Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a holiday season filled with joy, health and happiness.



I am thrilled to start work as the new Executive Director of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library. With a 75-year legacy, FoDPL has many triumphs to build upon, and I look forward to continuing our momentum to support and advocate for the Dallas Public Library. 

Although we have just turned over a new page in the calendar, work has begun for programs, events and initiatives that we will focus on all year. Planning is in progress for SMART Summer 2026. We are digging into the details of the upcoming April Luncheon. Advocacy with City of Dallas officials is in motion to make our voices heard for the love and value of our libraries. I will continue to keep you all updated on progress with all our programs, and please reach out to me or the office if you have specific questions. 

FoDPL's strength is its members and their passion for what libraries do for our city, our residents and our communities. I look forward to meeting you all at events at DPL branches and at our events. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime! I am excited to learn more about why you are a member and what makes you give your time, talent and treasure to our organization. (I also would love to know what you're reading. I just finished 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin - highly recommended!)

All my best,

Denise

We were very sad to learn of the passing of Don Stone, one of our Library's greatest friends, on December 21. He was 96.

Mr. Stone and his wife Norma, who passed away last June, were ardent Dallas Public Library supporters and longtime board members. FoDPL honored the Stones for their generosity at its 2013 Fall event.

Their philanthropy supported many arts and cultural projects in our city, including the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Black Dance Theater and Shakespeare Dallas.

For two decades, they spearheaded the multimillion dollar, floor-by-floor renovation of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library. The 7th floor meeting room where the Friends holds its monthly board meeting is named for the Stones, and a lovely portrait of the couple adorns the wall. 

In an interview with Moment magazine several years ago, Don had this advice: "Care about other people. Find people to help. Set an example for your children."

Thank you, Don and Norma. We'll always be grateful, and we'll never forget you.

Yes, new the year is just getting under way, but the next edition of the Literary Lions Luncheon is just three months away: Wednesday, April 22.

It's our most important fundraiser of the year, and we aim to top last year's best-selling success with an elegant, delicious affair celebrating literacy and libraries with all of our Friends.

Watch this space next month for more details of the luncheon, tickets and the opportunity to help sponsor the big event.