Dallas Public Library Replaces Old Forest Green Branch with State-of-the-Art Building
DALLAS – The new Forest Green Branch of the Dallas Public Library opens Saturday on Greenville Avenue, a 5-minute walk from its former location on Forest Lane, but more than twice the size.
The grand opening and ribbon cutting starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 at 9619 Greenville Ave., just south of Forest Lane.
The ceremony will include remarks from Mayor Eric Johnson and Councilmember Adam McGough, followed by live music, light refreshments, craft activities celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and tours of the space.
This event is outdoors. Masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged.
The old Forest Green Branch, built in 1976, was the smallest of all the Dallas Public Library locations. The new building is 10,000 square feet larger, sitting on a tree-filled 2.66-acre lot and tucked into the Lake Highlands neighborhood. It features flexible classroom space, enhanced meeting rooms and small conference rooms, 20 public computers and an outdoor space for community gatherings.
Director of Libraries Jo Giudice said the new building was long overdue.
“Forest Green was the first place I worked when I came to Dallas Public Library,” said Giudice. “While leaving the old building is bittersweet for me, I know as well as anyone its shortcomings. The community is going to be blown away when they see the upgrade they are getting.”
Councilmember McGough said the new Forest Green Branch will be a community destination and gathering place that will impact lives for generations in District 10.
“The community came together to advocate for this library, and many gave their time and treasure to support it. The building is a testament to the legacy of our very own Karen Blumenthal and so many who envisioned this library into existence and continue to demonstrate how to love our neighbors well,” said Councilmember McGough, District 10. “Today is a blessing for our D10 community and the entire City of Dallas.”
The new branch includes specialty technology, furniture and equipment to encourage early literacy and STEM learning, funded by more than $100,000 worth of donations through the Friends of the Dallas Public Library in honor of Karen Blumenthal, a long-time library supporter who died last year. Forest Green was her neighborhood branch, and Blumenthal was instrumental in making the new building a reality.
“Karen was such a fierce library advocate,” Giudice said. “She recognized the need in this community and generated the community support to make it happen. Her influence is throughout the building.”
The $9.5 million building, including construction, design and land acquisition, was funded by the 2006 and 2017 bond programs.
After Saturday, the Forest Green Branch Library will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.