Chapters of Support: 75 Years of Friends of the Dallas Public Library 

Friends of the Dallas Public Library celebrates its 75th anniversary with an exhibit of the organization’s history supporting Dallas Public Library

The Friends of the Dallas Public Library (FoDPL) is proud to unveil its new archive exhibit, Chapters of Support: 75 Years of Friends of the Dallas Public Library. This special exhibit offers a fascinating journey through time, showcasing archival materials, rare photographs, and historical artifacts that tell the story of the organization’s impactful role in supporting and shaping the Dallas Public Library over the past 75 years. 

The Chapters of Support: 75 Years of Friends of the Dallas Public Library archive exhibit opened on February 22, 2025, at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, located at 1515 Young Street in Dallas. The exhibit will be on display for several months. The exhibit is open to the public at no charge, and tickets and library cards are not needed to visit. The public is encouraged to come explore how dedicated Dallas citizens have made lasting contributions to one of the city’s most beloved institutions.  

Created to celebrate the 75th anniversary of FoDPL, the exhibit highlights the organization’s vital role in the growth and success of the Dallas Public Library system. It features key milestones achieved by the nonprofit organization, from advocating for new library facilities and bond measures to funding literacy programs and special collections, illustrating how their efforts have helped expand the library’s ability to serve the community and ensure its continued growth.

Founding members include Everette DeGolyer, Leon Harris, Rabbi Levi Olan, and Stanley Marcus, who first led FoDPL to support city libraries and staff by raising money for the collections, programs, events, and upgrades to facilities while also assisting in the strategic plans that make the Dallas Public Library an asset to the community. Behind all of the contributions of the FoDPL are thousands of members, donors, and local philanthropists who support the organization’s mission and vision to enable, support, and promote Dallas Public Library to be an essential and vibrant learning institution for the community.

“Since our founding in 1950, the Friends have been a steadfast champion for the Dallas Public Library, literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement,” said Mary Wilonsky, Executive Director of FoDPL. “This exhibit celebrates the remarkable partnership between our city’s library system and our dedicated nonprofit, which has worked tirelessly to expand access to knowledge, fund essential library programs, and advocate for the resources essential for the success and well-being of Dallas residents.”

The exhibit is divided into eight themed display cases, each reflecting an important aspect of the Friends’ history and influence: Friends in Action – Public/Private Partnership, Honor Roll, Community Outreach & Literacy Programs, Award Winners, Famous Faces, Origin Story, Fundraising Events, and Join the Friends!

Notable artifacts on display include a signed letter of support from Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, early letters and records from the organization’s founders’ 1950 campaign that funded the first bookmobile, a proposal from the 1978 bond election that helped secure the funding for the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, and rare photographs and memorabilia from past literary events featuring world-renowned authors and Dallas philanthropists who supported FoDPL’s mission. Additional highlights include original fundraising materials, personal stories from long-time supporters, and historical documents that chronicle the organization’s lasting contributions to the library and the Dallas community.

For the past 75 years, FoDPL has been committed to fostering the professional growth and development of library staff by investing in staff training, development, scholarships, and career advancement opportunities. As partners in several library programs, they are dedicated to expanding the power of literacy and knowledge while supporting children’s development. FoDPL, in partnership with Dallas Public Library, funds initiatives to support children’s education, including the library’s SMART Summer program that helps maintain skills during breaks, as well as GED classes and testing centers for individuals looking to further their educational pursuits.

Community members are invited to stop by and explore the history of this rich history of volunteer partnerships and efforts to create an educational space for individuals of all ages. For more information about the Friends of the Dallas Public Library or learn how to be involved, visit https://supportdpl.org/.

About Friends of the Dallas Public Library:

Founded in 1950 by prominent Dallasites including Stanley Marcus, Leon Harris, Everette DeGolyer, and Rabbi Levi Olan, Friends of the Dallas Public Library is dedicated to advocating for the vital role of libraries in our community. With a mission to inspire, secure, and grow philanthropic support and advocacy to benefit Dallas Public Library and the diverse community it serves, the organization has successfully launched grassroots campaigns to restore city funding, leading to expanded hours, increased staffing, and enhanced services across our library system. Friends of the Dallas Public Library was instrumental in passing both the 2017 and 2024 bond issues, financing new library facilities constructions and significant improvements at the Central Library. Through fundraising and grant acquisition, the organization provides essential support for programming, staff development, and other critical needs beyond the city’s budget. For more information, visit supportdpl.org.

Images courtesy Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

(This Philanthropy Lifestyles eBuzz post courtesy Friends of the Dallas Public Library.)