Dallas Public Library’s Catalog System Restored

The restoration of the online catalog means that library customers and staff can now search the collection, place requests, use digital databases and apply for library cards. Customers who have been holding on to checked out materials should now return them to the library when they are due.

The online catalog was taken offline on May 3 after an incident affecting the City of Dallas computer networks. Since then, the library has been checking out books, DVDs and other materials by hand, and returned materials were stacking up, unable to be checked in.

Director of Libraries Jo Giudice said customer accounts may be inaccurate as staff work through the backlog of checkouts and check-ins. It will also take longer than usual to receive hold requests.

“We are asking our customers to be patient with us and be assured that we will work through any issues on their accounts,” Giudice said. “We never charge fines for overdue materials, and any charges for failure to return items will be resolved.”

The return to service comes at the busiest time of year for Dallas Public Library as families increase their visits to the library in search of summer reading and free programming. At some locations, the shelves have started to look bare.

“We are also looking for community volunteers to help us reshelve the thousands of items we’ve been unable to process until now,” Giudice said.

Customers are encouraged to check their library accounts online at www.dallaslibrary.org or on the DPL app.  Automatic renewals did not happen during the shutdown, and email notices about held and overdue items are suspended for the time being. Requested items that were awaiting pickup in early May must be claimed by June 28. Customers are encouraged to visit or call the library if they have any questions about their accounts.

Also, this week, Dallas Public Library’s GED Testing Center resumed service. The library offers testing Tuesday through Saturday at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library. Testers can schedule a test through www.ged.com.

Restoration of public computer access is still in progress.

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About DPL: Dallas Public Library operates the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library and 29 branch locations, serving nearly 8 million visitors each year. A library card is free for any Dallas resident. For information on the many free programs and services available at Dallas Public Library, visit www.dallaslibrary.org.