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History & Social Sciences Division

J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 8th floor | 1515 Young Street | Dallas, TX 75201
history@dallaslibrary.org | 214-670-1424

About:

The History and Social Sciences Division is housed on the eighth floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library. The Division is comprised of two distinctly different service areas, History & Social Sciences and the Genealogy Section.

The History & Social Sciences collection serves a variety of library users' needs from informational to recreational and includes books, magazines, videos, maps, and brochures.

Primary subject areas include the following:

  • Criminology
  • Education
  • Etiquette
  • Folklore
  • History
  • Law
  • Military Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Social Services
  • Travel
  • Political Science

The collection contains over 139,000 print volumes, 35,000 periodicals, 12,000 rolls of microfilm, 434,000 microfiche, and 2,500 videos. The collection is primarily circulating but includes substantial reference sources in the fields of history, law, and education.

The McDermott Collection of Navajo Blankets is one of the largest collections of Navajo wearing blankets on display in the world. This prestigious collection was a gift to the Dallas Public Library from the late Eugene McDermott and his wife, Margaret. On permanent display since the opening of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in 1982, this collection commemorates the commitment of the donors to provide an important part of the heritage of all Americans to the public. The majority of the collection is located on the eighth floor. The blankets date from 1860 to 1918 and exemplify the excellence of Navajo design and weaving style. Produced for personal use and for trade, this fine collection captures the integration of spirit, landscape, and weaver inherent in the best of Native American textile art.

The McDermott Collection of Navajo Blankets is one of the largest collections of Navajo wearing blankets on display in the world.From the eighth floor, library customers have an excellent view of City Hall. The building designed by I.M. Pei, slopes at a 34-degree angle. The City Council's Chamber, on the sixth floor, is a three-floor meeting area with 250 seats. The park plaza in front is planted with native Texas trees, live oaks and cedar elms. Henry Moore designed the bronze sculpture called The Dallas Piece. From the windows on the east side of the building, individuals can catch a glimpse of the great State Fair of Texas Ferris Wheel.