E-books, audiobooks, free tickets to local events, podcast equipment, sewing machines and seeds are some of the resources available for free to Dallas residents with their library card.
For anyone living or studying in the city of Dallas, the card is free. With that single card, users can borrow physical materials, such as books, DVDs and audiobooks, as well as access thousands of digital titles and online databases from home.
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The library has expanded far beyond its shelves in recent years.
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Libraries across the country have become “libraries of things,” offering not just literature but also technology, art and life-enriching experiences, said Melissa Dease, Dallas Public Library assistant director.
“People hear library, and they automatically think books, and yes, we are, but we offer so much more in terms of cultural experiences and connections to the community,” Dease said. “There aren’t many places that you can have a community gathering that doesn’t cost to attend, to visit and where there is always something going on.”
Bruce Seibold scans pages as he researches about family history at the heritage lab, on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, at J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer
There are more than 20 branches in Dallas. They all have different operating hours and days, as well as various programming and resources available for cardholders.
Digital tools and learning resources
Through DPL’s online platforms, cardholders can stream or download e-books, audiobooks, magazines and even comics. The library also provides access to online learning tools, including LinkedIn Learning, language instruction through Mango Languages and homework help for students.
These resources, which are often subscription-based elsewhere, are available for free with a card.
The library’s “creative spaces” are specialized areas for recording, digital design or fiber arts, and also allow users to experiment with technology and craft equipment that might otherwise be out of reach.
Culture for free
One of the most popular perks is the Culture Pass Dallas, a partnership that provides library cardholders with free access to participating museums, theaters and cultural institutions.
Users can log in with their card and reserve free tickets to destinations such as the Dallas Museum of Art, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.
Dease said this pass is a great experience for families to experience the city’s cultural offerings without worrying about the cost.
Community services
The Dallas Public Library also serves as a practical community hub. Patrons can access notary services, tax assistance, job search help and free meeting room reservations.
The library offers a variety of free classes, including citizenship classes, English as a second language, guitar lessons and yoga classes.
Instructor Andres Alameda conducts a violin class on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, at J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer
Other resources
The Central Library downtown houses extensive genealogy and local history archives, and many branches offer interlibrary loan services that connect readers to collections nationwide.
Cardholders can also get access to plant and vegetable seeds; most of the branches have a circulating collection for residents to take home and plant.
There is an extensive collection of sheet music and plays for theater and musicians.
Other resources include memory kits for individuals with dementia or memory loss. These kits include themed books, games and activities.
There are also story time kits to help parents hold story time at home, along with books in Braille for children and patrons who are visually impaired.
The visual arts room photographed on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, at J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer
Visit the library’s website to learn more about the free resources available to cardholders, as well as the events and classes offered. Follow its social media accounts, as they frequently post information about upcoming events.
Get your Dallas library card
A Dallas Public Library card is free for Dallas residents and students. They’ll need proof of identity and address to apply. Those interested can apply in person at any branch or online by emailing librarycustomerservice@dallaslibrary.org with a photo ID and proof of residence.
Valid forms of proof of residency include utility bills, bank statements or lease agreements dated within the last 90 days.
For more information or to apply, visit dallaslibrary.org.