BY THE BOOK: When former Dallas Public Library Director Lillian Bradshaw passed away in February, Jerome took a look back at her life and accomplishments. But did you know that she’s just one in a string of women who have influenced the direction and growth of the library system? On Sunday, The Dallas Morning News walked through the history of the Dallas Public Library and the women who have guided it over the years. Without them, I would have had to buy the book I’m currently reading.

DIFFERENCE OF OPINION: Over the weekend, a 200-voice chorus joined the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra to perform Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. So how was the performance? Reviewing for dfw.com, Chris Shull writes that, “the orchestra gave a sterling account of the piece on Friday,” but also notes that, “A tempo that edged a bit too fast robbed the first movement of some of its brooding, elemental power.” Going off the page with the tempo annoyed Scott Cantrell as well. “At a tempo half again as slow as Beethoven indicates, the third movement was dead on arrival,” he writes on dallasnews.com.

MUSIC BITS: Dallas band Otis has called it a career. (dfw.com) … Fort Worth rapper Tommy Burns, a.k.a. Twisted Black, is currently doing 30 years for conspiracy to deliver crack cocaine. But thanks to the telephone, he’s been able to record a new album. (fwweekly.com) … Denton Arts & Jazz Festival says no dogs allowed at this year’s event. (dentonrc.com)