In 2023, Dallas Public Library (DPL) embarked on a comprehensive strategic and facilities master plan to shape its future priorities and investments to meet the evolving needs of Dallas residents.

Thousands of Dallasites participated in the planning process through diverse engagement strategies including community meetings, focus groups, surveys, and workshops. The strategic plan refined DPL’s mission statement to reflect its role as a key partner for the City in building community equity as well as its commitment to strengthening communities and enhancing quality of life in Dallas. It establishes eight strategic goals to guide library services, operations, and strategic partnerships over the next five years.

Through extensive assessments of library facilities and their usage, DPL recognized the pressing need for strategic investments in its infrastructure to meet rapidly growing community needs. The facilities plan identifies key recommendations to ensure that DPL’s 30 facilities remain inspiring, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for all residents and are equipped for operational success. It prioritizes the protection of existing capital assets through ongoing maintenance, as well as the expansion of library space to accommodate projected community growth over the next 15 years. Moreover, the plan underscores the importance of reinvesting in DPL’s flagship J. Erik Jonsson Central Library to modernize service and operations and to enhance customer experience and community appeal.

The plan was adopted unanimously by City Council as a guide for future investments as well as to inform the capital Bond Program that goes to the voters every six years. The plan also is an important resource to support fundraising partnerships and advocacy efforts by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

Read the final report.