I absolutely HATE this library. I have been a Library LOVER all my life and NEVER had a negative thing to say about any library in my life. I did not even know such a thing was possible. How could one NOT like a public library? Granted some are better stocked than others but big or small ALL are making an effort to benefit the community so how could I ever dislike any? That is...until i stepped into this branch @skillman & Southwestern. To start... I have visited more libraries than i could possibly count, in no less than 18 different states and 4 different countries and NEVER had i heard of a public library that does NOT ALLOW OUT OF TOWN GUESTS. Even though i had just moved in a block away, i would not be able to use a computer for 60 seconds to simply print out a permission slip that had been emailed to me.The library does NOT ALLOW "guests" of any kind.Members ONLY & ONLY local members at that. I went to my apt and quickly returned with my new lease (required to join) presented all the required info paid the FEE and finally made an appt to access the computer for 15 minutes at the next available opportunity 5 HOURS LATER! (I had already WASTED an hour to get to this point!) The staff was so unbelievably rude and un-accommodating, I finally left and drove up to the Plano branch on Custer rd, grabbed a guest pass and was able to access a computer, print out the permission slip and handle my urgent business. The staff at the Plano Branch is so kind and always cheerful. I live a block away from the Skillman Branch but I prefer to drive to Plano each time i need a public library rather than deal with Dallas/Skillman, the rudest most incompetent public library I have ever encountered.

Despite the name this library is located in northeast Dallas. The closest major cross streets are E Northwest Hwy / Skillman. The library is easy to find off of Skillman due to its distinctive municipal design and very clear sign in front of the parking lot. The boxy shapes of the exterior are maintained inside, where blocks and cubes and crisp geometric lines abound. The ceiling is fantastic, high vaulted white geometric planes of subtle beauty. One aspect of the library is that things are bigger - much bigger - than they first appear. At first I thought the library had about an average number of books (although the shelves have lots of room for expansion), but spending a bit more time in them and then actually counting the bookcases I realized how huge both the fiction and non-fiction sections are. The new book section is also large but the library's definition of new is pretty flexible. The children's section is also deceptively large. What I liked most about it was the fact that most of the space was devoted to BOOKS, not play time. Tons and tons of books for the kids; heaven. There's a nice little reading area opposite and of the building from the entrance with eight chairs, a circular table and an end table. The floor to ceiling windows look out onto an apartment complex next door but when I visited the view was mostly of light and greenery. A comfortable space. A wonderful library and a true asset to Dallas.

A stolen bicycle and the Skillman Lirbrary My bicycle was stolen in the parking lot of the Skillman/ Northwestern branch of the Dallas Public Library around 4pm in front of a security camera. I had locked the bike to their rack. When I realized what had happened I called the Police. An Officer arrived and asked to watch the security video which had a recording of the theft. But the library staff was told over the phone not to let the Officer watch the video. A few days later when the Detective assigned to the case asked again to watch the video it turned out that in the meantime the tape of the crime had been taped over and the library had made no copy of the original video. So we no longer have the images of the theft and of the thief as we had at the beginning. As a result the Police could never watch the video. They refused to show me to video and it was also not shown to branch employees who know the people hanging around there and might recognize the thief. Is this the way to fight crime on the library premises, to help the Police and to encourage people to ride bicycles to the library branches?

Horrible staff! I have been to this library several times as I have lived in the area about 10 years, but I recently stopped by to print out some paper work needed for my upcoming move. They were having an issue with their computer(s) and instead of being apologetic regarding their computer issues and helping me print my document one of the Library attendants with short brown hair by the name of Courtney was extremely rude and dismissive stating that it had to be my document. Needless to say I left without the document I initially came in to print. I went to the nearest Library on Audelia Rd. I found the staff there to be warm and inviting, which is a great environment to have at a PUBLIC Library. Oh and I was able to get my document printed with no problem. I would like to add that you should NOT go into a job field working with people if you are NOT a people person. I was highly disappointed with my experience and will not be returning to this location.

When I went to the Skillman branch last summer library I was stunned at how few books were on the shelves. I grew up going to the Lakewood library which was always stuffed to the ceiling. I also applied for a new library card but when I asked for an actual card the lady taking my info said "You don't need one - when you come in we will just look you up". When I called several months later I was told that I wasn't in the system!! A few .days later I received a text from the llibrary - so obviously I was in the system. The gentleman was very helpful and patient with my problem. I gave him the info on a book I currently have checked out and BINGO my last name was misspelled . Incompetence run amok..... i guess I need to return to the Lakewood library.

People of the Village Apartments take heed! Amidst you lies a treasure trove of knowledge quite different from the internet. Get off your computers, get a library card, and walk across the street to fetch those books you've been wanting to read. Seriously though, the Dallas library system is great and you can request books to be sent to this location or any location for pickup, and it's all done online! I love it and it's saved me a ton of money and a ton of guilt over buying a book I only read once because it sucked. Get it from the library first, then buy it if you want to read it again. It's what the smartest of the smart do.

I was super excited to move into my new place knowing that a library would be within walking distance. Went in to check the place out and get a library card today. Was astounded by how tiny and empty this library is. Not one single shelf is full by any means. This is the smallest and most limited stock of any library I have ever seen. I dare say my own personal book collection is far greater in number and much more diverse. I don't know if this library is dying or if this has always been the worst in the area but suffice to say I left without bothering to get a membership.

I have been to 19 different states and 5 different countries. What does that have to do with anything? Everything! This library did not have a book on all my adventures nor my wonderful reviews. Never have I seen them treat an out of town guest so rudely. They made me pay a fee. A FEE to read books. Aren't libraries supposed to be free? Ben Franklin didn't fight in the revolution for this nonsense. In fact, he didn't fight at all. He made libraries free, with liberty and justice for all. No need for discrimination based on out of towners. MAKE LIBRARIES FREE AGAIN!

They have a very helpful staff. They offer many classes, and have great online resources. They just repainted, and it feels like they are really trying to freshen the place up. I go online and request books and movies to pick up so they are waiting on me when I get there. They get new materials on a regular basis. You can borrow the same movies from the library that Redbox offers, but free of charge. They also offer TV shows, and you can stream movies and TV shows through Hoopla and you don't even have to go to the library.

We recently moved to the area and just signed up at the public library. There was no fee for joining or getting library cards. They did need proof of residency. Drivers license with our local address was enough. I was able to order books available throughout the larger library system and they will be available to pick up at this branch location. 1 star removed due to a slow computer running the card catalog system.

This little library seems to be windowless (or completely surrounded by shrubs) from the front entrance, but there is a nice amount of windows and natural light inside. The atmosphere is relaxed and most people seem to be doing their own thing quietly- a good place to study with some central desks and a few chairs and desks in varied window nooks. Clean bathroom, free WiFi, can bring your own beverage...;)

Friendly and efficient staff. Nice community center catering to diverse demographics. Combine their catalog with systemwide catalog plus digital loans and you will learn tons and save tons of money. I donate books and magazines to this branch.

As far as I know the library should be a quiet place to read,,, this is my first time in this library and the workers makes all kind of noises and don't care, drop the books, slam stuff on the table!!

Internet is very fast compared to other local libraries-- at least 5O mbps. Nice study room. Can get a little noisy when there is a lot of people but still better than most local libraries.

I love the atmosphere of this Library location, cleanand and friendly. Tha staff are always helpful and amazingly courteous, they assist readers passionately.

Being new to town, needed to access wifi and a quiet place to work on some things and study. This was the ideal place. Thanks and best wishes to the staff!

Excellent library , well organized, helpful and knowledgeable librarians who take great pride in making a positive difference in their patrons experience.

The Southwestern Branch just opened! Thankful for excellent help from Lynn so that I can begin borrowing books again.

Pretty cool laid back environment found a couple of books for class for study guide and staff was helpful

My favorite library so far! Staff is always very helpful and it’s a perfect place to get some work done!

Small but clean, quiet and super personable staff. Super quick service on holds! Fav library!

Helpful staff. New coat of paint new carpet has really made this place look great.

This library is super cool cause you can find all the kinds of books you want

Just down the street from Village. Request online and pickup in person.

Very nice people there. Very useful to use the computers and printers

We love story time here for our 19 month old.

Peaceful, and quiet setting for studying.

The staff is very friendly and helpful.

Great staff, lots of books and movies

Small library but friendly staff.

Great book sale!

Great library!

Well done