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Dear Friends,
The City Manager has released her proposed fiscal year 2027 budget to the public today. The budget proposes a $3.3 million reduction to the Library's operating budget. This amount is $700,000 more than the planned reduction that was approved during last year’s budget meeting. Most importantly, this year's reduction is not an isolated event. It is the continuation of years of budget cuts and service reductions that have steadily diminished the Library's capacity to meet the needs of Dallas residents.
Public libraries are more than buildings filled with books. They are places where children learn to read, job seekers build new skills, entrepreneurs launch businesses, seniors find connection, and families discover free opportunities to learn together.
The Library, again, has done its best to work within financial constraints to provide service to the Dallas community. Even with this budget, the Dallas Public Library is able to provide:
- Five flagships branches that will be open 7 days a week with hours into the evening.
- Neighborhood branches with standardized hours that include being open three weekdays until 8pm.
- No branch closures.
- Additional hours at the Bookmarks branch.
But, this cut will result in:
- 72 positions eliminated, including 35 employees who will lose their jobs.
- One less day open each week at neighborhood branches.
- The elimination of the adult education department at the Dallas Public Library.
- Reduced hours at the Central Library and Arcadia Park.
Now is the time to speak up.
Advocate. Budget Town Halls with City Council start August 11th. We encourage you to attend and speak out for our libraries! Continue to reach out to your City Council representative. Share why your library matters to you, your family, or your neighborhood. Personal stories have tremendous impact. Our advocacy message is simple: Restore $3.3 million to the Dallas Public Library budget.
Give. Your support of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library allows us to continue funding innovative programs, expanding learning opportunities, supporting literacy initiatives and advocating for a strong library system for every Dallas resident. Every contribution helps strengthen our voice and our impact.
Libraries change lives every day. Together, we can ensure they continue to do so for generations to come. For over 75 years, Friends of the Dallas Public Library has stood beside our libraries during moments of opportunity and moments of challenge.
This year's City budget season is one of those moments when your voice and your support can make a real difference. Thank you for being a Friend of the Dallas Public Library and for believing that every Dallas resident deserves access to the opportunities our libraries provide.
With gratitude,
Nicole Paquette, Chair of the Board of Directors
Denise McGovern, Executive Director
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