Libraries across Texas are redefining what it means to serve their communities—and Grapevine Public Library is leading the way. During a recent monthly “Tech Chat” hosted by the Texas Library Association (TLA)’s Innovation and Technology Round Table (ITRT), Assistant Library Director Chad Hetterley shared some of the programs they’ve launched, all rooted in a culture of innovation and made possible by grants from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC). From an E-sports academy to a musical instrument lending library and creative outreach efforts, Grapevine is showing how libraries can push boundaries and meet their community where they are.

Grapevine’s leadership has cultivated an environment where staff are encouraged to try new ideas without fear of failure. That philosophy has opened the door to dynamic programs that support learning, creativity, and connection in new and meaningful ways. “Our director encourages everyone here to try new things and not be afraid to fail,” Hetterley said.

E-sports Academy: Building Skills Through Play

Grapevine’s E-sports Academy offers free access to gaming programs during the summer, evenings, and weekends. Patrons can join a tournament, practice as a team, or just play casually. As Hetterley put it, “The library is a safe and friendly space for anyone to come and participate.”

But it’s more than just fun and games. E-sports helps build key life and tech skills:

• Teamwork, communication, and confidence
  
• Mental wellness through positive peer interactions
  
• Tech skills like streaming, coding, networking, and audio/video editing

To manage game access, the library uses Steam PC Café, which offers a commercial pool of licenses managed through a Steam master account. This allows them to keep their offerings fresh, rotate in new games, and run programs like tournaments, watch parties, and team practice nights.

They also use swag and giveaways—like E-sports jerseys—to generate excitement and keep teens engaged. If you’re looking to start something similar, Chad recommends asking foundational questions like, “Do we want pre-built PCs or build-your-own kits?” and tapping into E-rate discounts to help with tech infrastructure.

Musical Instrument Lending Library: Removing Barriers to Creativity

With a $10,000 TSLAC CAP grant—and an additional $1,500 from the Friends of Grapevine Public Library—the library launched a Musical Instrument Lending Library to promote lifelong learning and give patrons access to instruments they might not otherwise be able to afford.

Instruments available for checkout include MIDI keyboards, a bass guitar with amplifier, an acoustic guitar, a banjo, a harp, a djembe drum, and two ukuleles. They also have synthesizers, drum machines and podcast-ready home recording kits. You can find a full list of available instruments and gear on the library’s website.

Planning was key: staff considered storage, maintenance, accessories, and which instruments best served community interests. Checkout is limited to residents 18+ for a 21-day loan (with one renewal), and a borrower agreement helps protect the collection.

To market the collection, the library uses QR codes, social media, and their website, and highlights related materials like instructional DVDs, books, and online resources through LinkedIn Learning and Kanopy.

Although the instruments can’t be stored on open display, patrons can browse a carousel of cards that represent each item—if the card is missing, the instrument is checked out!

Out-of-the-Box Outreach: Meeting the Community Where They Are

Grapevine’s outreach is anything but ordinary. Their “Out of the Box” approach includes:

• Homebound delivery services for patrons who can’t come to the library
  
• Partnerships with other city departments, including police, fire, parks and rec, and animal services
  
• September breakroom tours where library staff visited every city department’s breakroom to promote library services—leading to a major uptick in new library card sign-ups

They also place mini book carts in senior living facilities, transitional housing, and afterschool program sites. And thanks to sponsorship from the local Rotary Club, they’ve installed a book vending machine that dispenses free books to kids using gold coins earned through local schools.

And in a growing effort to support digital literacy, the library now offers tech help at senior centers, a new initiative that’s already proving to be a hit.

Grapevine Public Library is a great example of what happens when staff are empowered to think creatively and take risks. From gaming to guitars to gold coins, their work shows just how expansive and inclusive library services can be when guided by a mission to serve the whole community.

If you’re a library professional looking for inspiration—or a community member curious about what your local library might offer—take a page from Grapevine. Innovation starts with asking, “What if we tried this?”