Dallas Public Library

Dallas Public Library
Location	1515 Young Street Dallas, Texas, United States
Type	Public
Established	1901
Branches	30[1]
Collection
Size	4,972,494[2]
Access and use
Circulation	10,236,949[3]
Population served	1,317,210 (2024)[4]
Other information
Budget	$43,489,755 (FY 2023-24)[5]
Director	Heather Lowe (Interim)[6]
Employees	346.7 FTE[5]
Website	Dallas Library
References: [7]

The Dallas Public Library (DPL) is a public library system in the city of Dallas, Texas, United States. With more than 4 million items and 30 locations, the Dallas Public Library is the largest public library system in North Texas.^[8]

The library system of Dallas has more than 300 employees, which make up the total 15,000 employees in the City of Dallas. Notary services are offered at no charge to DPL customers at several locations.^[9]

Residents may borrow up to 100 "circulating" items. Within the 100 item limit, there is a limit of 10 DVDs, 10 Music CDs, 10 Audiobooks, 10 Blu-ray discs, and 10 DVD box sets per library card.

The library accepts gifts and donations with specific requirements. Although the library does not provide appraisals for the value of donations, all gifts are tax-deductible. The Dallas libraries accept new, like-new, or gently used materials only. Books and magazines at the circulation desks.^[10]

Classes are available for preparation for the G.E.D. (high school equivalent) exam. Computer, smartphone, tablet computer, mathematics, science, art, engineering and chess classes are also offered at most locations. Most library locations serve a Super Snack to kids and teens underage.^[11]

Because of Dallas's international community, the library also offers U.S. citizenship preparation classes and English language classes.^[12]

All library branches in Dallas offer registration forms to vote in elections.^[13] Auditoriums and study rooms are provided in the Dallas libraries. Every week in the library auditoriums there are music and entertainment classes for minors.

Each year, Dallas libraries also provide income tax professionals to provide the service free of charge to patrons and employees on a scheduled basis.^[14] As well as celebrating holiday events throughout the year, that occur days before the holiday date, with like food and gifts, including outside libraries for local communities and visitors.^[15]

Dallas libraries, in partnership with external companies, provide personal free assistance to people seeking U.S. federal assistance. Some of the federal assistance offered are Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Health insurance marketplace, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).^[16]

Night drops are available at all branch libraries, including the Central Library. Recent innovations include several LEED certified buildings and Bookmarks at NorthPark Center, the first children's library to be located in a shopping mall in the United States.^[17] Dallas libraries and recreation centers provide free menstrual products, like tampons and pads. In addition to other personal hygiene products for both sexes.^[18]

The monthly average in total numbers from all 30 public libraries in Dallas are 648,840 items circulated (digital & physical), 3,398 new library cards, 628 technology checkouts (wi-fi hotspots & laptops), 679 volunteer hours, 120,058 online visitors.^[19]