Dallas, Texas, January 17, 2026
In a significant shift towards a regional library model, the city of Dallas is contemplating the closure of four public library branches due to budget constraints. The branches identified for potential closure include the Oak Lawn Branch, Skyline Branch, Renner Frankford Branch, and Arcadia Park Branch. This initiative aims to streamline operations, enhance community access to services, and reduce overall costs. Community meetings will be held to gather public feedback on the proposed closures and their impact on local residents.
Dallas Proposes Closure of Four Library Branches Amid Budget Constraints
Dallas, Texas – The city of Dallas is considering the closure of four public library branches as part of a strategic shift towards a regional library model aimed at enhancing service efficiency and addressing budgetary challenges. The branches under review for potential closure are:
- Oak Lawn Branch
- Skyline Branch in the Buckner Terrace neighborhood
- Renner Frankford Branch in Far North Dallas
- Arcadia Park Branch in West Dallas
This proposal is part of the city’s broader initiative to streamline library operations by consolidating specialized services, technology, and programming into a smaller number of strategically located regional branches. The goal is to develop regional locations that will be open seven days per week and provide enhanced services and programming, thereby improving service quality and access for the community while reducing operating, capital, and maintenance costs to the General Fund. The Central Library is not a part of the regional model plan, according to the city.
Library Director Manya Shorr is scheduled to brief the Quality of Life, Arts and Culture Committee on the library’s strategic plan on January 20. The library system has been under strain after budget decisions last year resulted in the permanent closure of the Skillman Southwestern Branch, with books, computers, and furniture reassigned and the property slated for sale after council action. The public auction is scheduled for February 10 at 11 a.m. at the Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St.
Budget debates in 2025 also included proposals to cut millions from library funding and possibly shutter multiple branches in the coming years, triggering community opposition at public town halls and budget hearings. Shorr, who started in her role last year, previously defended branch consolidations as a way to preserve services. In the past, Shorr indicated that the city’s criteria to determine which locations to shut down will include traditional library metrics such as checkout data, visitor count, programs offered, program attendance, and computer usage. City officials will also include demographic information, such as poverty levels in the areas where the branches are located, access to child care, and access to broadband internet at home.
The city will be holding community meetings to hear from residents on the following dates:
- Monday, January 27, 6 p.m. at Vickery Park, 8333 Park Lane
- Thursday, January 29, 6 p.m. at Hampton-Illinois, 2951 S Hampton Road
- Saturday, January 31, 9:30 a.m. at Fretz Park, 6990 Belt Line Road
- Tuesday, February 3, 6 p.m. at Pleasant Grove, 7310 Lake June Road
- Wednesday, February 4, 6 p.m. Virtual
- Thursday, February 5, 6 p.m. at Bachman Lake, 9480 Webb Chapel Road
As the library department prepares to engage the public on the future of services, residents face a stark reality: Dallas’ plan to “reimagine” its library system could mean a very different landscape for neighborhood libraries, with closures and consolidations reshaping where and how Dallas residents access books, technology, and community space.
Key Features of the Proposed Library Closures
| Branch Name | Location | Proposed Closure Date | Community Meeting Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Lawn Branch | Dallas, TX | To Be Determined | January 27, 6 p.m. at Vickery Park, 8333 Park Lane |
| Skyline Branch | Dallas, TX | To Be Determined | January 29, 6 p.m. at Hampton-Illinois, 2951 S Hampton Road |
| Renner Frankford Branch | Dallas, TX | To Be Determined | January 31, 9:30 a.m. at Fretz Park, 6990 Belt Line Road |
| Arcadia Park Branch | Dallas, TX | To Be Determined | February 3, 6 p.m. at Pleasant Grove, 7310 Lake June Road |
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