06/17/2026
This note is from the city of Dallas re: a large donation to the Dallas Public Library. It can't be used to cover the budget gap for 2026-27. I think it is from the Director of the Dallas Public Library, but I am not certain.
The City Council will vote on June 24 to accept a donation valued at approximately $2.8 million from an anonymous benefactor. This gift comes from a trust established more than 50 years ago; funds were released only after the last trustee passed away in 2023. The donation includes securities and a share of future mineral‑rights proceeds. A copy of the resolution is attached.
There is one restriction on the donation: it cannot be used to construct a building. In addition, the Trustee confirmed that the family does not want the funds used to cover one‑time gaps in operating expenses. That means this gift will not affect the FY2027 budget or the proposed regional model.
Once the City Council formally accepts the donation, securities will be sold and proceeds deposited into a Library Special Fund. We expect to receive annual disbursements until the trust is fully expended. The first two years—approximately $560,000—will be disbursed as soon as the securities are sold and funds received.
I’m proposing using this initial disbursement to advance DPL’s long‑term vision:
Improvements to help prepare selected libraries for Flagship operations, such as furniture updates, minor space conversions for passport services, early‑literacy tools, and enhanced coworking areas. Systemwide furniture replacement (currently unfunded)
Hiring a curator/appraiser to inventory and appraise art and rare documents at the Central Library (last appraisal was in 2006)
Although the family has chosen to remain anonymous, I want to acknowledge their incredible generosity and their support of the Dallas Public Library.
