The spirit of transformation was alive and well at the 2025 Texas Library Association’s Annual Conference, themed “Library Renaissance: Our Quest for Renewal.” Against a backdrop of evolving community needs and rapid change, library professionals from all sectors came together to reimagine the role of libraries in a shifting world. This powerful theme set the…
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Federal Funding for Texas Libraries – TSLAC has created a one page document illustrating all of the programs and services funded for Texas libraries from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Upcoming Opportunities These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations. Jerry…
Broadband / General Announcements / Grants & Funding / Public Libraries / Technology & Digital Opportunity
The results are in! Compare your internet speeds to other libraries across the state and see the year-over-year trends. The good news is—efforts like those by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) to increase library internet speeds in Texas public libraries are working, though there is still much work to be done. More…
Libraries have long been champions of expanding access to books, and digital platforms like Hoopla Digital, Libby, Audible, Boundless, or Scribd help make that possible. With a few taps, readers can borrow e-books and audiobooks from their local libraries, making literature more accessible than ever. With the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), libraries have found…
We are excited to announce the opening of the TSLAC Library Infrastructure Facility Improvement (LIFI) Grant Program which funds broadband infrastructure and facility improvements in Texas public libraries. These improvements are designed to enhance internet connectivity, improve technology infrastructure, and ensure broad access to digital resources for library patrons by funding projects that enable work,…
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) Library Development and Networking Division (LDN) is headed to Dallas for the 2025 TLA Annual Conference and several members of our staff will be presenting. We’ll be sharing some exciting updates on our programs and initiatives so mark these in your calendar. For in-depth session descriptions, just…
There are thousands of jobs in fields like construction, transportation and utilities that need to be filled in Texas. But for many job seekers, breaking into the skilled trades can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? What certifications do you need? And how do you connect with the right employers? Pflugerville Public Library is helping…
Upcoming Opportunities These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations. Southeast Collaborative Conference March 11 – 13, 2025 The 2025 Southeast Collaborative Online Conference is a collective effort by the Georgia Public Library Service, State Library of North Carolina, South Carolina State Library, Tennessee State Library & Archives,…
The Library Digital Opportunity Team (LDO) at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission recently heard about a sensory non-profit called KultureCity that was working with Texas libraries to make them more accessible to patrons with sensory needs. Grapevine Public Library has been using special equipment, like headphones, weighted lap pads, fidget tools, and other…
Upcoming Opportunities Professional Development Opportunities Color Our World: Animal Prints and Patterns with the Detroit Zoo The Library of Michigan invites us to join a free, upcoming webinar on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. (central) about engaging STEM programs centered around the 2025 Summer theme, Color Our World. Learn more and register. NSLA Summer Planning Bootcamp…
During a recent visit to the Rio Grande Valley, we spoke with Pharr Memorial Library director, Adolfo Garcia, who shared some news with us on digital literacy efforts in Pharr. The library will be on the front lines of the Pharr Connect Digital Literacy Program. The program was made possible by a $3.2 million grant…
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) went south to the Rio Grande Valley in early February to visit three area libraries in Hidalgo County to interview and film library directors and staff to document their efforts in digital literacy. TSLAC’s Library Digital Opportunity (LDO) team, Data Coordinator Promise Madu, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator…
3-D printers are becoming more and more ubiquitous in Texas libraries. In nearly every library I’ve visited in the last year, even smaller, rural libraries, it seems like these devices are getting more and more popular with patrons. The Library Digital Opportunity team spoke recently with Christina Granados, Teen Program Coordinator at Fort Worth Public…
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is pleased to announce the 2025 Family Place Libraries™ Project Grant Recipients. 2025 Family Place Libraries™ Project Grant RecipientsBurnet County Library SystemEl Paso Public LibraryIrving Public LibraryLaredo Public LibraryMcAllen Public LibraryNavasota Public LibraryLubbock Public LibrarySchertz Public LibrarySergeant Fernando de la Rosa Memorial LibrarySherman Public Library TSLAC initiated this project…
The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) has updated their Texas Digital Opportunity Hub. The improved website is a powerful tool for libraries looking to strengthen their broadband capabilities, expand services for patrons, and close the digital divide in Texas. More data and information have been added, and features have been enhanced. The BDO created this…
