Bookmarks in NorthPark Center
🏢 Dallas Public Library · Dallas, Texas
Bookmarks in NorthPark Center
The first children's library in a U.S. shopping center, Bookmarks opened in 2008 inside NorthPark Center — the largest mall in North Texas — bringing the Dallas Public Library directly to families on their everyday errands.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9am–5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–5pm |
| Thursday | 9am–5pm |
| Friday | 9am–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am–4pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 8687 N. Central Expy., Suite 1514, Dallas, TX 75225
Phone: (214) 671-1381
Website: dallaslibrary.org
Plus Code: 8645V69G+CH (Dallas, TX)
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📖 About Bookmarks in NorthPark Center
Bookmarks in NorthPark Center is a 1,993-square-foot branch of the Dallas Public Library dedicated entirely to children ages 12 and under, making it the first of its kind in a shopping mall in the United States. It opened on June 13, 2008, after NorthPark Center's ownership approached the Dallas Public Library with the idea of embedding a public branch within the mall — a bold experiment that has since become a nationally recognized model for bringing library services to families where they already gather. Nestled on Level 1 between Nordstrom and Macy's, the branch features low shelves filled with picture books, board books, and children's chapter books, early-learning computers, soft seating, and a play area with an eye-catching decorative mural created with support from Atmos Energy. The branch requires an adult 18 or older to accompany all children at all times, a policy that the compact, bright, and welcoming space helps staff enforce while keeping the environment safe and lively. Bookmarks is a full Dallas Public Library branch: children can check out books, audiobooks on MP3, DVDs, and other materials, and families can access the entire DPL catalog and digital resource suite.
⭐ What makes this library special
- First dedicated children's library in a U.S. shopping center — a nationally recognized model opened on June 13, 2008
- Located on Level 1 of NorthPark Center (the largest mall in North Texas), between Nordstrom and Macy's, at 8687 N. Central Expy.
- 1,993-square-foot branch serving ages 0–12 with books, board books, audiobooks on MP3, DVDs, CDs, and parenting titles
- Atmos Energy-sponsored play area and interactive mural; early-learning computers and free Wi-Fi throughout
- Full DPL member: access to TexShare databases, Libby eBooks, Hoopla audiobooks/video/comics, and the 4-million-item DPL catalog
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
A Dallas Public Library card unlocks thousands of digital titles and statewide databases — all free — whether you visit Bookmarks or browse from home:
📚 Services
- Children's circulating collection: books, board books, picture books, chapter books, audiobooks on MP3, DVDs, CDs
- Parenting and grandparenting materials
- Early-learning computers for children
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the branch
- Free Dallas Public Library card for Dallas residents, students, and city employees
- Full access to DPL catalog (4 million+ items) and interlibrary loan
- Homework Help Now! virtual tutoring service (online, available with card)
🎸 Programs
- Toddler Storytime — weekly early-literacy sessions: stories, songs, and movement for ages 18 months–3 years
- Preschool Storytime — weekly read-alouds and interactive activities for ages 3–5
- Family Saturday Storytime — held in NorthCourt (mall common area) for all ages
- SMART Summer — DPL's annual summer reading and learning challenge (all ages, prizes)
- Mavericks Reading Challenge — seasonal reading program with Dallas Mavericks partnership
- 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten — milestone tracking program for babies and toddlers
📍 Nearby Libraries in the Dallas Public Library System
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bookmarks really the first children's library inside a U.S. shopping mall?
Yes. When Bookmarks opened on June 13, 2008, it was the first dedicated children's public library branch in a shopping center in the United States. NorthPark Center's ownership approached Dallas Public Library with the concept, and the branch has since become a nationally recognized model for embedding library services inside retail destinations where families already spend time.
What ages is Bookmarks designed for, and can older kids or adults visit?
Bookmarks serves children ages 0–12. The collection, furniture, and programming are designed for babies, toddlers, and elementary-age children. Adults (18+) are welcome — and required: the branch policy mandates that an adult 18 or older accompany every child at all times. Teen and adult titles are available at other DPL branches, including the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library downtown.
Do I need to pay admission or be a mall customer to use Bookmarks?
No. Bookmarks is a public library branch — admission is completely free and you do not need to make a purchase at NorthPark Center to use it. A Dallas Public Library card (also free for Dallas residents, students, teachers, and city employees) lets you check out materials and access all DPL digital resources. Cards can be obtained at Bookmarks or any DPL branch.
What are the current hours, and is the library affected by mall hours?
Bookmarks is open Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; it is closed Sunday and Monday. These hours are independent of NorthPark Center's general mall hours. Call (214) 671-1381 or check dallaslibrary.org before visiting, as holiday closures or City of Dallas furlough days may affect availability.
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