Library History
Grand Prairie Memorial Library
A public library was opened in Grand Prairie on June 5, 1937, with an original collection of 300 books, loaned from the Texas State Library, as well as a small collection loaned from the Dallas Public Library. It was located on the mezzanine floor of the Hancock Drug Store, and Mrs. Glenna Lowe served as the first librarian.
The movement for a public library in Grand Prairie originated with the Grand Prairie Study Club and, specifically, with Mrs. Hallie Van Reekum. Mrs. Van Reekum carried books from Dallas Public Library to Grand Prairie in a suitcase on the Interurban for a story hour club for some Grand Prairie children. She was instrumental in encouraging the Dallas County Commissioner’s Court to fund the Grand Prairie Library as an experimental county library. The Dallas County Library System originated from this first experiment.
In 1939 the Library moved to the Community House on Main Street. Glenna Lowe was appointed City Librarian.
The Library became the Memorial Library in 1943. Mayor G.H. Turner and the City Council dedicated the city’s Main Library to Grand Prairie soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. These are the men in the framed piece, currently located in the lobby. The question has arisen about recognizing African-American soldiers; to our knowledge, no Grand Prairie minorities lost their lives in WWII. Recognizing and honoring all lives lost at war over time falls to the Veteran’s Memorial and Event Center next door to the current Memorial Library. Because that list is long (unfortunately) and ongoing, we will leave that to Parks record management and expertise.
A new building was dedicated as the Grand Prairie Memorial Library in 1954, at 326 West Main. The Library owned 22,358 books at the time of dedication.
In 1955 a library was established in the Dalworth Community for the African American residents of the neighborhood. It was operated as a branch of the Grand Prairie Memorial Library and had its own collection, staff, and Library Board. After a few years, it was consolidated into the Main Library.
The Library was expanded in 1966, nearly doubling the size from 4,010 square feet to 7,435 square feet. The addition enlarged the children’s and juvenile sections, added a large community room (the Trimble Room) with restroom facilities, and expanded the workroom and office space.
Glenna Lowe served as head librarian until 1958, over 20 years. She was succeeded by Mrs. Pattie Lambright, who guided the extensive growth of the Library from March 1958 through December 1979. Mrs. Lambright added services, increased the book collection and expanded the library from the 4,000 square foot building she inherited on Main Street, to the Conover Drive site.
On December 9, 1979 a new, 20,000 square foot Main Library was dedicated at 901 Conover. Following Pattie Lambright was Director Kathy Demmitt, later Ritterhouse.
By the beginning of 1987, it had grown to 83,600 books, and 10,500 audio-visual items.
In 1999/2000, the Main Library was expanded, doubling the size of the building to 40,000 square feet, including a large program room and new technical processing area. In 2016 the building was extensively remodeled, updating the children’s area, information desk, and public computer and printing station.
Ms. Ritterhouse retired in 2013. At that time, the Library System was put under the City's Communications and Marketing Department, led by Amy Sprinkles, who became the new Library Director. Ms. Sprinkles served as director from 2013 through 2022. She was succeeded as Library Director by Peter Sime.
Betty Warmack Branch Library
The Betty Warmack Branch Library opened on April 22, 2001. The branch is named for long-time library supporter Betty Warmack, who served the library through her work over the years with the Friends of the Library and the Library Board. The building opened with 10,000 square feet.
In late 2018/early 2019 the library was extensively remodeled and expanded. Approximately 6,500 square feet were added, resulting in an additional programming room, study rooms, expanded staff space, and room for more computers and physical collections.
Bowles Branch/Shotwell Branch
The Bowles Life center opened in 2006, and contained the Bowles Branch Library inside it. Envisioned as a community center, it also contained meeting and program rooms, game room, computer lab, gym, weight rooms, a boxing ring, and a police presence.
In 2013, the name of the center was changed to the Tony Shotwell Life Center, in recognition of city council member Tony Shotwell.
The Shotwell Library (not the Center) was closed for remodeling from August 2017 through January, 2018. The computer lab was absorbed into the library, the librarian’s office moved and a staff area added. The front desk was made more central, and the adult section more clearly separated from the children’s area.
The Grand Prairie Library System
By 2022, the System’s collection had grown to 195,000 items, plus an extensive digital collection of ebooks and downloadable media like movies, documentaries and television shows. Our programs for all ages draw more than 50,000 guests yearly.
In 2016, to extend library services to the south, the Library System installed the Lake Parks Book Locker, at the corner of Lake Ridge Parkway and Lynn Creek Parkway, outside the Lake Parks Operations Center. Patrons may place holds online to pick up books, DVDs, and other library materials at the Locker. Items may also be returned to the Locker.
Epic Reads is an automated library kiosk, located inside The Epic recreation center. It holds nearly 650 books, DVDs and audiobooks. Epic Reads is a unique and innovative extension of the Library System, created by D-Tech, the company behind the Library’s Lake Parks Book Locker.