For nearly 90 years, Ector County Library has been a cornerstone of Odessa in the Permian Basin. But with no branch locations and many residents living miles from downtown, access to library services hasn’t always been easy. That’s why the return of a bookmobile, now reimagined as the Words on Wheels! (WoW!) mobile van, is…
The Plano Public Library has served as a cornerstone of learning and community connection for more than 60 years. Today, as technology shapes nearly every aspect of daily life, the library continues to evolve to meet the city’s growing digital needs. Through education, access, and personalized support, Plano librarians are helping residents of all ages…
At the San Antonio Public Library, Learn at SAPL offers more than just computer access, it provides a pathway to independence and confidence. The program, now celebrating its eleventh year, helps adults build digital skills, find jobs, and navigate everyday challenges in an increasingly online world. A dedicated space within seven branches across the city,…
Finding a Safe Haven in the Library For Diana Muturia, the Phoenix Public Library was more than a place to borrow books, it was a lifeline. Originally from Kenya, Diana arrived in Phoenix with determination but limited resources. “The library saved me,” she recalls. “It was the only place I could get Wi-Fi, and it was…
Across the country, libraries are evolving beyond books and quiet study spaces to become centers of innovation and creativity. Maker spaces, equipped with tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, recording studios, and design software are giving patrons the chance to experiment, build, and bring ideas to life. These spaces lower the barrier to entry for…
We live in a time when information about nearly anything is instantly within reach, and while I feel fortunate for that, it can also feel overwhelming. There’s so much I want to read, watch, and learn, but never enough time to get to it all. And with the holidays and end of year looming, my…
September brings its own unique energy to libraries. Summer should be rolling out, but in Texas, the heat hangs on, and so do full calendars. Summer and back-to-school activities have wound down, and patron needs have shifted, but this comes with equally important demands. This month also marks National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, reminding us…
At the Amarillo Public Library, digital access is more than a service, it’s a lifeline. During a recent webinar for the Texas Library Association (TLA)’s Innovation and Technology Round Table (ITRT), Maggie Elder, the library’s Digital Outreach Coordinator, shared how their innovative Digital Navigator program is helping the community build confidence, skills, and independence in…
August for public libraries is a transitional month. The summer buzz winds down and the pace slows giving space to regroup, refocus, and get ready for the busy fall months. But even in this quieter stretch, the to-do list never seems to shrink, and for many, it often feels like there’s not enough time to…
At McKinney Public Library, data isn’t an afterthought; it’s the backbone of decision-making, from library hours to programming to collection development. Director Spencer Smith and his team have made a habit of asking, What do the numbers say?, and the results speak for themselves. Shaping hours to match community needs Before renovating the downtown branch,…