With 30 branches, the Dallas Public Library is a welcoming presence across the city. Some branches have more unique experiences than others, giving regulars and visitors a place to unwind and be productive.
Whether you’re looking to nestle up and read a favorite book, need a quiet place to do some work, or simply want to enjoy a new spot, here are 10 Dallas Public Library branches worth visiting.
Photo courtesy of Dallas Public Library via Facebook.
J. Erik Jonsson Central Library
Reading is a staple of any library, but the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library goes above and beyond. Guests can find a variety of free events, from live animal visits to lessons for musical instruments and new languages. A recently introduced children’s play area encourages learning and creativity. The central branch also offers guided audio walking tours of its eight floors.
Location:
1515 Young Street
Hours:
Closed Monday
Tuesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Derek Evatt / CC BY-SA 3.0
Skyline
The Skyline Branch Library feels like a cozy ski lodge that also happens to contain thousands of books. Slanted wooden beams and tables accentuate fireplaces and several nooks for curling up with a lovely read. The branch provides regular storytime for children and homework support for students.
Location:
6006 Everglade Road
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Lochwood
The Lochwood branch was built in 2009, making it one of the newer ones in the Dallas Public Library system. That fresh feel is evident in the design — the library is among the first Dallas LEED-certified projects, focusing on green and modern architecture. Creative activities will keep kids busy, and grown-ups can calm themselves with adult coloring books and regular events.
Location:
11221 Lochwood Boulevard
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Fretz Park
Lots of natural light makes the Fretz Park location especially inviting. The quirky decor above the book return reflects this branch’s charm. Outside the library, ample parking is a plus, and a canopy-covered children’s playground is the perfect reward for a little after-school reading.
Location:
6990 Beltline Road
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Photo courtesy of Friends of the Dallas Public Library via Facebook.
Preston Royal
Preston Royal is one of the smaller branches in the Dallas Public Library system, but it still has plenty to offer. The ranch-style building is home to a helpful staff with creative displays to help you find the perfect book. Families can enjoy a unique children’s section with comfy lounge chairs and quirky circular nooks, plus a kid-friendly kitchen and a Thomas the Tank Engine table.
Location:
5626 Royal Lane
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Sunday
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Bookmarks in NorthPark Center
A library in a shopping center is certainly outside the norm, though Bookmarks pulls it off with a vibrant, inviting space. The library is aimed at children 12 and under, with comfy lounge chairs and quirky circular nooks adorning the floor and fantastical murals and colorful decor highlighting the walls. Visitors can also use the branch’s computers to enjoy early literacy programs or attend interactive storytimes and performances.
Location:
8687 N. Central Expressway, Suite 1514
Hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Sunday and Monday
Grauwyler Park
Head to the back of the Grauwyler Park branch for one of the best natural light experiences in the city. The large windows are the perfect backdrop for reading or getting some work done, with enough space between seating that it feels like your own personal office. This branch is near a rec center, pool, and splash pad, so bring your bathing suit for a post-library dip.
Location:
2146 Gilford Street
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Audelia Road
If you’ve ever wanted to join a book club, Audelia Road is the place to do it. The library hosts monthly clubs for both general reads and the mystery genre. Additionally, the Audelia Road branch is among the libraries that offer staff resources for job searches, such as guided job searching, resume updates, and applying for government benefits.
Location:
10045 Audelia Road
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Photo courtesy of Good Dog Fetch via Facebook.
White Rock Hills
This location opened in 2012 and is a nice little gem among the Dallas libraries. You’ll find rows of tables for plugging in your laptop, and the floor-to-ceiling windows mean you’ll never hurt for reading light. Join the recurring events, such as mahjong games, toddler storytime, and Nintendo Switch game nights.
Location:
9150 Ferguson Road
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Highland Hills
Opened in 2014 to replace a 35-year-old library, Highland Hills has a sleek, modern feel. Art lovers can revel in the library’s many murals and art pieces, including a colorful glass display above and next to the entrance. The children’s section is less extensive than some of the other branches, but comfy ottoman-style seats provide a kid-friendly reading environment. A spacious auditorium and kitchenette provide areas to host after-hours events or presentations.
Location:
6200 Bonnie View Road
Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Monday
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
