Mrs. Marian Underwood, head of the branch from 1938-1961.
May 1970: Richard Nixon is president, protests against the Vietnam War have erupted, the Beatles’ song “Let It Be” is a hit on the radio, and a gallon of gas can be had for about fifty cents. And in East Dallas, the new Lakewood Branch Library opens to much fanfare. Here we are over a half century later, and perhaps we should let it be when it comes to politics or the price of gas. But our branch library remains a beloved fixture in the neighborhood and invites everyone to join in its 55th birthday celebration, as well as the opening of the library’s 60th annual Art Show, on May 17.
If you’re searching your memory for the 50th anniversary festivities and art displays, well, Scottish poet Robert Burns sums it up: “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Side note/library promo: Look for Burns’ works as well as John Steinbeck’s novella Of Mice and Men on the shelves of the library.
“The crafts were prepared,” recalls Leslie Lake, branch manager for the past fourteen years. “The volunteers were summoned. The children’s performers were booked. The raffle prize was ready. The old-timey, black and white photos were displayed.” All that was left for the library staff to do was wait for the big day, May 9, 2020. “But it was all for naught,” sighs Lake.
Yep, COVID. Lockdown. The world came to a screeching halt, celebrations were scrapped, and instead of hosting a party and an art show, the dedicated staff and supporters of the Lakewood Branch Library would spend the next few months improvising the delivery of library services to bored, restless, shelter-at-home citizens. “We spent the summer of 2020,” remembers Lake, “running across the parking lot in the blazing hot sun — and occasional pouring rain — with masks and gloves on to put bags of books and DVDs in people’s car trunks.”
Eventually, the library’s doors opened again and party planning resumed, this time with an eye on the 55th birthday. If you’re of a certain age, you might recall that the original neighborhood library opened in 1938 and was located in the Diener-Mills Building on La Vista, which now houses the dental practice of Dr. Ben Alexander and 2 Shea Gift Shop & Med Spa. At the time, it was called the East Dallas Library. Fun and weird fact: In a sign of the times, patrons were allowed to smoke as they thumbed through books and searched the card catalog.
By the 1960s, the East Dallas community was growing and needed a new library building. “Then-mayor J. Erik Jonsson proposed the 1967 Crossroads Bond package,” explains Lake, “which included the construction of four new branch libraries. The new Lakewood Branch Library on Worth Street was the first of the four to open. The building design won an award for the architectural designers Fisher and Spillman.”
At the 55th birthday celebration on May 17, expect to see plenty of old black and white photos of the hoopla surrounding the 1970 opening. Adults, be sure to don your thinking caps for trivia contests. For the kids, there will be crafts involving beads, quilt blocks and creating birthday cards. And, of course, what’s a birthday party without clowns? The Ramazinis will perform for kids of all ages on the library lawn.
Opening day at the Lakewood Branch
While you’re at the library, don’t miss the opening day of the 60th Annual Lakewood Branch Library Art Show. Wander into the auditorium and down its nearby hall to witness just how talented your East Dallas neighbors are. Debbie Simurda, head of the art show committee, describes it as “a vibrant celebration of creativity and community. It transforms the library into a gallery showcasing diverse works from local artists, ranging from paintings and photography to sculpture and crafts.”
But the show is more than just an exhibition—it’s a community tradition that welcomes everyone. “The Lakewood Library art show used to be professionally judged,” according to Lake, “but the decision was made not to do this anymore as it was intimidating to some of the artists and preventing them from entering the show. The heart of this art show is the Lakewood and East Dallas community. The focus needs to be on creative output from people of all skill levels and walks of life. For many, it might be the first time they have ever displayed their work publicly, and the library community is a most welcoming place to do so.”
You, the public, will decide who receives the People’s Choice Awards. Adds Simurda, “We really want to engage the community as well as spotlight the many talented artists that are participating. We will have ballots -— one per person — at the library and everyone is invited to vote.” Voting closes May 31, and winners of the People’s Choice awards will be announced June 2. The art show runs through June 18.
A final thought on the treasure that is our Lakewood Branch Library: the librarians are the heart and soul of the library experience. When you stop by for the celebration and art show, take the time to thank your friendly, neighborhood librarians.
