FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Austin, TX – Among the millions of items it collects and makes accessible to the public, the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library of the Dallas Public Library prominently displays some of the most treasured on its seventh floor. Two printed items in particular draw sustained interest from visitors. The first is an original copy of the United States Declaration of Independence printed on the night of July 4, 1776—one of only about 25 surviving copies. It’s the only original copy located west of the Mississippi. Nearby is an even older and equally beloved attraction: an original copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio, published in 1623.

The Dallas Public Library is the latest library featured in the Lone Star Libraries quarterly series. These spotlights, from the Texas Center of the Book at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, showcase and celebrate exceptional libraries across the state with videos and articles exploring collections and exhibits. The Center hopes Texans and tourists alike will be inspired to check out these Lone Star gems.

“People absolutely come from all over the world to see what we have—specifically what we have on this floor,” said Manya Shorr, Director of the Dallas Public Library. “To have an America’s founding document, especially in our country’s 250th anniversary birthday year—I’m beyond thrilled.”

Other exceptional attributes of this library include their renowned Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck Genealogy Collection and their President John F. Kennedy Assassination Collection.

Learn more about with our Lone Star Libraries: Dallas Public Library article and video, both available at www.tsl.texas.gov/lonestarlibraries.

One of 50 state centers affiliated with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, the Texas Center for the Book is under the direction of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. For more information contact Michele Chan Santos at mcsantos@tsl.texas.gov or visit tsl.texas.gov/centerforthebook.

###

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides Texans access to the information they need to be informed, productive citizens by preserving the archival record of Texas; enhancing the service capacity of public, academic and school libraries; assisting public agencies in the maintenance of their records; and meeting the reading needs of Texans with disabilities. For more information, visit www.tsl.texas.gov.