What is in the budget proposal?
- Job cuts, including the consolidation of service for unhoused patrons (3 positions), staffing in literacy and job readiness (2 positions), and the consolidation of staff at the Central branch (5 positions)
- The closure of the Skillman Southwestern Branch Library, which currently employs eight staff members
- The closure of four library branches beginning in October 2026, which would impact every region of our City, including well-loved libraries in the north, south, east and west sectors of Dallas.
All of these cuts represent 0.0009% of the total city budget, yet they will have detrimental effects on our library system. Once cuts are made to the library budget, it will be difficult to return to prior year funding levels.
Dallas has historically underfunded libraries. Compared with nine peer cities, Dallas ranks 6 out of 9 in spending per capita at just $28.90/resident, whereas our peers in Austin spend $67.29/resident and $55.28/resident in Detroit.
In the last 15 years, the Dallas Public Library has needed to change its hours 8 times due to budget constraints. The changes are confusing to the public and have hindered the library’s ability to create long-term, deep and meaningful connections with our community.
Dallas residents deserve better! If we want a wonderful city for our residents to live in, to attract new families, employers, and a thriving workforce, and to create a culturally rich, vibrant community, we must invest in our libraries, not decrease their already underfunded level of support. This investment costs the city little, but creates incredible gains for our community.
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