Best Public Library in Dallas?

Posted by pursuemagic@reddit | Dallas | View on Reddit | 17 comments

Okay y’all — my piggy bank is getting eaten up by my book expenses and I think it’s time I finally join a library. I’ve done extensive research on Dallas libraries, but none really scream out to me. I’m obviously looking for a vast book selection but also a library that is a great place to work! Bonus points if they have public printers.

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17 Comments

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BourbonDecay@reddit

Normally, you can just get a Dallas library card at any library branch and go online and easily find and have books sent to your closest branch for pick up from any branch throughout the city, free of charge. It sometimes takes a few days for them to be delivered, so is not necessarily quick, but if you plan ahead you can always have books on hand to read. With that said, unfortunately there was a city wide ransomware attack last month and the system is still down, so I don't think you can get a new library card and you also cant search the online catalog or have books delivered to your local branch for pickup. I was told by a librarian that it is a law priority issue (at least relative to 911, police, etc.), and they don't know when it will be back up. I am on my last library book right now and might have to resort to actually buying a book for the first time in a while.

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DejaV42@reddit

You can still check books out! You'll just have to peruse the shelves. You cannot return books still.

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studyabroader@reddit

But you can't see what books are even in the library, since the system is down. So perusing the shelves is a bit hard/ pointless. I miss the library so much!

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thatquagsire@reddit

There's also plenty of libraries around the pockets of DFW. Some need proof of residency but others don't and so long as you have a phone you're able to check out virtual books on apps like Libby that works with those libraries so you don't have to physically go to the branch after getting their library card if it's too far out of reach.

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kmay5322@reddit

Do you live in Dallas? Then you’re eligible for a free library card. The Dallas Public Library has 30 branches and a massive, massive collection. As another redditor mentioned, they are currently dealing with a ransomware attack so you might have to wait a week or two before you can register for a card. In addition to get a library card from your “home” (that is, whichever city you live in) library, you’ll also want to get a TexShare library cared! Whether you live in Dallas/Garland/Mesquite/etc. you can checkout books from different library systems using it! And it’s free. https://www.tsl.texas.gov/texshare/card Now in terms of the best library? For browsing and working, it will probably be the downtown Dallas branch. It’s gigantic and has plenty of private study rooms available.

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katiemu24@reddit

You can use any branch of the Dallas Public Library once you get a card, so no need to choose one and stick with it! You can go to as many branches of the DPL as you like with the one card.

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korsbarochananas@reddit

Well where do you live? That’s important info. If you live in the city of Dallas, then you can get a Dallas Public Library card. If not, you’ll have to pay.

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FIalt619@reddit

The new Frisco public library is incredible. It’s in a former rocket factory with really high ceilings and it has a real T-Rex skeleton in the middle of it. There’s also a really neat indoor playground for little kids that is like a kids town with a kid sized vet, kid sized construction site, etc. And of course a bunch of quiet rooms and tables to post up at to read and study.

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Electricdragongaming@reddit

The Downtown Dallas library is pretty damn vast if that's what you're looking for.

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pursuemagic@reddit (OP)

Good to know! Do you know it it’s easily accessible…as in parking?

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cd87@reddit

Yes, parking is underground and free. Spaces are always available. Elevator takes you right up to the lobby (or whatever of the 8 floors you’re going to).

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Busy_Passage5400@reddit

7th hujjjjjjjjjj

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pursuemagic@reddit (OP)

This is so helpful! Thank you!

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Best Public Library in Dallas?

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17 Comments

BourbonDecay@reddit

DejaV42@reddit

studyabroader@reddit

thatquagsire@reddit

kmay5322@reddit

katiemu24@reddit

korsbarochananas@reddit

FIalt619@reddit

Electricdragongaming@reddit

pursuemagic@reddit (OP)

cd87@reddit

Busy_Passage5400@reddit

pursuemagic@reddit (OP)

Electricdragongaming@reddit

MikeMogu@reddit

GlossyBuckslip@reddit

Chance-Adept@reddit