Dallas voters haven’t been asked to approve any new spending on libraries or arts or cultural programs in more than 10 years. These issues will appear on the ballot in November, and voting yes would make a significant impact on city residents’ quality of life. According to an editorial in the Dallas Morning News, two propositions on the ballot will expand library access for underserved city residents and maintain funds for arts and cultural facilities. According to city staff calculations, approving these proposals would not require a tax rate increase.

Proposition E would provide $15.6 million for library improvements and facilities. While most of the affluent city neighborhoods already have strong libraries, the same is not true for all city residents. Land was purchased years ago for libraries in two northeast Dallas neighborhoods, Vickery Meadow and Forest Green.

The Vickery Meadow neighborhood is home to a large number of immigrants. These residents need access to computers, resources for learning English as a second language and preparing for the GED, and homework assistance for children. So far, the neighborhood completely lacks even these basics.

The Forest Green library is extremely small and lacking resources, especially considering that students from five elementary schools use the facility. The Forest Green library has less than half the resources of other libraries, including books and even parking spaces.

The library initiative would also fund roofing and plumbing improvements at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.

Proposition F would provide $14.2 million for improvements to cultural and performing arts facilities. The city owns 23 cultural and performing arts facilities, which collectively require more than $100 million in maintenance. The money provided by this proposition would only make critical infrastructure repairs, such as HVAC and roof repairs, electrical upgrades, flood fixes, and security improvements.