Library Director: First Year Survival Skills

New directors Justin Dyer of Hillsboro City Library, Matthew Glaser of Hewitt Public Library, Kenya Johnson of Pasadena Public Library, and Torrey Stricklin Morrison of Howe Community Library shared how they coped, what they learned, and who to have at your side during your transition into that challenging—albeit rewarding—new role as the library’s director. First Year Survival Skills is a Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) legacy program at TLA Annual Conference that showcases a different panel of new public library directors each year to share what they’ve learned to date. So if you weren’t able to attend this year, mark your calendar for the future. This session is brought to you by members of the New Director Working Group, an interdisciplinary collection of members from TSLAC’s Library Development and Networking (LDN) team. 

Making Public Libraries Safter Through Compassionate De-escalation

In this insightful session, attendees explored strategies for maintaining libraries that are both safe and welcoming for all. Recognizing that safety and security are dynamic and must be regularly re-evaluated, the session focused on shifting from punitive enforcement to compassionate approaches. Presenter Rick Jenkins of Safer Libraries Consulting—a self-proclaimed “old school tough guy”—disrupted stereotypes by sharing practical techniques for fostering a culture of empathy and creating environments where all patrons and staff feel respected and protected.

Poster Sessions

Attendees enjoyed a dynamic exploration of current library research during the Poster Sessions, featuring contributions from academic, school, and public library professionals. The visually engaging displays highlighted innovative programs, effective services, and emerging trends in librarianship. With authors present to discuss their work, answer questions, and share insights, participants had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and gain inspiration for their own practices. The session fostered cross-sector connections and provided a rich exchange of ideas shaping the future of libraries.

Small Library, Big Impact 

In this exclusive session tailored to small libraries, directors gathered for a half-day, special event co-hosted by the Tocker Foundation and TSLAC. Attendees enjoyed informative presentations from key organizations supporting small Texas libraries. As this session was crafed to help participants take advantage of upcoming funding opportunities, TSLAC shared insights on how to communicate the story of a library’s efficacy in their community; the Tocker Foundation debuted a video showcasing the impact of its Transformation Grant; a representative from the Small Community Library Round Table (SCLRT) encouraged membership, networking, and collaboration; and Texas Rural Funders highlighted valuable services available to rural libraries. Courtesy of the Tocker Foundation, the session also featured a delicious continental breakfast, lunch, and refreshments—making for a day of learning, networking, and nourishment.  

Exhibit Hall Highlight: Innovation, Networking, and Fun

The Exhibit Hall buzzed with energy as attendees mingled with industry leaders, explored cutting-edge products and services, and reconnected with favorite vendors. With tasty bites, exciting giveaways, and plenty of opportunities to network, this lively feature offered a perfect blend of discovery and connection at the heart of the conference.

Networking Meetups

Many universities and TLA units hosted their annual professional networking events so attendees were able to connect in person during the conference. These meetups are yet another support for carving out a more intimate space where library workers can share ideas, find support, and build community in their part of the Texas library ecosystem. Gatherings included:

• Black Caucus Round Table (BCRT) Reception
• College and University Libraries Division (CULD) Social
• Innovation and Technology Round Table (ITRT) Social
• Latino Caucus Round Table Social Night
• Library Leadership Round Table (LLRT) Social
• Public Library Division (PLD) and Small Community Library Round Table (SCLRT) Social
• Special Library Division (SLD) Social
• Texas Association of School Librarians (TASL) Awards & Social
• Texas Woman’s University (TWU) Alumni Reception
• University of North Texas (UNT) Department of Information Science Alumni and Friends Reception
• University of Texas (UT) iSchool Alumni Reception

New Director Networking Hour

At this informal meetup, new public library directors gathered to network, build community, and connect with other library leaders as well as staff from the state library. The New Director Networking Hour is another TSLAC legacy program that offers the opportunity to share insights, exchange ideas, and build connections in order to strengthen your professional network because great conversations can lead to even greater collaboration. This session is also brought to you by the members of the New Director Working Group.  

This year’s Texas Library Association Annual Conference illuminated the transformative power of libraries as dynamic and forward-thinking institutions. Through insightful discussions, innovative projects, and shared visions for the future, attendees were reminded that libraries are not just adapting to change—they are leading it. As we return to our communities and institutions, let us carry this momentum forward. Let us be bold in our ideas, collaborative in our efforts, and unwavering in our commitment to reimagining what libraries can be. The renaissance has begun—now it’s up to all of us to shape it.