Today we’d like to introduce you to Jo Giudice.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Bookmarks is Dallas Public Library’s gem in that it is our only location devoted to service children and families exclusively. It is also unique in the fact that it is a perfect public/private partnership between North Park Center and the City of Dallas to provide a Library inside a high-end shopping center. This was the brain-child of Nancy Nasher and then library director, Laurie Evans to create a place for children to play as well as learn when visiting North Park Center. It was opened after extensive fundraising by North Park and continues to receive financial support from Atmos Energy to pay for programming. The Dallas Public Library maintains the materials collection, staff and furnishings of this location.
This was the first library of its kind in North America so we had no idea what the hours should be or what type of programming would work so we’ve had to be flexible and creative in our planning. The result is a flourishing location that is open six days a week and offers more than a dozen different programs for children of all ages to participate in. Of course checking out books is a regular function but we also have Early Learning computer stations that are so much fun the kids don’t even realize they are learning science, math or the alphabet. The staff create innovative, hands-on programs as well as doing traditional story times throughout each week.
The success of this location, despite being the smallest in square-footage of all the Dallas Public Library locations just proves that people do like to sit and read or play with their children or just like to have a destination inside a busy shopping center where they can be with other parents without judgement or fear of bothering other shoppers. This is not your typical library as there is music playing and kids cavorting while parents talk and everyone is enjoying themselves together.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest challenge was figuring out the hours we should be open as well as how many programs to provide since no location like this one had been done before. We started with just afternoon hours and quickly realized that afternoon naps interfered with the ability to attend storytime. We adjusted the hours and adding programs as the popular ones became overcrowded with attendees.
We also initially didn’t have only had children’s books in the collection but added titles on parenting very quickly. While there is no browsing adult collection you are able to request any title in the Dallas Public Library system and pick it up from Bookmarks since our deliver trucks move books around the whole city.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Dallas Public Library has been serving the residents of Dallas since 1901. We are most proud that each of our 29 locations is a reflection of the neighborhood in which is resides. So while we uphold the same quality standards for all locations, the collections and programs vary based on the needs of the community. I am most proud of the free, on-going learning opportunities we offer as well as the welcoming atmosphere at all DPL locations. We are trusted and valued community resource and take pride in knowing that when you can’t find the answer on the Internet, you can still call a librarian to help you find the right answer to any question.
What were you like growing up?
I was number five out of seven children in my family and raised at a time when kids were ‘shoo’d’ out of the house for most of the day to play outside. We rode our bikes to school and were quite independent, although being home for dinner each evening was mandatory. We had limited TV time so reading was a natural pastime. I would often work at getting in trouble so I could be sent to my room, just to have manufactured alone time to read. I was a bit of a tom-boy since my closest siblings were all brothers, so I played football, baseball and kickball and played on the volleyball team in high school.
Contact Info:
- Address: Bookmarks – a Dallas Public Library
8687 North Central Expressway, Suite 1514
Dallas, TX 75225 - Website: www.dallaslibrary.org
- Phone: 214 670-1400
- Email: dpldir@dallascityhall.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallaspubliclibrary/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dallaslibrary/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dallaslibrary
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
