Texas State Library and Archives Commission Meeting
Minutes
February 13, 2026, 8:30 a.m.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) met in person on Friday, February 13, 2026, 8:30 a.m. at the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, 1201 Brazos Street, Austin, Texas.
Commissioners Present:
Martha Wong, Chair
Darryl Tocker, Vice Chair
David Garza
David Iglesias
Arthur Mann (videoconference)
Nancy Painter Paup (videoconference)
Bradley S. Tegeler
Staff Present:
Gloria Meraz, Director and Librarian
Tim Gleisner, Assistant State Librarian
Donna Osborne, Chief Operations and Fiscal Officer
Sarah Swanson, General Counsel
Jelain Chubb, Division Director, Archives and Information Services
Sarah Karnes, Division Director, Library Development and Networking
Craig Kelso, Division Director, State and Local Records Management
Ann Minner, Division Director, Talking Book Program
Vikram Muralidharan, Director, Information Technology Services
Megan Carey, Manager, Records Management Assistance, State and Local Records Management
Raul Gonzalez, Government Information Analyst, State and Local Records Management
Jeremy Selvidge, Statewide Resource Sharing Manager, Library Development and Networking
Cyan Green, Executive Assistant, Executive Office
David Powers, Desktop Support Specialist, Information Technology Services
Geegana Wickremasiri, Desktop Support Specialist, Information Technology Services
Staff Present Via Video:
Vanessa Ashcraft, School Program Coordinator, Library Development and Networking
Susan Floyd, Communications Officer, Executive Office
Mike Ford, Manager, ITS Operations, Information Technology Services
Sara Hayes, Statewide Interlibrary Loan Coordinator, Library Development and Networking
Karen McElfresh, Resource Sharing Projects Coordinator, Library Development and Networking
Logan Jones, Associate General Counsel, Executive Office
Erica McCormick, Manager, Grants and Accreditation, Library Development and Networking
Jaclyn Owusu, Manager, Program Engagement, Talking Book Program
Katelyn Patterson, Manager, Continuing Education and Consulting, Library Development and Networking
Anne Smith, Office Services Coordinator, Talking Book Program
Taz Yilma, Office Services Coordinator, Library Development and Networking
Guests:
Shannon Ayres, Citizens Defending Freedom
Bonnie Wallace, Recover America
Guests Present Via Video:
Ann Griffith
Ashley Henderson, Senator Paxton's Office
Charles Smith
Wendy Woodland, Texas Library Association
OPENING ITEMS
1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair Martha Wong called the meeting to order on February 13, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. She stated that the agenda was posted with the Secretary of State on February 3, 2026, and that the notice indicated the meeting would be conducted in person and via videoconference and provided a phone number and web link for the public to use to access the meeting.
2. Roll Call for Members and Establishment of a Quorum
Chair Wong took a roll call of Commission members and established that a quorum was present. Commissioners David Garza, David Iglesias, Bradley Tegeler, and Darry Tocker were in attendance in person, as was Chair Wong. Commissioners Arthur Mann and Nancy Paup were in attendance via videoconference.
3. Special Staff Recognition for Retirements
Sarah Karnes recognized Ann Griffith, longtime Electronic Resources Coordinator in the agency’s Library Development and Networking Committee, for her dedicated service to the Texas library community and congratulated her on the occasion of her retirement.
4. Approval of Minutes of November 14, 2025, Commission Meeting
Commissioner Tocker moved to approve the minutes of the November 14, 2025, Commission meeting as presented. Commissioner Garza seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
5. Public Comment
Bonnie Wallace of Llano County asked the Commission to tighten school standards to prevent schools from providing content harmful to children. She then read passages from American Psycho by Brett Easton Ellis, published in 1991.
Shannon Ayres, representing Citizens Defending Freedom, noted the importance of providing clarity in the school standards regarding acceptable content and requested transparency regarding the available materials in a school library catalog for all district residents.
6. Acceptance of Grants and Gifts of $500 or Greater
Ann Minner reported that the Talking Book Program (TBP) Division received two gifts in December 2025. The first gift in the amount of $5,000.00 was donated by Catherine Benedict in honor of her husband, James Benedict. The second gift was donated by Kenneth Koch in the amount of $21,600.00.
Responding to a question posed by Commissioner Garza, Gloria Meraz confirmed that the agency receives varying amounts in donations. Donna Osborne added that the agency is required by law to deposit the donation into the state treasury within three days of receipt. The commission must acknowledge acceptance of gifts of $500 or more in an open meeting.
Commissioner Tegeler moved to accept both gifts as presented. Commissioner Iglesias seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
7. Election of the Vice Chair
Commissioner Mann moved to recommend and approve that Commissioner Tocker continue in the position of Vice Chair of the TSLAC Commission. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tegeler. The motion passed unanimously.
8. Update on Restoration and Rehabilitation of the Cleveland-Partlow House in Liberty, Texas and Consideration of Continuing Partnership with Atascocito Historical Society for Ongoing Historical Preservation and Maintenance
Sarah Swanson gave an update on the status of the repair and rehabilitation of the Cleveland-Partlow House in Liberty, Texas. Ms. Swanson noted that Jean Murph, Chair of Atascocito Historical Society (AHS) task force, provided an update a few weeks ago noting that all work on the house has been completed, and AHS held a private reception on location on November 18, 2025. Ms. Swanson noted that Commissioner Mann and several TSLAC staff also attended. Ms. Murph has reported that the reception generated interest in the house from the community and received positive responses.
AHS has stated that it would like to continue its role in securing and caring for the house in 2026, including regular cleaning, upkeep, and sharing of the house in TSLAC’s effort to find new ownership. AHS has also confirmed that it has the funds to do so.
Ms. Swanson briefly shared the background of TSLAC’s receiving the property, noting that that the original gift deed that transferred the house to the Commission provided that the conveyance was conditioned on, at the time, the Libertad Daughters of the American Revolution or some other tax-exempt, nonprofit organization assuming the details for caring for restoring the house. Ownership of the house remains with TSLAC and cannot be transferred absent legislative action.
Ms. Swanson then noted that the Commission first entered into the current agreement with AHS to do the repair and restoration of the house. This agreement ends once the agency formally accepts its completion. Ms. Swanson added that, in process of formally accepting the completion, the agency is requesting from the Commission approval of a new agreement with AHS to serve as a partner for calendar year 2026 to continue preservation and maintenance of the house. Ms. Swanson noted that, if this request is approved, TSLAC will draft the new agreement.
Commissioner Mann moved to approve a new agreement with AHS to serve as a partner for calendar year 2026 to continue preservation and maintenance of the house. Commissioner Tocker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Chair Wong congratulated and thanked Jean Murph and AHS for their work.
9. Update on Contract to Provide E-Books, Downloadable Audiobooks, and a Mobile Application for the E-Read Texas Program
Ms. Karnes noted that the agency posted a solicitation November 2025 to find a qualified vendor to provide e-books, downloadable audiobooks, and a mobile application for the E-Read Texas program. The new vendor would replace Baker & Taylor, which abruptly went out of business in January 2026.
Ms. Karnes noted that the agency received approval from the Commission during its November 14, 2026, meeting to proceed with a solicitation and award a contract for the agency’s E-Read program due to the critical nature of getting a program running in a timely manner.
After the agency’s evaluation team reviewed and scored the vendor responses to its solicitation, the agency has selected CloudLibrary by OCLC, which demonstrated the best value to the agency and to the state.
Ms. Karnes then noted that staff anticipate most libraries will be live on the new platform in March. Responding to several question, Ms. Karnes confirmed that any patron of a participating library can download an app to access the provided content, which is offered to public libraries for their adult audiences. Ms. Karnes also confirmed that state requirements on collection development relate only to school libraries.
Ms. Karnes also confirmed that individual libraries may choose to engage in a contract with CloudLibrary separate from the services TSLAC offers through the platform. Any library eligible for TSLAC’s program that is already paying for its own subscription would gain access to TSLAC’s program in addition to its own distinct subscription. Staff also noted that accreditation is not a requirement to be eligible for the program, but the library must submit a public library annual report to participate.
Responding to a question from Commissioner Tocker, Ms. Karnes confirmed that all titles previously held within Boundless under Baker & Taylor are being migrated to OCLC’s CloudLibrary.
Jeremy Selvidge noted that TSLAC is working with OCLC to ensure that libraries have the ability to set locally-defined parameters for content availability at different levels. He also highlighted that, out of the box, the CloudLibrary app has an option for parents to select a mode which locks the device and set access to materials appropriate for children. He underscored the collection made available by TSLAC, however, does not include children’s materials as it is intended for public libraries to deploy to their adult audiences.
This item was for discussion only.
10. FY 2026 Family Place Grant Awards
Ms. Karnes gave a brief overview of the purpose of the Family Place Libraries grant, noting that the program is to support the role of parents and caregivers as first teachers and addresses the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive aspects of child development to help build a foundation for learning. To do this, the program positions libraries as key early childhood and family support organizations within their local communities.
Ms. Karnes reported that the agency received 13 applications for the Family Place Libraries program participation. The grant review panel met on November 17, 2025, to evaluate and score the applications. Twelve libraries were found eligible and are now being recommended to receive training and funding for FY 2026. Ms. Karnes then noted that a thirteenth library was also found eligible and was going to be recommended, but the library has withdrawn its application.
Ms. Karnes noted that participating libraries receive paid tuition for at least two staff members and a travel stipend for training in Texas. The library also receives a grant to set up its space with materials and supplies to establish the Family Place Library. Ms. Karnes also shared a handout of pictures and stories from libraries that previously participated in the program and how setting up family-friendly spaces has impacted their communities.
Ms. Karnes shared the list of recommended libraries with the Commission and noted that several of the listed libraries are new or have not received a grant from TSLAC within the past five years.
Responding to a question posed by Commissioner Garza, Ms. Karnes confirmed that the grant money for the program mainly comes from federal funds, and state funds cover the travel stipends. Responding to a follow-up question from Commissioner Garza, Ms. Karnes noted that the agency advertises the grant program through its social media channels in addition to directly contacting the libraries the agency believes may benefit from Family Place. She noted that the number of applications received for FY 2026 is about average to what the agency has received in previous years.
Ms. Karnes noted that the program requires intense training and dedicated staff to successfully implement and run the program.
Commissioner Tocker moved to approve the recommendations for funding for the 2026 Family Place Libraries Grant. Commissioner Tegeler seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
11. Update on Proposed Surface Lease on State Records Center Property, 4400 Shoal Creek Boulevard in Austin, Texas to Maintain and Operate Cell Tower
Ms. Swanson gave a brief update on the proposed surface lease of the cell tower on the State Records Center property on Shoal Creek Boulevard in Austin.
Ms. Swanson noted that the Commission approved entering into a new surface lease agreement with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC during its November 14, 2025, meeting. She noted that the new lease is necessary as the current agreement concludes in March 2026.
The General Land Office (GLO) has shared a draft agreement with the agency. The agency has reviewed the draft agreement and provided feedback to GLO. Ms. Swanson noted that the draft is similar to what was reviewed during the November 14, 2025, Commission meeting. She added that there is one difference relating to the flow of funds.
In the new draft, the lease payment will be directed to the commissioner of GLO for deposit into a special fund and then transferred to a general fund coded for TSLAC’s use. Ms. Swanson noted that this is how the lease payments have been directed under the current agreement. Shen noted that TSLAC should be able to access the funds by request, but that to her knowledge, TSLAC has not requested or received any funds to date.
Following up on a question initially posed by Commissioner Garza during the Commission’s November 14, 2025, meeting, Ms. Swanson confirmed that the draft agreement now includes a clause that specifically states that the premises is subject to sale or trade, and in the event the state enters into an agreement to sell or trade the premises, the surface lease agreement will terminate either on 60 days’ written notice by the state, or on conveyance, whichever occurs later.
Ms. Swanson then noted that GLO anticipates finalizing the agreement in March around the same time the current agreement ends.
This led to a discussion on the flow of funds, how TSLAC accesses those funds, and the amount available to TSLAC. Responding to questions posed by the commissioners, Ms. Swanson noted that the agency has contacted GLO on how to access the lease payments under the general fund coded for TSLAC’s use. Under the current agreement, TSLAC has been receiving a small annual fee directly that relates to covering any detrimental impact to the land or staff working onsite. Under the new agreement, that fee will be bundled in with the lease payments to be handled by GLO. It has not yet been made clear whether TSLAC may request release of the funds freely or if the release must be approved by GLO. Ms. Swanson noted that she and Ms. Osborne would put in a request with GLO for clarification on what amount is currently available for TSLAC in the account, how to request access to the funds, and what restrictions may be in place. Currently, the funds are to be used by TSLAC for projects, improvements, and expenses. Chair Wong suggested that TSLAC look to other agencies in a similar situation to see how they are spending the money they receive.
Ms. Swanson gave a brief overview of the terms of the new agreement, including annual payments for a five-year period and a clause on subleasing. GLO also negotiated a higher lease amount from the previous agreement. Additionally, the agreement is between the other entity and GLO, with TSLAC in the role of beneficiary.
After further discussion, Ms. Swanson suggested outlining a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between TSLAC and GLO to help codify the access and use of the lease payment funds.
This item was for discussion only.
12. Update on Archives and Records Committee Meeting of January 29, 2026
Commissioner Iglesias shared an overview of the Archives and Records Committee held January 29, 2026. Of note:
• Jelain Chubb shared an update on progress made on appraisal of records, processing, and digitization efforts during the first quarter of FY 2026.
• Craig Kelso shared an update on the status of storage capacity at the State Records Center (SRC) on Shoal Creek Boulevard in Austin. Mr. Kelso anticipated that it may be necessary to pause intake of new boxes at SRC in June 2026, and he anticipated the pause will likely remain in effect until the new records facility in Pflugerville is operational in late 2027.
• Megan Carey provided an update on the status of proposed amendments to two Retention Schedules, including Schedule PW: Records of Public Works and Other Government Services and Schedule EL: Records of Elections and Voter Registration. After discussing the proposed amendments, the Archives and Records Committee voted
Following up on Commissioner Iglesias’ summary, Ms. Swanson noted that the agency is requesting the Commission’s consideration to approve Schedule PW today. Both schedules were forwarded to the Governor’s Office. The Governor’s Office has since let the agency know that it has not yet had time to sufficiently review Schedule EL. Ms. Swanson noted that Schedule EL will be brought to the Commission for consideration at a future meeting.
Responding to a question posed by Chair Wong, Mr. Kelso noted that the pause indicates that the agency will be unable to immediately intake new boxes. During a pause, clients are placed on a list, and as boxes are destroyed or permanently removed, the agency plans to go down the list according to oldest request to intake new boxes. Mr. Kelso meets quarterly with the Records Management Officers of agencies and clients. The agency is working with clients to keep them informed and is encouraging clients to destroy boxes once they meet records retention.
This item was for discussion only.
13. Consideration of Proposed Amendments to 13 TAC §7.127, Local Schedule PW: Records of Public Works and Other Government Services and 13 TAC §7.135, Local Schedule EL: Records of Elections and Voter Registration
Ms. Swanson noted that only proposed amendments to 13 TAC §7.127, Local Schedule PW: Records of Public Works and Other Government Services, are being brought to the Commission for consideration, and she clarified that 13 TAC §7.135, Local Schedule EL: Records of Elections and Voter Registration, will not be presented for consideration today.
Ms. Swanson then gave a brief overview of the proposed amendments to §7.127, noting that agency staff have been gathering input and working directly with stakeholders about changes that may be necessary to the schedules. The proposed amendments presented for consideration today have already gone through an informal comment period. Additionally, the proposed amendments were brought to the Archives and Records Committee meeting held January 29, 2026, for the purpose of allowing the committee to review and ask additional questions.
The proposed amendments reflect the agency’s consideration of all the information received over time, helping to simplify the schedule, clarifying the retention requirements, improving the usability of the schedules, and supporting consistent records management practices across local governments.
The Archives and Records Committee voted to recommend to the full Commission approval of the proposed amendments during its January 29, 2026, meeting. The proposed amendments were also sent to the Governor’s Office, which responded positively to the agency moving forward.
If the Commission approves the proposed amendments today, they will be published in the Texas Register for the purpose of receiving public comment, which the agency will then take into further consideration. Based on the nature of changes to the schedule, the agency would likely bring the proposed amendments to the Commission to consider for adoption in June.
Commissioner Tocker moved to adopt amendments to 13 TAC §7.127, Local Schedule PW: Records of Public Works and Other Government Services. Commissioner Paup seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
14. Consideration of Adoption of Amendments to 13 TAC §2.2, Responsibilities of Commission and Director and Librarian and §2.3, Procedures of Commission
Ms. Swanson noted that the Commission approved the publication of proposed amendments to §2.2, Responsibilities of Commission and Director and Librarian and §2.3, Procedures of Commission, at its November 14, 2025, meeting. The proposed amendments were published in the December 5, 2025, issue of the Texas Register for a 30-day public comment period. The Commission did not receive any comments on the proposed amendments.
Ms. Swanson then clarified that the amendments increase the dollar threshold at which non-competitive grants require formal Commission approval from $100,000 to $250,000. Ms. Swanson noted that the $100,000 threshold was established by the Commission more than three decades ago, and increasing the approval threshold reflects the evolving financial landscape in which the agency operates and promotes agency efficiency.
Ms. Swanson added that the amendments do not change the Commission’s requirement to approve all competitive grants regardless of dollar amount.
Ms. Swanson then noted that if the amendments are adopted by the Commission today, the effective date will be 20 days after the adoption of §2.2 and §2.3 are filed with the Texas Register.
Commissioner Mann moved to adopt amendments to §2.2, Responsibilities of Commission and Director and Librarian and §2.3, Procedures of Commission. Commissioner Iglesias seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
15. Consideration of Adoption Amendments to 13 TAC §2.56, Training and Education of Staff
Ms. Swanson noted that the Commission approved the publication of proposed amendments to 13 TAC §2.56, Training and Education of Staff, at its November 14, 2025, meeting. The proposed amendments were published in the December 5, 2025, issue of the Texas Register for a 30-day public comment period. The Commission did not receive any comments on the proposed amendments.
Ms. Swanson added that these amendments update the Commission’s internal rule regarding training and education. Ms. Swanson noted that the amendments generally improve the rule language and ensure the rule aligns with the language of statute, which directs state agencies to adopt rules relating to the eligibility of the agency’s administrators and employees for agency-supported training and education, as well as the obligations administrators and employees assume when receiving such training and education.
Ms. Swanson noted that the statute also directs state agencies to adopt rules requiring that, before an administrator or employee of the agency may be reimbursed for a training or education program offered by an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education, the executive head of the agency must authorize the tuition reimbursement payment.
Ms. Swanson then noted that if the amendments are adopted by the Commission, the effective date will be 20 days after filing with the Texas Register.
Commissioner Tegeler moved to adopt the amendments to §2.56, Training and Education of Staff. Commissioner Paup seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
16. Consideration of Adoption of Amendments to 13 TAC §4.2, School Library Programs: Collection Development Standards
Ms. Swanson gave a brief overview of the development of the proposed amendments to 13 TAC §4.2, School Library Programs: Collection Development Standards, for which the agency is requesting the Commission’s consideration and approval today.
Ms. Swanson noted that Senate Bill (SB) 13, 89th Regular Legislative Session, requires the Commission to adopt amendments to the school library collection development standards, with approval of the State Board of Education (SBOE) by majority vote, by April 1, 2026. SB 13 made specific changes to the statutory requirements for the standards, originally adopted under House Bill 900, 88th Session, by adding new definitions within the law and clarifying specific requirements in Education Code, §33.021. SB 13 also added new sections to the Education Code relating to parental access to library materials and student library records, local school library advisory councils, school districts’ acquisition of library materials, and procedures for challenges or appeals regarding library materials.
Because portions of these newly adopted statutes relate to existing provisions of the agency’s collection development standards, it was necessary to amend other portions of §4.2 to ensure consistency with the new and amended statutes.
Ms. Swanson noted that the Commission approved the publication of proposed amendments to the standards at its November 14, 2025, meeting. The proposed amendments were published in the November 28, 2025, issue of the Texas Register for a 30-day public comment period. The Commission received comments from one organization and four individuals.
After fully considering these comments, the agency included a summary of the comments and the agency’s response in the rule’s preamble. Ms. Swanson noted that two changes were made to the proposed amendments in response to comments, including:
1. In §4.2(c)(6), the agency added “physical” before “catalog” to clarify that this section of the rule, which pertains to parental access, includes both a school library’s physical and online catalogs.
2. In §4.2(e)(4), the agency changed “decision” to “recommendation” in reference to the reasonable timeframe for review of an item for which a request for reconsideration has been submitted. The rule now defines a “reasonable timeframe” for review and recommendation by a committee.
Ms. Swanson noted that the SBOE considered the amendments at its January 29, 2026, meeting of the Committee of the Full Board. Based on discussion during SBOE’s Committee meeting, the statutory citations for the definitions of indecent content and profane content were added to §4.2(c)(7)(B)(iv) to add clarity and ensure consistency within the rule. The SBOE approved the amended standards at its January 30, 2026, meeting.
Ms. Swanson noted that if the new amendments as approved by the SBOE are adopted by the Commission, the effective date will be 20 days after filing with the Texas Register and will meet the April 1, 2026, deadline as established by SB 13.
Responding to a question posed by Commissioner Garza regarding barring explicit content from public school libraries, Ms. Swanson referred to the section of the rules where the standards clearly prohibit harmful material based on a statutory definition, material that is pervasively vulgar, educationally unsuitable, or that contains indecent content or profane content. She added that TSLAC and SBOE do not have authority to enforce these standards. Local school districts do have the authority to enforce the standards. Additionally, there is a process in place for a person to bring concerns to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which will review the matter and enforce as necessary.
Ms. Swanson noted that drafts of the proposed amendments were shared both with the Governor’s Office as well as the offices of the bill’s Senate author and House sponsor. office. Additionally, TSLAC created a subcommittee to work closely with SBOE about their concerns when making the proposed amendments.
Commissioner Tegeler gave a brief overview of the process for reviewing a challenged book, noting that the final decision is determined by the individual district.
Ms. Swanson added that the agency adhered to the language of SB 13 and noted that it is stated in the rules that school districts may add procedures to the minimum requirements to satisfy local needs, so long as the added procedures do not conflict with the minimum requirements. Commissioner Iglesias also noted that, as the Commission is not an elected organization, it was important to follow the language of SB 13 with minimum interpretation when making the proposed amendments. He encouraged the public to talk with elected officials about any concerns about the standards.
Ms. Swanson noted that if approved today, §4.2 will go into effect 20 days after it is filed with the Texas Register.
Commissioner Tegeler moved to adopt amendments to §4.2, School Library Programs: Collection Development Standards. Commissioner Tocker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Chair Wong called for a short recess at 10:00 a.m. The Commission reconvened 10:11 a.m.
17. Director’s Report
Ms. Meraz shared the Director’s Report with the commissioners and gave a brief overview of some highlights. Of note:
• Roben Taglienti, who has been acting as the Projects Manager for the construction and design project for TSLAC’s new facility in Pflugerville, was recently promoted to Chief Architect for the Texas Facilities Commission. TFC is now assigning Chloé Malek to act as the new Project Manager. The design phase of the building is anticipated to be 100% complete in March 2026. TSLAC is also scheduling a tour of the site.
• The U.S. Congress approved federal FY 2026 funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Ms. Meraz noted that there was a slight gain for the Grants to States program, and Texas is to receive $12.8 million from IMLS.
• The Texas Supreme Court visited the Lorenzo de Zavala building in Austin to view the 1876 Texas Constitution. Ms. Meraz noted that the constitution is on display for the public to view as part of the Texas America250 celebration. TSLAC has worked with the State Preservation Board to have the constitution displayed.
• Ms. Meraz attended the Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library’s 125th anniversary, hosted by the Fortnightly Club in Brenham. Commissioner Tegeler, Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura, and other members of the community also attended.
Responding to a question posed by Chair Wong, Ms. Osborne noted the agency has 20.3 vacancies in as of November 2025.
Responding to a question posed by Commissioner Tocker, Ms. Karnes gave a brief update on the Community Literacy Support Grants program, which helps local libraries partner with a nonprofit organization to enroll children in a monthly mail order book delivery program. About 15 affiliate library partners have successfully submitted their grant applications.
This item was for discussion only.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
18. Executive Session
The Commission did not go into Executive Session.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
19. Action Items from Executive Session
The Commission did not go into Executive Session.
CLOSING ITEMS
20. Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Report
Ms. Osborne reviewed financials as of January 26, 2026.
This item was for discussion only.
21. Update on Agency Events
Tim Gleisner gave an overview of recent, ongoing, and upcoming agency activities.
TSLAC has distributed pop-up exhibits as part of the Texas America250 celebration to every public library system in Texas in addition to, upon request, other Texas institutions/organizations. The agency is currently holding onto 20 exhibits reserved for special use.
As of today, there have been 154 media mentions created by public libraries participating in Texas America250.
Additionally, TSLAC launched the Texas America250 Reading Challenge at the beginning of calendar year 2026. From January 1 through December 31, the agency invites all Texans of all ages to log 2,500 minutes of reading Texas history and culture, state park visits, and service activities in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary. Participants who complete the challenge will receive a certificate that has the signature of the Governor. As of today, 185 libraries have signed up to participate, and about 300 individual participants have completed the challenge.
TSLAC also opened its Texas America250 exhibit in the lobby of the Lorenzo de Zavala building in Austin on January 26. The exhibit is the capstone of the TSLAC Texas America250 program and will be on view throughout 2026. The exhibit features seven sections that highlight the various contributions Texas and Texans have provided to the American story. The agency anticipates an article about the exhibit to be published in Texas Monthly.
Submissions closed January 26 for Letters About Literature, an annual writing competition for 4th – 12th grade students in Texas overseen by the agency’s Texas Center for the Book. Participating students select a book, book series, essay, play, poem, short story, or speech and write a letter to an author explaining how that work changed their lives. The first-place winners in each of the three categories, determined by grade level, will be invited to the Texas Library Association Annual Conference in Houston in March to be recognized. TSLAC received submissions from about 1,000 students this year.
Mr. Gleisner noted that TSLAC is one of five Texas state agencies designated to serve on the Texas America250 Commission alongside the State Board of Education, Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Office of the Governor, and the Bullock Texas State History Museum.
This item was for discussion only.
22. Adjournment
Commissioner Tegeler moved to adjourn the Commission meeting. Commissioners Tocker and Iglesias seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 10:27 a.m.