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…
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…
As the new year has well and truly begun, many people reflect on the past, seeking to understand where they come from, who their ancestors were, and how their family’s history shaped their present. One of the best ways to begin exploring their roots is to visit their local library. Frequently, small rural libraries serve…
Public libraries have always played a key role in connecting their patrons to crucial, life-saving services and resources to improve their lives, and they can do this by making partnerships with local, state, and national organizations. A partnership program offered by the Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) is a great opportunity to enhance library…
The 2024 Library Marketing and Communication Conference held November 13-14 in St. Louis, Missouri, brought together hundreds of library marketers from across the nation to share best practices, creative strategies, and inspiring success stories. The event covered topics ranging from social media and email marketing to fundraising and outreach—all crucial for today’s libraries striving to…
The end of September heralded the final bow for my visits to small public libraries in Central Texas, tours of their spaces, and chats about how the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) can best support library leadership. For this last round, Library Digital Opportunity Program Coordinator Henry Stokes accompanied me to Schulenburg Public…
As if spurred by the August heat, the tempo picked up for the second number—a dizzying duo of days in which I visited small public libraries, toured their spaces, and chatted with their leadership about how the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) could best support them. Workforce Development Consultant Maria Freed stepped up…
As I watch the sun set from the train’s window seat and the gently rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country are replaced by the flatter terrain of the Prairie and Lakes Region, I mentally inventory my utility belt in preparation for the adventure ahead—serving as a moderator for the Get Graphic track at the…
During her tenure as Director of the Brazoria County Library System, Lisa Loranc has introduced a variety of new programs and resources to her community. One of those offerings is a “Library of Things,” which gives patrons the ability to access more than just books and media. What started out as a way for people…
Join us May 9, at 9:30 a.m., for a free, in-person event for anyone interested or involved in expanding digital access or literacy and the role that libraries can play in this effort, including librarians, civic leaders, broadband suppliers, and workforce advocates. We’ll discuss how to build and strengthen relationships to better serve our communities.…