Reimagine

Dallas Public Library Budget FAQs

Thank you for your interest in the Dallas Public Library budget! 

 Para información en español, oprima aquí.

With the adoption of the 2026 budget, the Skillman Southwestern Branch is permanently closed.

Books, computers and furniture are being reassigned to other library locations. All staff have been reassigned to other libraries. The City will continue to secure, heat/cool and maintain the building until it is sold at auction. This will be led by the Facilities & Real Property Management department. 

Fiscal Year 2027 (October 1, 2026-September 30, 2027) 

The Library will develop a regional model that will concentrate services and extend hours at geographically dispersed locations around the City while closing and/or reducing hours at the remaining branches.

• The Library is not funded at a level to provide impactful, meaningful service at 28 locations and 8 floors at the Central Library.

• A regional model will allow for deeper service in the community because the budget and staffing will not have to be stretched to operate as many service points.

• No branches have been identified for closure at this time. Many data points and other criteria are being considered.  

• Positions may be eliminated as a part of the regional library plan. With proper advance planning to save vacancies as people leave the system and developing new workforce models, we seek to prioritize workforce retention and continuity. 

If the regional model is not adopted, the Library will still be tasked with saving $2.6 million in FY27. That would mean eliminating positions and reducing the number of days and hours at all library locations.

Throughout the regional model planning process, the library will engage with patrons, stakeholders, elected officials and others. Check back at this page for updates throughout the year.

For questions, please email: dpldir@dallas.gov 

Last updated: October 2, 2025