New Hampton-Illinois Dallas Library Branch Opens

  This weekend was the grand opening of the new Hampton-Illinois Branch of the Dallas Library.  It is a welcome addition, as the old branch was nothing more than a relic, a reminder of days gone by.  The new branch, containing over 24,000 square feet of space, will be connected to the new J.T. Brashear Elementary School, serving a dual purpose.  of the Dallas Library.  It is a welcome addition, as the old branch was nothing more than a relic, a reminder of days gone by.  The new branch, containing over 24,000 square feet of space, will be connected to the new J.T. Brashear Elementary School, serving a dual purpose.These are positive investments in Dallas Citizens, especially the children. Investments like these are not cheap, but in order to right some of the wrongs that have been wrought on Southern Dallas, they are necessary.  We were forced to make due with the facilities that we had at the previous location, and there are still other libraries (like Polk-Wisdom) that are lacking. I will say that the city has made plans to address some of the aging facilities, but having to make up for 20 years of neglect continues to shift the focus away from more pressing issues.  Nonetheless, I am glad I can take my son and other youth to a library that has the resources that they will need to be competitive, and that is accessible.  That's the least any city can do for its youth.