Dallas Public Library
When you think back to your childhood? How do you remember books? Were you read to? Do you remember a certain story that transported you to another place almost completely? Did you go to a library? Libraries feature prominently in many of our childhoods. As ebooks and e-readers and tablets now predominate in many homes, libraries have needed to add programming to attract and retain the newer generations. Many families do not know this but our public library has incredible free community programming. After school, special event, and more are available. One of the greatest gifts we can offer our children is the gift of story telling and education. We want to offer some of the current programming of the Dallas Public Library and also give you a glimpse into the history of it as well.
Dallas City Library Back in Time
You may be surprised to know that the driving force behind the establishment of the Dallas City Library System, was women! In the late 1890’s a number of independent libraries existed across Dallas, but none were free. Leaders agreed that a free public library was of critical importance to the growth and reputation of Dallas and The Dallas Federation of Women’s Clubs was the primary lobby for the library. In a matter of months after the project was announced $12,000 was raised, and with the help of Andrew Carnegie’s grant of $50,000, the building broke ground in 1900 and was open in 1901.
The historic building housed 9,952 volumes on the first floor and the second floor was an art collection, which was the first public gallery in Dallas, and later would become the Dallas Museum of Art. In 1914 the first official branch opened, in our own neighborhood, the Oak Cliff branch, also from funds donated by Andrew Carnegie. We find this legacy really interesting since we are located in Oak Cliff. According to historians, the Oak Cliff branch, unlike the main library that offered more volumes and was research oriented, the Oak Cliff location was more geared towards bringing together the community. The Oak Cliff branch serving as a space for communing with neighbors and gathering really resonates and the spirit, we think, still exists in Oak Cliff. Branches continued to open throughout and during war times, the library served as a focal point of delivering information and has often been a shelter. Libraries in all iterations continue to be one of our most precious public resources, so let’s show it some support!
Dallas City Library Current Events
One of the best ways you can support your local public library is absolutely free! You just show up. Dallas City Libraries offer incredible programming. Chair yoga, voting, toddler story time, spooky ghost stories, free computer basics, and bilingual help are all offered at the public library. We cannot emphasize enough what a great resource this is. If you are trying to learn more about computers and move into a different direction in your career, free technology and computer training is here. Take your family and give them ALL the gift of more education. Here is some of what they are offering this month.
We hope you enjoyed this journey back and the current events offerings. Visit your local branch today and tell them DCH sent you!