Oak Lawn Library

1929-2008

80 YEARS - 6 LOCATIONS

(PLUS ONE TEMPORARY LOCATION)

1.     In 1929, Oak Lawn Library opened as a book depository in Sam Houston School at 2827 Throckmorton St with only children’s books. 

2.     In 1930, the library moved to rented quarters at 3014 Reagan St with the addition of adult books. The rented facility had 3,000 volumes and display windows on the sidewalk. It held reading reference, stack rooms and an office, a double garage, and storeroom in the rear. 

3.     In 1950, Oak Lawn Library moved into a larger space at 3521 Oak Lawn Ave in 1950. In 1955, Ruth Fagan, chair of fund raising, announced a project to raise $1,650 for air-conditioning of the building. The group sought to cool the library, which was crowded with schoolchildren during the vacation months. The air-conditioning was installed in 1956.

4.     In 1960, the library moved to a new home at a leased facility at 3721 Lemmon Ave. The new building would have more floor space for chairs and seating. The branch contained 3,200 ft² and was designed by Collins & Dryden. 

5.     In 1981 on January 10, Oak Lawn Library finally acquired its new building at 4100 Cedar Springs Rd. Designed by Architect William Thomas Odum to emphasize fresh air and natural light, the structure was placed on the lot in such a way as to make maximum use of the prevailing south breezes and the light from the north. Windows that opened and a roof design that facilitated ventilation were an attempt to make the building energy-efficient.

6.     In 1995 the library moved to a temporary location at 4504 Maple Ave, the former Smith’s Furniture Store 10 blocks away. Dallas city council had approved zoning to allow the construction of a new Kroger grocery store at the Cedar Springs site of Oak Lawn Library. Through a unique partnership with the City of Dallas, Kroger funded the construction of a brand new building.

7.     In 1996 Oak Lawn Library moved to the previous address in its new building on the same lot with Kroger.