Dallas Library Remains Open Amid Public Opposition to City Budget Cuts
The Skillman Southwestern Library in Northeast Dallas may avoid closure after a wave of community opposition prompted the Dallas City Council to reconsider its initial plan to cut funding. Although the decision is not yet final, council members expressed support on Wednesday for finding alternative funding to keep the library open.
The tentative move came after Council Member Paula Blackmon, who represents the area, proposed reallocating over $485,000 from a $6 million infrastructure incentive fund to save the nearly 20-year-old branch. This decision followed significant community outcry at a recent budget town hall meeting.
Interim City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert initially recommended closing the library to save $485,000 and avoid cuts to other Dallas library branches. The library, located within three miles of three other branches, was targeted as part of a broader plan to save $1.9 million from the city’s library system.
While the Dallas City Council has shown a willingness to explore funding solutions, concerns remain about the sustainability of keeping the library open. Public library system director Jo Giudice noted that keeping all branches open six days a week would require additional resources.
The final decision on the fate of the Skillman Southwestern Library will come when the City Council votes on the $5 billion budget on September 18.
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