NBC 5, Telemundo 39, and Friends of the Dallas Public Library invite you to an inspiring afternoon at the Literacy Lions Luncheon on Wednesday, April 22. Join us at the Arts District Mansion in downtown Dallas from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The luncheon serves as a fundraiser, with proceeds benefitting the 28 branch libraries in Dallas and the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.

Libraries do so much more than lend books. Our libraries offer an array of invaluable services that help us learn and grow. At your local Dallas library branch, you have access to free public computers and Wi-Fi, printing access, educational classes such as taxes and financial literacy, GED courses, ESL classes, and more. At the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in downtown Dallas, you have access to a rare original copy of the Declaration of Independence, Shakespeare’s First Folio, genealogy and local history archives, the Story Center for podcasting and film, the Heritage Lab to digitize your family’s cherished media, community and civic services, and much more! This is an incredible array of services at your disposal and with your support, our libraries can keep offering these much-needed services to our communities. 

Proceeds from the Literary Lions Luncheon benefit Friends of the Dallas Public Library which advocates for the libraries and the important role they play in our lives. Through fundraisers like the luncheon and other grassroots movements, they have secured funding for the Dallas Public Library system and the communities they serve.

The Literacy Lions Luncheon will host the award-winning writer, Eric Klinenberg, author of Palaces for the People. Klinenberg will deliver the keynote address and will sit for a conversation with moderator Krys Boyd.  Also at the luncheon, Atmos Energy will be presented with the 2026 May Dickson Exall Award for their efforts in supporting the Dallas Public Library.

Support the Dallas Public Library system and purchase your sponsorship or individual ticket to the luncheon now. The last day to purchase your ticket is April 8.

Unable to attend? You can also make a generous monetary donation. Click HERE to make your donation or to explore sponsorship levels.

Literacy Lions Luncheon
Friends of the Dallas Public Library
Wednesday, April 22
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Arts District Mansion
2101 Ross Ave. – Dallas
Learn more about the luncheon HERE.

About Friends of the Dallas Public Library
Founded in 1950, 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 their 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.