as the flagship locations might not be as accessible as those existing locations. The proposed closures would be for North Dallas’s Renner Frankford, East Dallas’s Skyline, West Dallas’s Arcadia Park, and the Oak Lawn branch located on Cedar Springs.
Before the Dallas City Council decides on the proposal, community meetings will be held over the next few weeks to allow people to argue against the closures. For those who wish to attend, community meetings are as follows:
- January 27: Vickery Park at 6 p.m.
- January 29: Hampton-Illinois at 6 p.m.
- January 31: Fretz Park at 9:30 a.m.
- February 3: Pleasant Grove at 6 p.m.
- February 4: A virtual meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m.
- February 5: Bachman Lake at 6 p.m.
Library patrons are opposed to potential closures
Ahead of the formal community meetings, several library patrons opposed to the four branch closures spoke with WFAA about the proposal. Lee Daugherty, who owns Alexandre’s, a restaurant located near the Oak Lawn branch, said he was “in utter disbelief” when he heard the library might close. He’s attending today’s City Council committee meeting, and he’s a member of the Cedar Springs Merchant Association, which wrote a letter to the City Council asking them to reject the regional model proposal.
Daugherty understands the need for conserving financial resources, telling WFAA, “I understand the need to tighten the belt. Inflation has hurt us all,” but he also emphasized how important the Oak Lawn library is to the neighborhood. “They serve our most vulnerable — Putting that in danger is shocking. It’s not only a community meeting spot for us. It’s also a historical archive,” he said. That branch has amassed an extensive LGBTQIA+ collection of books thanks to community donations. It also provides computer and internet access to those who are unable to afford it otherwise. Daugherty hopes the City Council can find other solutions to address budget concerns without taking away this valuable, conveniently located resource.
Maggie Wilson previously spoke with WFAA before the Skillman branch was closed to voice a similar level of concern and frustration about additional closures. “It may be this library right now and you may not care about it citywide, but it will be your library next,” she said. It’s looking like Wilson, in this case, may prove to be right in her prediction.
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