Library History

"In February 1943 library service was officially established in DeSoto. The Library (a branch of the Dallas County Library System) shared facilities with DeSoto High School library on Belt Line Road and was open five days per week during the winter and on a part-time basis during the summer. Branch librarian, Jeannie Chowning, and the school librarian, Bonnie Flyr, shared the duties at the library."

"Dallas County Library System continued its financial support until 1983 when the Library became a City department."

"In 1983, the Library became an accredited member of the Texas Library System and a member of the Northeast Texas Library System." from Desoto: A Texas Tale 1847-1989

Best Southwest Library Partners

DeSoto Public Library is a founding member of the Best of Southwest Library Partners, a community of local public libraries that share library materials. This consortium allows your DeSoto Library card to be honored at any of the member library locations.

Best Southwest Library Partners share one library catalog so you can search for materials at any of the libraries and can request material to be sent to DeSoto Public Library.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the DeSoto Public Library is to provide books, materials, programs and services to residents of all ages to assist in their pursuit of information and resources to meet their educational, cultural, recreational and professional or vocational needs.

Vision Statement

To create a dynamic environment in which the Library creates value within the community and city government and provides the resources to enable information dissemination and facilitates recreational, vocational, cultural, social and educational activities.