Just as Einstein once said, “The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.”
And it’s true! If you live in or near our Dallas apartments, then you have access to some astounding content available at absolutely no cost to you, all thanks to the Dallas Public Library!
Here’s how to get access to the Dallas Public Library’s resources and all the content, classes, hobbies and more that you can enjoy as a library card holder.
Things you can do at the Dallas Public Library
How to get a Dallas library card
The first step to unlocking all the Dallas library’s potential is to get yourself a library card, which is free to anyone who lives, teaches or studies within the Dallas city limits.
All you need to do is visit your closest branch of the Dallas Public Library and bring along some form of photo identification and documentation of your current physical address, such as a driver's license, passport, checkbook or current mail.
Besides, even if you never end up using your library card, applying for one shows the City of Dallas that its residents appreciate and value the library. Which, in turn, means that more funds and support go to the library’s programs and system. It’s a win-win!
What can I use my library card for?
Book checkout
Of course you can use a library card to borrow books from your local branch, but did you know you can also borrow books from libraries across the country?
The Dallas Interlibrary Loan program allows library card holders to request books or journal articles that aren’t available in the Dallas Public Library catalog. This is especially helpful if you are researching something a little more specific or are interested in any university works. Just place a request and pick up the book at your selected Dallas Library location!
Laptop & hotspot checkouts
If you’ve ever had an unexpected laptop crash during a busy work project or had your fiber internet zonk out on you, then don’t stress — the Dallas Public Library provides Chromebooks, laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots for checkout, too!
If you have a library card, then you can check out hotspots or laptop/hotspot bundles from your local Dallas Public Library branch for up to 30 days. You can only get one checkout per card, but in a pinch this is a great option not just for unexpected technology crashes, but also for working on big projects and connecting visiting friends with a way to work or study!
Tax help
Whether you want an in-person tax consultation or are looking for resources and virtual help, the Dallas Public Library has free resources available to anyone looking for an extra hand on their taxes this year.
And, honestly, who hasn’t needed an extra set of eyes on a tax form before? Superheroes, probably. And accountants.
Downloadable media
Who said the library only has books? The Dallas Public Library has fully embraced the technology and accessibility of the 21st century and offers a wide collection of downloadable content for its cardholders to use and enjoy!
Here are some of the downloadable services and platforms available at the Dallas Public Library:
- OverDrive: This online database has a wide variety of ebooks and audiobooks, as well as magazines, fiction and non-fiction novels, graphic novel, comics, TV shows, movies and more!
- Hoopla: Another online database with music, movies, TV shows, ebooks, audiobooks, comics, graphic novels and more!
- EBSCO: you may recognize this library database from the scholarly world, as it’s a standard feature in many academic libraries. EBSCO has shared ebook collections from Kindergarten through college, as well as titles from its business, academic, history, trade reference and public library collections.
- ProQuest: this database focuses on science and technology, as well as over 70,000 titles from Spain and Latin America written in Spanish and covering a wide range of academic topics.
- Flipster: fans of magazines will enjoy this comprehensive collection of both childrens’ and adults’ magazines.
- PressReader: never miss a news story again with access to PressReader, which has access to magazines and newspapers from all over the world in over 60 languages! Plus, of course, the latest 90 days of the Dallas Morning News.
Classes
Check out the monthly calendars at your local Dallas Public Library branch to find out if any interesting classes are being held. You can find recurring computer, ESL and GED classes offered at many locations, as well as author readings, community discussions and more!
Creative spaces
What better place to learn a new hobby or skill than at a library?
The brand-new Dallas Public Library Creative Spaces at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library are decked out with equipment and tools to create whatever your heart desires. The Story Center has everything you need to start a podcast, film a movie or draft a novel. The Fiber Arts Workroom has a wide variety of fabric, fiber and tread to try your hand at knitting, sewing, weaving, embroidery and more! And, finally, the Heritage lab has unique tools to convert old photos, tapes, DVDs and CDs to digital versions, preserving your family history for years to come!
Notary services
Though not nearly as exciting as, say, checking out the latest novel in your favorite series, having notary services readily available can be incredibly helpful! You never know when you’ll need to send over some important documents or notarize a random check, but you’ll always know where you can get it done!
Go get a card!
With so much readily available at your nearest library and on the online catalog — for free, we might add — there’s no reason to not get a library card from the Dallas Public Library! Who knows what new hobbies, skills, books, movies and more you’ll get out of it!
Enjoy!
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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/jarmoluk
Colleen Ford is a South African who now lives on Oahu in Hawai'i. She loves to travel, camp, spearfish and hike. She's also part of a super cool canoe club and is pretty decent at it. Colleen enjoys Star Wars and also not being cold ever.
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