Friends of the Dallas Public Library's Archives To Be Displayed at Downtown Branch

The Friends of the Dallas Public Library was founded in 1950 by a collective of influential Dallas figures, including Stanley Marcus, Everett DeGolyer and Rabbi Levi Olan. Seventy-five years later, the organization’s philanthropy has left its founders’ names and legacy etched into the city’s fabric.

In celebration of the Friends’ 75th anniversary, an exhibition will be presented at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in downtown Dallas. The exhibition comprises relics from the organization’s archive, including a letter from Ruth Bader Ginsberg and historical photos of every mayor of Dallas’ past.

Mary Wilonsky is the executive director of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library. We spoke with her over Zoom to learn more about what to expect.

“One of the artifacts we found was a letter that stated in 1949 how poorly funded Dallas Public Library was compared to other cities,” Wilonsky says. “In our exhibit, sitting right next to it, is a document that we pulled together in 2023 that says the exact same thing.”

In August 2024, we reported on Dallas’ 2025 budget cuts that shorted funding by tens of millions. The Skillman Southwestern Branch Library was recommended for closure in an effort to save the city $500,000. The library was spared in September after efforts from library members appealing to the Dallas City Council.

“I'm happy to say that City Council, I think in their hearts, really believe in the importance of the library,” Wilonsky says. “But they're faced with very difficult decisions around the money, and it's easy to cut certain areas in prioritizing them around police and fire. And, of course, you have to have the streets and the potholes filled, and the sidewalks need to work, and all of that is one big pot of money."

A library card isn’t required for entry, but we recommend you get one anyway.

“Our primary work for 75 years has been in advocacy,” Wilonsky says.” “We're constantly working with City Council and the mayor. We're about to get involved in the election process, talking to the candidates and doing forums. We make sure that our followers show up at every town hall meeting and speak at council meetings, really just to keep the library at the forefront of the conversation.”

The J. Erik Jonsson Library is named after the former mayor of Dallas and co-founder of Texas Instruments. It's located in the Government District downtown and is one of the biggest branches in Dallas. The Friends’ exhibition will be on display until the fall.

“It’s arranged by theme,” Wilonsky says. “There’s a founding families case, and an origin story, so to speak, background about the work that we’ve done, and the history just kind of touches on different themes around fundraising. It wraps up with a call to action to become a member and join.”

The exhibition is at J Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young St., and is free.