Let’s play Jeopardy. Answer in the form of a question, please.
This community resource has been in the city of Dallas since 1901. The number of locations guarantees there’s one close to you. It provides opportunities for all ages to grow and learn. And all services are free of charge.
Answer: What is the Dallas Public Library?
If it’s been a while since you’ve stopped by a library, you may be surprised by all they have to offer. Books, of course, and the almost-thirty locations around Dallas use an interlibrary loan system so it’s almost guaranteed they’ll have the book you want. The online system allows you to search the catalog and request/renew items, then pick up and drop off at any location.
You can also check out e-books, electronic audio books, online magazines, CDs, and DVDs. In addition, many locations have free notary services and tax help, plus activities and clubs for every age, from babies through senior adults.
What’s happening at the branch libraries in our neighborhood?
Leslie Lake has been manager of the Lakewood branch, located on Worth Street in Junius Heights, for eleven years.
“People assume that a library is a quiet place, but not this library!” Lake says.
And with as many children as there are in our neighborhood, it’s no surprise. “The Thursday morning story time at the Lakewood Branch Library is one of the largest in the Dallas Public Library system,” Lake says. “We have a never-ending supply of toddlers in this part of town!”
For older kids, Wednesdays bring after school crafts. In January, plan to make Watercolor Winter Hats, then later in the month, reflect on MLK, Jr. Day with a white Dove Handprint craft.
With its auditorium and conference room, available by reservation, several clubs find it the perfect spot to gather — KnitWits, Sisters in Stitches, Toastmasters, and the relatively new Adult Anime Club and Perler Bead Club. All welcome newbies, so maybe it’s time for you to try something new?
Speaking of, the all-new Dungeons and Dragons Club debuts in January for those who want to learn the game and get in touch with their inner wizard or elf.
Also new is Books and Brews, a monthly book club for ages 21 and older to discuss a book while sampling coffee, tea, beer or hard cider.
And even more for the older crowd: Senior Coffee Social Hour, a monthly gathering filled with coffee, board games and other activities.
On the other side of white Rock Lake is the Lochwood Branch Library, located on Lochwood Boulevard near Garland Road. A former YMCA, the state-of-the-art facility is a showcase of green, modern architecture.
Manager Terrah Carter beams as she describes her branch. “If I had to choose one word to describe Lochwood, it would be ‘community.’ Lochwood is a thriving place where everyone feels welcomed. It’s a mixture of all economic levels and ethnicities.”
Lochwood hosts toddler story time on Tuesdays and Fridays. Every other Thursday, Pre-K/toddlers can enjoy crafts like the upcoming pine cone owls and fingerprint art.
Their popular weekly after school STEAM sessions for older children encourage fun and creativity while sneaking in a bit of science and math.
For adults, the library hosts English Conversation every Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. for those learning the language to practice their speaking skills.
Fun fact about the branch: the old YMCA gym was salvaged to create the Black Box Theater for community theater and music performances. It also provides space for the monthly Family Fun Saturday. On Jan. 27, the whole family is invited to decorate their own cardboard box “car,” then watch Disney’s “Cars” on the big screen.
If Lakewood and Lochwood locations aren’t near you, chances are, the Skillman-Southwestern branch library is. You guessed it: the branch name is its location. Donna Lewis has been manager there almost eight years and says, “For a smaller location, we’re busy. We have a lot of regular patrons so we really get to know them and build good relationships with them. We’re a great neighborhood branch.”
Like the other branches, they have story time for the little ones each week. Older kids have STEM sessions every third Wednesday. Children ages 6-11 can look forward to craft sessions twice monthly. Coming up in January: creating a yeti with cotton balls and making penguins with those little hand prints.
Adults can have their own fun by meeting up to play Mahjong at the library every Friday, no experience required. There’s also one-off events like the adult basket weaving class in February.
Want to learn? Save money? Be creative and imaginative? Go to your local library.
Questions? Go to dallaslibrary2.org, contact the branch directly or ask any librarian.
