Dallas Public Library Seeks Community Feedback on Proposed Changes

Online survey aims to shape future library services after branch closure proposal

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Dallas Public Library is joining the Friends of the Dallas Public Library in seeking community feedback through an online survey to help determine the future of library services. This comes after a proposal was released in January that recommended the closure of several branch locations, prompting the library to reschedule community meetings to gather more input.

Why it matters

The proposed branch closures have raised concerns in the community about access to library resources, especially in underserved areas. The survey aims to gather direct feedback from residents on how they use the library and what changes would most impact them.

The details

The proposal recommended the closures of the Oak Lawn Branch, the Skyline Branch, the Renner Frankford Branch and the Arcadia Park Branch. The branch selections were based strictly on data in order to provide a recommendation without bias input, according to Library Director Manya Shorr. Community meetings that were originally scheduled for late January and early February will now be rescheduled.

  • The proposal was released in January 2026.
  • The online survey is open until February 26, 2026.
  • Community meetings will be rescheduled after the initial late January and early February dates.

The players

Dallas Public Library

The public library system serving the city of Dallas, Texas.

Friends of the Dallas Public Library

A nonprofit organization that supports and advocates for the Dallas Public Library.

Manya Shorr

The Library Director of the Dallas Public Library.

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What they’re saying

“The branch selections were based strictly on data in order to provide a recommendation without bias input.”

— Manya Shorr, Library Director (advocatemag.com)

What’s next

The online survey will close on February 26, 2026, after which the Dallas Public Library and Friends of the Dallas Public Library will review the community feedback to help determine the future of library services and branch locations.

The takeaway

This survey represents an important opportunity for Dallas residents to have a direct say in the future of their public library system, especially as the library considers consolidating branch locations. The feedback gathered will be crucial in shaping library services to best meet the needs of the community.