Even though the pandemic reduced operation of the Dallas Public Library’s in-person visits for more than two years, online services and activities and construction carried on to provide new locations like Forest Green and Vickery Park and to renovate the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library’s sixth floor. This past May 4th all branch locations and the Central Library returned to providing in-person services.
Another return for the people who love books is the Friends of the Dallas Public Library (FoDPL) Annual Gala on Thursday, October 20, at the sixth floor of the Central Library.
With a theme of Love Local, Co-Chairs/FoDPL Board Members Kristine Schwope and Nicole Paquette have put together an evening celebrating local talent and associates.
For instance, they have just announced that this year’s May Dickson Exall Award will honor the 400 Dallas Public Library staff members “for their amazing effort, initiative and creativity in keeping our 30 libraries relevant and dynamic during the pandemic.”
Named after May Dickson Exall, (1859-1936), “who campaigned and gave money for Dallas’ first public library and became its first president in 1901,” the award had previously been presented to such people as Nancy Nasher, Kay Cattarulla, Karen Blumenthal, Bob Mong and Charlene Howell.
Another highlight of the night focusing on the talents of local literary types will be newly appointed Dallas Poet Laureate Joaquin Zihuatanejo moderating a panel discussion including North Texas philanthropist/art advocate Donna Wilhelm, novelist Harry Hunsicker, local political commentator/former newspaper columnist/author Jim Schutze and young adult genre phenom Erin Yun.
Funds raised by the evening of cocktailing, dining, visiting and listening will support FoDPL’s mission “to build awareness, appreciation and support for our world-class library system.” Over the past 70 years FoDPL has “provided more than $50M for library renovations, acquisitions, essential programs and bookmobiles, as well as donating millions of volunteer hours.”
Sponsorships and tickets are available here.
* Graphic/photo courtesy of Friends of the Dallas Public Library
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