Hampton-Illinois Branch Library
🏢 Dallas Public Library · Oak Cliff, Dallas, Texas
Hampton-Illinois Branch Library
A LEED-Silver public library built in 2006 steps from Kiest Park, the Hampton-Illinois Branch anchors Oak Cliff with a community Black Box Theater, a working Seed Library & Pollinator Garden, an extensive Spanish-language collection, and evening hours two nights a week.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–5pm |
| Thursday | 9am–8pm |
| Friday | 9am–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am–4pm |
| Sunday | 9am–4pm |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 2951 South Hampton Road, Dallas, TX 75224
Phone: (214) 670-7646
Website: dallaslibrary.org
Plus Code: 8645P47V+J6 (Dallas, TX)
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📖 About Hampton-Illinois Branch Library
The Hampton-Illinois Branch traces its roots to April 4, 1964, when the original branch first opened to serve the Oak Cliff neighborhood at the intersection of Hampton Road and Illinois Avenue. After four decades of community service, the branch moved into a purpose-built 24,000-square-foot LEED-Silver building on August 5, 2006 — designed by RBDR Architects with a modern interpretation of the surrounding 1950s neighborhood aesthetic, energy-efficient mechanical systems, water-conserving landscaping, and maximized natural lighting. The new facility was developed in partnership with the Dallas Independent School District and serves the students and staff of Jimmie Tyler Brashear Elementary School next door alongside the broader Oak Cliff community. The library sits directly across from the 263-acre Kiest Park, the largest city park in Oak Cliff. Branch Manager Barbara Alvarez Rivera leads a team that operates one of the most community-enriched branches in the Dallas Public Library system.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Originally opened April 4, 1964; the current LEED-Silver building opened August 5, 2006, designed by RBDR Architects — one of four DPL branches selected for a Black Box Theater (capacity 75, 41 x 44 ft) in lieu of a formal auditorium
- Built in partnership with Dallas ISD and co-located with Jimmie Tyler Brashear Elementary School, enabling shared community use across both institutions
- One of five Dallas Public Library locations featuring a dedicated Pollinator Garden, plus a full Seed Library where patrons borrow open-pollinated and heirloom seeds to grow at home
- Large Spanish-language collection serving Oak Cliff's diverse community, alongside teen and young adult materials, DVDs, audiobooks, and music CDs
- TexShare member: Dallas Public Library cardholders access Libby eBooks, Hoopla streaming, TexShare databases, and Brainfuse homework help — all free
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Dallas Public Library cardholders at Hampton-Illinois access books, films, music, and research databases free through the library's digital collection and Texas's TexShare network:
📚 Services
- Black Box Theater (75-person capacity, 41 x 44 ft) available for community rental at $30 per session
- Three study rooms and two classrooms available for reservation
- Large Spanish-language book and media collection
- Public computers with internet, printing, scanning, and fax services
- Seed Library: check out heirloom and open-pollinated seeds for home gardening (no return required)
- Pollinator Garden on site (guided tours available by contacting the branch)
- Job Seekers Resource Center with resume and career tools
- Notary services
- Interlibrary loan via TexShare member network
- Free Dallas Public Library card for Dallas residents, students, and city employees
🎸 Programs
- Sensory Playtime — structured sensory play sessions for young children
- Guitar/Music Instruction Classes — ongoing music instruction for community members
- Hampton-Illinois Friends of the Library — volunteer organization supporting branch programs and events
- Dallas Public Library system programs: Storytime for children, Teen programs, and seasonal reading challenges
📍 Nearby Libraries in Dallas (DPL)
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Hampton-Illinois Branch open in its current location, and why was the building LEED-Silver certified?
The original Hampton-Illinois Branch opened on April 4, 1964, at the corner of Hampton Road and Illinois Avenue in Oak Cliff. After 42 years at that location, the branch moved into a brand-new 24,000-square-foot facility on August 5, 2006. Designed by RBDR Architects, the building earned LEED-Silver certification for its energy-efficient mechanical systems, water-conserving plumbing and landscaping, recycled building materials, and highly reflective roofing — making it one of the more environmentally designed branches in the Dallas Public Library system.
What is the Black Box Theater at Hampton-Illinois, and can the public rent it?
The Black Box Theater is a flexible performance and event space measuring approximately 41 by 44 feet with a maximum capacity of 75 people. Hampton-Illinois was one of only four Dallas Public Library branches selected to have this type of theater rather than a traditional auditorium when the system expanded in 2006. Community groups, nonprofits, and individuals can rent the space for $30 per session. Nonprofit organizations hosting public events and for-profit renters must provide a Certificate of Insurance. To check availability or make a reservation, contact the branch at (214) 670-7646.
Does Hampton-Illinois have a Seed Library, and how does it work?
Yes — Hampton-Illinois is one of 19 Dallas Public Library locations participating in the Dallas Public Seed Library. Patrons with a library card can check out packets of open-pollinated and heirloom seeds to grow at home. Unlike a book loan, you are not required to return seeds, but the library encourages gardeners to donate back clean, dry, labeled seeds after harvest to keep the collection replenished. The branch also features one of only five DPL Pollinator Gardens; guided tours are available by contacting the branch directly.
Is Hampton-Illinois Branch connected to the school next door?
The 2006 Hampton-Illinois building was developed as a joint partnership between the City of Dallas and the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), co-located with Jimmie Tyler Brashear Elementary School. This arrangement makes the library convenient for school staff and students while keeping it fully open to all Oak Cliff residents. It was the second Dallas Public Library branch built in partnership with DISD under the system's branch modernization program.
📋 This library offers notary services. See what a library notary can do — what to bring, fees and appointments — and find other libraries with a notary notary services by state.
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