Books
Preston Royal Branch Library and other branches are urging for increased funds during the 2024 Bond election in May.
Libraries, among other city developments, saw a 61% decrease in funding. The Citizen Bond Task Force initially proposed $28,165,000 for Dallas Public Library facilities but dropped to $11,135,000.
Friends of the Dallas Public Library are advocating for funding to bring all branches up to ADA code and include new facilities for the North Oak Cliff and Park Forest branches, along with renovations for the Preston Royal branch.
“Shockingly, the needs of our Dallas Public Library are inadequately represented in this crucial proposal,” advocates Friends of the Dallas Public Library wrote in a statement. “After months of work by the Citizen’s Bond Task Force, city staff has essentially ignored their recommendations for the Dallas Public Library. The gravity of this situation demands our immediate attention.”
City council approved to raise the bond balance from $1.1 billion to $1.25 billion, the Advocate wrote last week.
Library branch renovations have been part of the Master Plan since 2000, with three out of four proposed projects this year including a $8.7 million renovation for the Preston Royal branch, a $17 million replacement for the North Oak Cliff branch, and a $2.3 million investment for bathroom upgrades at nine branch locations to meet ADA standards.
The fourth project, the Park Forest branch, built in 1971 is in need of updates, but was omitted from the list. Jo Giudice, the Director of Libraries for the City of Dallas, hopes Park Forest will receive the necessary renovations soon.
“When you think about a library, it’s not just books. It’s so much more. It’s service to the community,” Giudice said.
The council will vote on library funding and other propositions during the Jan. 31 meeting.
