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,…
In the heart of Hidalgo County, the Palmview Municipal Library is showing what’s possible when vision meets dedication even with a small team and limited space. Opened just a year ago, on March 23, 2024, the library has already become a hub for learning, connection, and growth in this rapidly evolving Texas town. A Library…
Living in El Paso, I never experienced severe weather. Except for dust storms (more like dirt storms!) and 100+ degree heat, we rarely faced the kinds of natural disasters that other regions experience, like hurricanes, floods, or blizzards. Getting rain and snow was such a delight and something I looked forward to because they happened…
El Paso Public Library’s recently reopened Main Library is now home to a groundbreaking initiative: Centre Future, a unique program designed for young adults ages 16 to 26. As the first of its kind in the nation, Centre Future brings teens and twenty-somethings together for workforce development, digital literacy, life skills training, and so much…
As the new Digital Literacy Consultant at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), I had the great experience of traveling with my colleagues in the Continuing Education and Consulting (CEC) team across different regions in Texas meeting and connecting with public libraries. I am a former school librarian (15 years), so not only…