Upcoming Opportunities
These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations.
Grants for Literacy Programs
Believe in Reading supports the efforts of nonprofit organizations that teach, improve, or encourage reading by people of all ages from around the world. Grants are awarded to existing and provably successful literacy programs that have been established for a minimum of 2 years. Furthermore, Believe in Reading will consider funding programs that serve any age or aspect of supporting reading and literacy, including adult literacy, English as a second language projects, or Braille related projects for the blind or visually impaired. For more information, visit the organization website.
Impact Library Program
Through the Impact Library Program, Little Free Library provides free book exchanges where they can have a meaningful impact in the United States and Canada. The program aims to strengthen community ties, inspire readers, expand easy book access, positively influence literacy outcomes, and make Little Free Libraries available in high-need areas. For more information, visit the program webpage.
2025 Innovation and Technology Round Table Tech Chats
Last Thursday of Most Months
On the last Thursday of most months, the Texas Library Association’s Innovation and Technology Round Table (ITRT) hosts a series of FREE half-hour Zoom “Tech Chats” featuring the innovative, award-winning work of Texas libraries and some quick overviews of the latest emerging technologies through a library lens. All Texas library staff – regardless of TLA membership status – are welcome to attend any of the 30-minute online sessions. To attend, register via the online form.
SHAREit Interlibrary Loan Basics for Beginners
May 20, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00a.m. (Central)
Join TSLAC staff for an overview of using the SHAREit ILL system to place and respond to ILL requests. This webinar is a very high-level overview geared specifically to library staff that are new to statewide ILL or have had limited use of the SHAREit ILL system to date.
These sessions will be recorded for those unable to attend the live presentations. For more information, visit the Upcoming Webinars webpage.
NextGen Virtual Summit
May 21, 2025
The NextGen Summit inspires government innovation and provides training and leadership opportunities for public servants. Since 2010, the FREE two-day summit has inspired over 5,000 federal, state and local government employees to become the leaders government needs. 2025 will be the 16th year GovLoop has hosted the NextGen Government Training Summit. They are excited to offer two dates for the virtual summit this year; both dates will be free to all attendees. For more information, visit the conference website.
T-mobile Hometown Grants
June 30, 2025
T-Mobile Hometown Grants is a $25 million, five-year initiative to support the people and organizations who help small towns across America thrive and grow. Hometown Grants are given every quarter to up to 25 small towns. Apply for funding to support a community project of your choice, like revitalizing or repurposing a historic structure, creating a downtown asset or destination, or improving a space where friends and neighbors gather. Projects that add to a sense of place or could lead to further investment are of particular interest. For more information, visit the Mainstreet America grants page.
Ongoing Tools
These tools are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations.
Determined to Change: Five Leadership Essentials for People-Centered Change in a Fast-Paced World (webinar)
We know too well the challenges with constant change. The rapid pace of change calls for an intentional look at how we lead and inspire people to be more committed to the next change initiative. In this webinar, you will learn and apply five evidence-based strategies to lead meaningful change through others. These people-centered strategies are designed to help organizations and the people in them thrive in highly demanding times. For more information, visit the webinar webpage.
Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Newsletter
The most recent edition features information about this year’s social media toolkit and public service announcements, serving colorblind patrons in your community, Baker & Taylor book bundles, and a manual highlight. Read the CSLP newsletter online or subscribe and receive it in your inbox each month.
Critical Thinking Skills – Loaded Questions (webinar)
Have you ever felt trapped by a question because you’d look bad whether you said “yes” or “no”? Questions like, “Have you stopped accepting bribes?” have presumptions built into them so they can’t be answered without looking guilty. And they can be misleading when they suggest things that aren’t true. Knowing how to deal with loaded questions can help you focus on facts and improve communication. For more information visit the webinar webpage.
How to speak up – even when you don’t want to (TED Talk)
What stops you from speaking up when it matters most? Healthcare leader Sarah Crawford-Bohl offers a practical, compassionate framework to have difficult conversations with clarity and heart — and shows how it can lead to stronger teams and real impact. For more information, visit the talk’s webpage.
Community Engagement and Libraries
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has made community engagement for libraries a strategic priority. Initiatives include partnership development between TSLAC and other organizations, as well as the promotion of local, state, and national programs that offer Texas libraries the tools they need to engage more effectively in their own communities. For more information, visit the Community Engagement and Libraries webpage.
Call for Participants: Building Community Trust Through Libraries
Public libraries provide spaces where people can connect, learn, and build a shared future. They also play a crucial role in fostering social trust and civic engagement. To support this vital work, IREX, the Urban Libraries Council, and WebJunction are launching a new program to equip library staff with the tools, strategies, and support they need to bridge divides and strengthen trust in their communities. For more information, visit the program website.
Need more support?
Resource Archive
Wish you had access to a repository of all the tools that are featured in the monthly Library Management Updates? Check out our Resource Archive for more information.
Continuing Education
In addition, be sure to peruse our continuing education offerings. Our resources are constantly updated, so check back often.
Questions?
For more information, visit our management services page or contact Christina Taylor at ctaylor@tsl.texas.gov.
