Start with the Library Orientation video or one of our Subject Guides.

Stress – both good and bad – affects all of us, and it can cause physical, mental, and emotional issues. But, sometimes, all you need to do is siphon off some of that stress in pursuit of a mindless (or mindful) activity for a few moments.

The Library wants to help! The next time stress is getting you down, try out one of the many activities on our new Relaxation and Stress Relief Guide. Take care of yourself and de-stress!

This Library's St. Paul Alcove is dedicated to the 118-year history of St. Paul Hospital. Originally named St. Paul Sanitarium, the institution started out on Bryan Street in east Dallas. First operating out of a small cottage in 1896 and then opening its new hospital doors in 1898, the sanitarium was established by the Daughters of Charity to help maintain a base level of care for Dallas’ growing population. In 1900, St. Paul's School of Nursing was opened on the hospital grounds. Early on, sisters would visit patients in their own homes and bring items like food and clothing – in addition to medicine – to improve their overall quality of life. Free clinics were later opened as extensions of the hospital in other neighborhoods in Dallas. These clinics continued the work started by the sisters, providing food and clothing to those in need in addition to routine medical care.

St. Paul Hospital was at the center of several historic events. The institution was a key defense during the 1918 influenza pandemic when 45 tents were erected on site to facilitate a larger reach of patient care, primarily of the sick soldiers from nearby Camp Dick. Later, the hospital was the first facility in Dallas to integrate their facility, admitting an African American intern in 1953 and giving black doctors courtesy privileges as early as 1954. This was followed by the admission of black students to the School of Nursing in 1955, staffing of black physicians in 1956, and full desegregation in 1959.

In 1963, a new facility was opened on Harry Hines Boulevard, and all 112 patients were moved in only five hours: a feat that mirrored the great fire of 1951 when all 250 patients and employees present were evacuated from the old hospital successfully. The move to the new facility was in part due to the growing partnerships in the Medical District along Harry Hines and at UT Southwestern Medical Center. After decades of growth and collaboration UTSW bought St. Paul Hospital in 2005, fully cementing St. Paul’s place as part of the UT Southwestern Medical Center. After all of their innovations and historic firsts, St. Paul Hospital ended its time in Dallas in 2014. That year patients and staff were transferred to the new William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, and St. Paul University Hospital was demolished in 2015.

Library visitors need to be more mindful about reducing loud noise in the Library. In an effort to support a quieter environment, we are posting signage reminders. So, we ask that you use your quiet voice when you visit our spaces. Thank you.