J. Erik Jonsson Central Library

12/08/2025: Very cool brutalist style building in downtown Dallas. Wish it was better maintained and more going for the building. The area is slightly worn down and there is not much to do in the area. The only people I saw working on the first floor were these two guards andI only visited to get some paperwork.

Visiting from another state and came to see the copy of the Declaration of Independence. We also saw an original Shakespeare, photo exhibit from the civil rights era, traditional woven blankets and pottery, paintings, and a sculpture by Frank Lloyd Wright. It's more than your average library. Be sure to "check out" the seed library. We also enjoyed the extensive collection of maps and genealogy books. It was a great way to spend a cold, wet day as visitors to Dallas.

A large library, eight floors, across Akard Plaza - a green space, is their city hall. There are many guards. Many corners of the library are smelly. I happened to see sofa on the 5th floor and sat down, didn't realize behind the sofa are many books about Chinese in Texas. They also have a genealogy section.

Want to thank Alex on the music floor , and Jeremy for her hospitality. Both staff have shown great respect regardless of my looks...I've received ill treatment from some staff they're just based off of they're ABUSED authority. I won't forget those who are kind and whom are not.

Great library. The kids floor (that's the second floor) has a great selection of books and toys. There's also a helpful "bureau of vital statistics" a birth and death certificate center and plenty of other great stuff. Classes are open the public and do not require a library card.

Such a nice library!! They have so many activities for youth. Dallas has a large homeless population and they give them water and free phone calls. I also see a lot of community resources posted around the library for those in need. They always have events for free. They could definitely improve their children's book section but overall a nice place for kids and teens. They even give free lunch during the summer to kids.

I come to this library daily, and the security guards always stare and make me uncomfortable super rude. The second-floor staff is nosy and quick to block computer access over anything. One time a few chips spilled from my bag, and the older guy with glasses and a country accent told me I couldn’t use a laptop even though someone was literally vacuuming right there. Isn’t that her job?? They also keep accusing me of eating just because my notebook rubbed off on one of their “no eating” papers. Be fr. Meanwhile, the place smells because of how many homeless people hang around. I’ll be reaching out to management. One of the girls name is Jaylen (light skin, curly hair, glasses, heavyset)

Honestly, this is my best kept secrets for a study place. This is one of the best, largest libraries that I've been in. Yes, there is a large homeless population that hangs out during the day. Yes, it can be kind of eerie, but they stick to themselves and do not bother you. The library has 7 or 8 floors, all topics on all topics on anything you can imagine. They have a Podcast area, and area to play instruments,Multiple tables and Mini desks to study, Vast floor to ceiling windows to gaze upon the outside...... Security that circulates throughout the library...... I wish there was a solution where people would feel more comfortable to visit often. This place definitely is a jewel.

Wow! What a cool library! 8 floors of resources with plenty of options online too. The front desk was very helpful in getting signed up for a new card.

We recently got library cards and everyone who we've talked to has been so helpful! They set everything up for us and let us know about upcoming events! Support your local library friends!

The Dallas Public Library is a fantastic area for the community. Serving the public with regular library duties while also going above and beyond to host fun events. Most recently we attended the Beetlejuice party where there was karaoke, the movie playing, tarot card readings, vendors, free drinks, dancing, and more! There is truly something special about the amount of dedication they give to the community!

Love it here and the people are so nice can't sleep here but can charge ur phone. Met nice people here

We went to view a folio of Shakespeare's works. Sounds cool right? Super old document with all of Shakespeare's works? It's not. It was reprinted in 1902. So old, but not strictly speaking an original. Big ole book but the only thing you can see is a bill of accrued-no actual text from the plays.

Cool spot. Lots of homeless people around. Wifi slow but the surrounding area has some nice views.

Lovely airy public library. Apparently the have a copy of the Declaration of Independence. But what I came here for was the usual Friends of the Library used book sales. Unfortunately they don't do that. Never mind. Still a good place to rest and get relief from the heat.

What a difference in time.This library is better today for multiple reasons but I will name the best. Better online safety. They have better safer options for you or anyone else to use the computer. You can sign in as a guest instead. No more sign instead like other libraries where your personal information is noticed. They offer GED classes and the testing as well

I like to check out cookbooks for delicious recipes to prepare. I literally save $100's by checking out books and not having to buy them. 2 thumbs up

Birth certificate place is unprofessional people to laugh at your face and not give us copies of what we paid for.... Never coming again

My kid and I totally geek out here. She gets into the chalkboard, costumes, blocks, and big books they have available, while I delve into whatever book I've picked up downstairs. I love that they have YA and easy children's books in Vietnamese, but this is a small collection compared to ones I've seen in Arlington. Plenty of Spanish books though. We've yet to explore further than the 1st and 2nd floor of this gargantuan library, but I hear there's some pretty interesting stuff up there. I doubt the guard in the elevator bank would hear our muffled screams if we were shanked in the concrete shadows of the underground parking garage, so we save our own lives (along with a few bucks) by riding our bike. There are bike racks INSIDE the foyer, right before the second set of doors. Truly though, I think library parking should be free, if only to give some people that little push they need to rediscover the library.

Service animals UNWELCOME! A large bald gentleman/security officer would not listen to anything I had to say about me having papers and proof of my dog being a service dog. He was incredibly rude and kept pointing at the door saying to "get out" you can't be here. Not sure what their official policy is but be careful if you have a service animal.

This is one of the best libraries I have ever went to. The workers are really nice and I can always find books at that library. Definitely recommend, because it is one of the best!!

Excellent experience! Came here for the Bureau of Vital Statistics (located on the first floor) for a replacement birth certificate. First off, this was a last min trip. I need my birth certificate for an appointment tmrw and was almost sure that it would take at least few business days if not weeks. Surprisingly they give it to you the same day! Depending on how many people are ahead of you. They close at 430pm. I got here at 4pm and was told it would be a 20-30min wait. Guess who's now walking out of here with a replacement birth certificate :D S/N: quick service, free underground parking (enter through Wood St), friendly security officers and staff.

As part of our commitment to better ourselves (i.e. watch less TV, read more books), the wife and I headed to the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library (the downtown location of the Dallas Public Library). I signed up for a library card online at home and was at the front desk an hour later getting a new card. We then set off on our respective book quests (Sci-Fi for me!). Using the catalog computers, we easily found the locations of our books and went to grab 'em. We wandered around and realized the library is ginormous, with 8 floors of book-filled goodness. Walking up to the circulation desk, we thought our 10 books might be above their check-out limit., but nope, they told us the limit is 250! The Dallas Public Library is really cool with the awesome check out privileges, online catalog access, ability to request book transfers, and the many locations. This particular library rocks for the location, book selection, and events (authors, concerts, etc.). We will be back! I guess we *have* to go back, because if we don't, we'll be charged for not returning our books. :p

I'm a big fan of the Dallas Public Libraries, and the Central Library will always be my first love. Floors upon floors of books, DVDs, CDs, and plenty of other great materials abound here. They have a great children's section and lots of available computers (handy when my wifi at home was down for a few days). The staff is always so kind and friendly and ready to help you find whatever you need. This library also contains some great hidden gems, like the seventh floor display of Shakespeare's First Folio, beautifully displayed and so cool to see. And just around the corner you can see an original copy of the Declaration of Independence. I agree that the parking is certainly not the best, the garage is difficult to find and costs money (but if you're staying for less than 15 minutes you can get out without paying!). Other than that your only option is metered street parking. If you can walk, it's worth it. A cool new feature they have now is their iPhone/Android App, which you can download for free. With it, you can easily browse their catalog, see what books you have currently on loan, and renew materials easily. It's saved my behind on multiple occasions!

This has to be the nicest library I've been to (although not the nicest looking on the outside). It's 8 floors total, and there's plenty of space and tables to spread out and work if you need to. And because it's 8 floors, you can be sure there are plenty of books. The design is spacious, and despite being so big, it still has the homey feel of a smaller library, with a rocking chair on the third floor. There's a section on the first floor where used books are sold for 50 cents apiece, and $6 for a large box. It's very worth! They sell not only books but movies and discs as well! I took a close look at their movies section, and they've got a very nice selection, with recent shows such as Sherlock, Elementary, Psych, etc. all offered. They probably had around 12 shelves just for movies. All in all, a very nice library. If I had to list a downside, it's probably parking. Because it's in downtown, it was a little difficult to get a spot, but other than that, I have no complaints.

I've been visiting this Dallas library location for about a year now and have only been to the 8th floor (genealogy). The library is clean and well kept. The genealogy staff are attentive and helpful. I had never used a microfilm until visiting this branch. The staff helped me locate film and gave instructions on how to get it into the reader. The technology they have is AMAZING. So they have this machine that will scan a book. All you need is a USB thumb drive to save the file to. They also have a microfilm reader that takes photos of the film which can be saved to the USB too! I'm like in awe of this technology. If you know about this stuff don't make fun of me for just finding out about it. It's the best thing since sliced bread. Seriously. So I was able to save an image of a marriage certificate from 1880. Is that not amazing? They also have a huge selection of film from the FLDS. I was able to locate the Hidalgo marriages film. So you'll know I went to the local family search center at the FLDS church near me. They have limited hours. I ordered the same film for $7.50 and had it shipped to the FLDS family research center. With their limited hours which are basically wednesday's 12-3 and Thursdays 6-9 pm it makes it difficult to sift through the film at my own convenience. The Dallas library is open most of the time and have hours that make it convenient for me to spend time sifting through the film AND I didn't have to pay a cent. I hate to say that a problem with the library is the homeless population using it for shelter during the day. It is an unavoidable problem if you come to this location. The staff perform routine rounds and maintain peace in the library. They 8th floor genealogy department has a decent selection of material from Mexico. They could do better. They also have workshops and people who are knowledgeable to get you started with you family research. I highly recommend for those who want to get started or need help in their search.

I went to the one in Down town Dallas. Lots of homeless and kids. I like to read books more than ebooks. The book shelves were bare. 8 floors of books but could of fit everything on the first 3 floors. Poorly managed, they had one person doing liabrary cards and book checkouts. 5 people in line, going really really slow. However each floor has two people for information. The building also felt like 90 degrees. Books also were very unorganized. Couldn't find anything I was looking for. Information wasn't any help.

Despite the smell this is my favorite place in all of Dallas. Has a feeling of austerity. The workers do a great job and the libraries collection and services are impeccable.

Hackers rejoice! The library has real addresses and real birthdates for everyone with a card. No exceptions. Lame reasoning about being able to find people with common names. Yet so many organizations have managed to find my name without my birthday. While the people at the desk are just doing their jobs in requiring this information, they don't pretend the library's database cannot be hacked. I have to guess that the City of Dallas, with its myriad issues, is not making IT security at the library a priority. Anybody willing to risk having their information hacked should be fine with membership at this library. It is possible that the hacker will not find cardholders' matching SSNs in cyberspace and/ or will have the same problem the library has in matching names. With so many data breached of late, I am not comfortable with the risk and declined the card. Buying books is far cheaper than fixing identity theft.

The restrooms are nasty. They smell like someone hasn't cleaned them in months. I dont pay tax dollars to have a restroom like that. Everyone who comes here should have the dignity to use a clean restroom.

With the internet and digital books lots of folks have stopped utilizing the library however there is something about flipping a page as you anticipate what's gonna happen next. I absolutely love this library! This one is larger than most so it can be a little intimidating however ALL of the staff are extremely helpful. On this recent visit i voted here as well but back to the books! I wasn't able to locate a particular book I was looking for and the male staff member looked it up to make sure it was in stock and then took off to look. I asked him if I should come along however he said i could wait at the desk. After a brief minute he appeared from behind the shelves with both books in hand! They have computers that you can use (remember to bring your own jump drive if you need to save things!) and the children's floor is AMAZING (notice i said FLOOR, not corner). As an added means of protection you must have a child to be on the floor (hence no creepers hiding behind the stacks). They also have special programs and screenings and did I mention that I LOVE this library?! I highly recommend that you check them out.

It's not as fancy schmancy as the library in Downtown Fort Worth, but DPL has a lot of stuff. I actually found a couple of textbooks here that I needed for my classes and DPL just saved me at least $80 in textbook costs! That's more beer money for me! I also signed up for a library card online and all I had to do was bring my ID when I got to checkout for verification and it was as simple as that! Thanks DPL!

Need a quite place to work and originally wanted to check out the George W. Bush library only to realize it's not really a library but a museum with entrance fee and now a place to hang out to work. After some research found the public central library downtown offers wifi and great selection of books. The only downside is that the cafe has closed down so had to venture out few blocks for food and coffee. The library is huge with multiple floors. It is an old building though and needs a facelift, it could be so much more.. value 5/5 atmosphere 3/5 service 3/5 quality 3/5 14/20

Okay, this is pretty cool. If you have any interest in Dallas history please take a read. 7th floor of the main library downtown has an extensive collection of historical photos of Dallas from the 1800's to present--AMAZING PHOTOS. You can view a sample of them online. They have 10's of thousands of photos. I went up there and there are literally card catalogs with small photos that you can flip through. You can buy a scan of any image for $27. They can also do custom hand prints which turn out beautifully. Here's the real deal though--they have overstocks and photos that were ordered and not picked up that they will sell you on the cheap. Our office bought nine beautiful historic photos ranging in size from 11 x 13" to 18 x 28" for $400 total. The subject matter is awesome. They have everything from parades to skylines to old State Fair of Texas to inside Big Town Mall to bi-plane airshows at Love Field to horse and buggies parked outside the Harris Department Store to the last public lynching. We got carried away just flipping through the photos. And if you are looking for something in particular, tell the staff and they will find it! It's insane! I took my daughter there just so she could see the history and she was amazed. She now has a keen interest in Bonnie and Clyde....grrrrrrreat.... http://www.dallaslibrary.org/CTX/photogallery/index.html

It's the library. Quiet. Nice staff. I work across the street, so we have meetings from time to time there. Free parking garage below the Library the vending machines are located here as well. I also come here to pick up certificates (birth/death) for my job.

For the less than 4 stars: Shut up! It's a public library for god's sake. They do what they can with the funding they are given.

Vast resources on eight floors. There isn't a question the library can not help you with. Really. Go down and test them and check out a few books while you're at it. My favorite part? On the eighth floor is one of the very few original copies of the Declaration of Independence. Don't see that every day. So go explore!

I had a class at a meeting room late last year and hadn't been to this library before. I paid the extra money for the training room with the televisions for the class knowing I wouldn't need all of the seating. The classroom was for 50 people and the room was very hot with 25, I never had anyone come show me how to hook up the laptop to the televisions which at the last minute "didn't work", there was never any mention of a coffee maker there at all and there was one. The staff interrupted my already slow going class due to malfunctions to tell me to be out by 5. I had asked at the librarians desk to have the air adjusted for my class and every single person (all younger men) that I spoke with denied ever speaking to me. One young man told me later in the afternoon that the library has no control over the AC. Crazy! I did get a partial refund but I shouldn't even had to ask. I have had so many problems with hotel meeting room for seminars that I thought the library was fail proof :( I won't be returning to this library ever for a meeting room but the library itself was very nice. The hot room in the place was the classroom eight no ventilation. Good luck to you if you rent a classroom there. Hope you have a better time facilitating a class then I did. UPDATE: I received a refund from administration recently.

We love the library. The kids section is the only level I've been to of the seven levels, but its fantastic. We just took a kids crochet class, one of the many summer events the Central Library has to offer. Its clean and feels safe despite the abundance of homeless people hanging around outside and downstairs in the lobby. The librarians are very friendly as well.

I have greatly enjoyed using this library for many years. There are an abundance of books and DVDs. I use the WIFI on my laptop in a quiet area. The staff has been very helpful. Sometimes there are amazing events.

The Central Library is a huge facility with lots of great amenities. The 7th floor has two great permanent exhibits: Shakespeare's First Folio and a copy of the Declaration of Independence. It also has a great used bookstore. The staff has always been friendly and very helpful! I would have given it 5 stars if not for the number of homeless people roaming about. Granted, it is a public facility, but it is a bit bothersome to have to keep looking over your shoulder to see who is around. They don't bother me very much when I'm just browsing or reading.

I am a Dallas native, and a big fan of our Dallas Library. It's easy to request books and CD's online, and check them out at your local branch with your library card. Sometimes there is a wait for delivery, but it is worth it, as these resources are free. If you need Texas historical research, these librarians are top noch for assisting on any project. As a Texas Realtor, and a member of preservation Dallas, a lover of architecture, I have found some amazing finds behind the desk, from newspaper clippings sorted by neighbohood, to searching the Sandborne footprint insurance maps on microfische. When you have time for a quick lesson, ask about our extense list of global data bases, media sources, and legal sources like Lexus Nexus, for deep and wide academic research. The staff is incredibly smart and helpful. The music department has an bunch of adorable and friendly listening kiosks, loaded with 8-track, reel-to-reel, cassette, and sterophonic record players! The 33 1/3 records and most media cannot be checked out, so plan to spend time here. Regarding new additions, we always get new-release films, on DVD and Blue ray. Fiction and non-fiction include the top 10 New York Times Best Sellers, and more. And, regarding older books, we have unlimited access to almost any author, thanks to WebCAT, that allows you interlibary loan services. We have some great book sale events, and the meeting rooms are nice for groups. Thanks to the public fund, the City of Dallas, come see the Ferguson and Casa View Branch to experience ome newly built modern, LEEDS certified library branches now. And, a nice remodel would be in order for all of our older locations; please donate to our libraries today. Please become a friend of the Dallas Library. This place is priceless.

I am very pleased this Library is me. Was just into reserve books and they were very helpful in explaining exactly how their system works. You can also extend the due date by calling three days earlier which is very nice. I would recommend this library.

It is a good library with alot of excellent materials but you have to pay for parking and the other issue is the number of homeless people (by that I mean the smell in the library can be bad plus restrooms and elevators are places where you could get cornered and could be unsafe). One time I showed up very early and I was waiting in a sea of more than fifty homeless men for the doors to open and it felt unsafe.

I was looking for architectural magazines and thought the selection was lacking. They need to go check out Barnes and Noble and at least get the magazines found there.

I love the library. I am not ashamed to say it. I have been here twice since I moved to Dallas and it is great. The staff is very nice and helpful. My only complaint is the location and the parking situation. It is downtown but there is an attached parking structure. I wasn't expecting to pay for parking at the library but it was fairly cheap, just not expected.

The downtown Library is beautiful. The 2nd floor is awesome for kids. It has the best design, well suited for children. Its spacious, and the computers are up to date and age appropriate. They have an incredible selection of books, and well categorized. Not a very good selection of DVDs, but their calendar of activities for children makes up for it. The librarians are friendly and knowledgeable. The check out staff are professional and courteous. Now for the negatives. Its not in the best location. There are some questionable characters posted outside, many smoking, and consuming alcohol, but they are monitored by officers stationed inside the library. There's always a stationed Dallas Police Officer on the main floor in the event of a problem. I recommend you park in the parking structure, and come with at least $2.50 for parking in case you choose to stay awhile.

Dear Dallas, Thanks for a lovely time! I must say I enjoyed the library the most! What a treasure!! How lucky you all are to have this gem. A Visiting Detroiter

You can forget trying to research on the 8th floor Genealogy room. Everytime I go there and try do research people are standing around talking even the people who work there are disruptive....Too many homeless wondering around....I think I'll stick with the Fort Worth Library...

Wonderful resources that you can't find any where else! We used this wonderful fountain of knowledge to pattent and copyright a family invention. The reference librarians were a fountain of knowledge, help, cheerfulnes, resources, not to mention patience. They showed us how to do all, and so quickly, although the entire process was time consuming in general. It would have been much more arduous without the help of the terriffic librarians! Thank you all for making our job and our daughter's job so much easier! Not everything in the world can be found on the internet, and I, for one, am grateful, because this made us go to a library, and relearn some of the scholarly things that libraries teach us, and enjoy some of the wonderful books that can only be found there!

if you're a dallas resident you are doing yourself a disservice by not visiting every floor here. tons of art, history and and of course the books. it's a nice cool way to spend a weekend day.

I thought I would give it a try. The facilities are wonderful. They really do their best. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay very long because the entire building is a de facto homeless shelter. These "patrons" cluster around the computers and really have no interest in the library at all. Why library management feels they can't do anything about this is a mystery to me. Eliminating the public computers and just offering WiFi in all the Dallas libraries would be a good first step. Failing that, the library could locate all the public computers in their own dedicated room. Since no suggestion that might actually work will ever be adopted , my only suggestion is just avoid the Central library altogether.