The Dallas Public Library has been a linchpin in the community since 1901, providing community resources at numerous locations including ones close in our neighborhood. With thirty locations in Dallas alone, there’s bound to be one that fits your criteria. Plus, some locations even have notary services and tax help.

What’s happening at the branch libraries in our neighborhood? 

Preston Royal Branch is located at 5626 Royal Lane and is open Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Monday and Sunday.

The library hosts regular computer classes designed to assist with job applications and technical skills. In January, the branch will host music and movement for preschoolers, a collage class for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, cursive handwriting and trivia.

“We’ve also now collaborated with assisted living in our local area where we have been introducing them to the library to do some crafts and we have a senior program on Thursdays,” Branch Manager Bev Christianson says. “Our age range is from babies all the way up to 99 years old. We offer so many things.

NorthPark’s Bookmarks is located inside NorthPark Center at 8687 N Central Expressway and is open Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Monday and Sunday.

The library is located on the first level of the mall and is a whimsical place to read and learn offering more than 5,000 materials and resources for children.

“It’s a very small branch so our collection is not that big, but it’s designed just for children. We have little reading nooks and a small space that kids can play,” Bookmarks’ Jessica Hilvitz says.

Bookmarks is known for its puppet shows, craft activities and toddler-friendly classes. All the events are free and open to the public.

The Park Forest Branch Library is located at 3421 Forest Lane and is open Tuesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Throughout January, the library branch is hosting Tai Chi for older adults, crafts for kids, storytimes, computer classes for adults, yoga classes, cafes, literacy workshops and other community events. 

The location also has a Park Forest Library Friends group that supports programs for children and adults. In recent years, the nonprofit has provided funds for a new puppet stage and puppets, monthly teen gaming events, a YugiOh tournament, LEGO time and a LEGO challenge. The group offers various membership levels and hosts events like staff appreciation lunches and a summer bookmark contest. 

The Bachman Lake Branch Library is located at 9480 Webb Chapel Road, and is open Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Bachman Lake branch offers events for children and adults, but also focuses on older adults in the communities surrounding the library. Craft events, book clubs and general hang-outs for older adults can be found every month at this branch. 

In January, the Bachman Lake branch will host New Year Bead Bracelet making, game nights, toddler storytimes, coffee hours for older adults, English learning classes and Pride Book Clubs.

Want to learn? Save money? Be creative and imaginative? Go to your local library.

Questions? Go to dallaslibrary2.org, contact the branch directly or ask any librarian.