Open Libraries, Unlock Potential: Friends of the Dallas Public Library's Grassroots Advocacy Campaign

Proposed Dallas budget would cut cops, boost streets and libraries.   (Dallas News, 8/8/2014)

Friends of the Library advocacy pays off.  One example is the library system. Friends of the Dallas Public Library this year launched a campaign for more library funding, arguing that the libraries’ share of the city budget had dropped in recent years. 

Before 2008, libraries got about 3 percent of the general fund, the group said. It would now take an additional $10 million to restore that funding level, it said. 

Gonzalez is recommending $3 million more for libraries in next year’s budget, plus another $3 million the following year. That would allow 12 library branches and the central library downtown to extend their operating hours, he said.

The next step of the advocacy process.  The budget still needs to be approved by the city council.

Mayor Mike Rawlings seems to be on board with an increase in the library budget. 

Mayor Mike Rawlings challenges Dallas City Council to make tough budget cuts.  (Dallas News, 6/18/2014)  

But to the tune of $3,000,000?   The mayor also said more funding is needed to allow city libraries to open on Sundays.