Creative Spaces are Dallas Public Library’s new makerspaces carved out of vacant rooms in the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library. Each space serves a different creative endeavor: storytelling, fiber arts and preservation. The library provides unique equipment and technology to allow the public to get hands-on experience, build new skills or try a new hobby.
Currently, all Creative Spaces are available by appointment only. Please contact the 3rd, 4th or 8th floor directly to make an appointment and learn about current access to Creative Spaces. You can also email LibCreativeSpaces@dallascityhall.com.
Story Center on the 3rd floor is a studio for storytelling in all its forms. Start your own podcast, make movies, record your family and friends telling stories, or go analog with a typewriter.
Fiber Arts Workroom is dedicated to all things fabric and thread: sewing, knitting, embroidery, weaving and more. It’s located on the 4th floor.
Heritage Lab contains digitization tools to make copies of irreplaceable photos, home movies, documents, slides and audio cassettes. Located on the 8th floor, the space is made possible with the generous support of the Dallas Genealogy Society.
Special events and workshops are planned for all three spaces. To get updates on Creative Spaces, sign up for email notifications here: Creative Spaces Newsletter
How to Get Started
- Sign up for a library card! Already have a library card in good standing? Head to the 3rd, 4th or 8th floor to use the Story Center, Fiber Arts Workroom or Heritage Lab. Don’t have a library card? Give us a call, chat with us, or email LibCreativeSpaces@dallascityhall.com. to sign up.
- You will be asked to take an online orientation for the space you would like to use. You must pass a short quiz before initial use and show proof of completion to staff. Orientations can be found at Niche Academy: Creative Spaces.
- You must sign a waiver. Creators under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the waiver. In the case of the Fiber Arts Workroom, waiver must be signed in the presence of a notary.
- Sessions are given in two-hour increments, for a maximum of four hours per day. Appointments should be made in advance of your visit. Longer sessions or more regular bookings can be made by contacting the individual Creative Spaces:
- Story Center: Visit the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library’s 3rd floor reference desk, email libcreativespaces@dallas.gov or call 214-670-1668.
- Fiber Arts Workroom: Visit the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library’s 4th floor reference desk, email libcreativespaces@dallas.gov or call 214-670-1643.
- Heritage Lab: Visit the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library’s 8th floor reference desk, email libcreativespaces@dallas.gov or call 214-670-1433.
Hours
Creative Spaces are available all hours the library is open. Call ahead or email us at libcreativespaces@dallas.gov> to reserve a spot.
