Dallas libraries face significant expenses for closure, raising concerns about budget impacts and community resources.

Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert has put forward a proposal that aims to cut approximately .5 million from the city’s library budget over the next two years. While this reduction represents only 0.02% of the overall general budget, the implications for the Dallas Public Library system could be severe.

Historically, the budget allocated to libraries in Dallas has not kept pace with the overall growth of the city’s general fund. Over the past two decades, the general fund budget has increased by more than billion, yet the share designated for libraries has decreased. In the 2005-06 fiscal year, libraries received 2.8% of the general fund budget; the current proposal sees this allocation drop to 2.2%.

Though these budget cuts may appear to be financial savings on paper, the long-term costs could be significant. Experience from the 2008 financial crisis illustrates this concern; the budget for the Dallas Public Library was reduced by million at that time, and it took a full decade to restore funding to pre-recession levels. However, despite this increase, the services and operating hours offered by the library have not fully recovered, leading to a persistent state of under-resourcing.

In comparison, libraries in other cities demonstrate a different funding trajectory. The Austin Public Library has proposed a budget of roughly million—nearly double the proposed allocation for Dallas libraries, which stands at million. Likewise, San Diego, serving a similar population size, has allocated million for its library system.

Despite the financial challenges, the Dallas Public Library remains a vital resource for the community. In 2024, the library offered patrons 15,992 programs and saw total attendance rise to 237,690—a 33% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. At a recent budget town hall, new library director Manya Shorr outlined her vision for the future under the proposed budget cuts, which would involve closing five branches while extending hours at the remaining locations and enhancing services at select “regional hubs.”

This proposal was met with enthusiasm from attendees, indicating a community willing to adapt to reduced funding but hoping for improvements in library services. Discussion continues on the trajectory of library funding, with residents envisioning a more vibrant library system that could include enhanced technological offerings and community services akin to those found in larger cities.

As the Dallas Public Library approaches its 125th anniversary in 2024, advocates are calling for a renewed commitment from the city to prioritize funding for the library system. Given the general fund’s substantial growth in recent years, bolstering support for libraries could significantly enhance the quality of life in the city, ensuring that vital public resources remain accessible to all residents.

Investing in the library system represents an opportunity for the Dallas City Council and city staff to foster a community that values education, support, and public access to resources. Libraries play a crucial role in serving every neighborhood, irrespective of income or demographic factors, and contribute to a vibrant community fabric. By prioritizing the library budget, city leaders can help realize a forward-thinking vision that aligns with residents’ needs and expectations for public services.