Upcoming Opportunities These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations. The views and opinions of these organizations do not necessarily represent the views of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. 2026 Disaster Preparedness Forum September 3-24 | Register For Disaster Preparedness Month, the National Network of Libraries…
For the residents of Rio Grande City and Starr County, a Smithsonian learning experience may soon be as close as their local public library. The Rio Grande City Public Library has been selected as one of just 16 public libraries nationwide to participate in the inaugural Smithsonian Associates Rural Library Program, and it is the…
Upcoming Opportunities These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations. Walmart Spark Good Local Grants August 1 – November 30, 2026 Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs, and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5,000. Local grants are designed to support local organizations…
Join us for a free in-person workshop near you! TSLAC is bringing Advanced De-escalation Skills sessions to 12 locations across Texas. Led in-person by experienced clinical educator and consultant Marty Reinsel, this hands-on workshop builds on our 2025 series to help public-facing staff manage challenging interactions with confidence and care. Register for a Workshop Near…
While attending a recent professional learning network meetup, Director Gordon of Gotham Public Library—a fictional, small, rural library in Texas—heard a cautionary tale about a neighboring library’s lack of a personnel policy. Recognizing the potential risks, she resolved to review her own library’s policies. The Smallville Library employed 25 staff members and operated for years…
Library-Centered Community Discovery: Two Texas Summer Learning Stories Libraries across Texas are proving that summer reading is about much more than books during the 2026 Unearth a Story Summer Reading Program. By combining literacy with hands-on experiences, libraries help communities turn curiosity into engagement and learning into lasting memories. The following success stories illustrate how…
Upcoming Opportunities These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations. Core Connections: Building Sustainable Support Through Funding July 14, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. (Eastern) Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ (MBLC) Lyndsay Forbes, Project Manager and Grants Specialist, will lead a discussion on how to leverage grants, funding opportunities,…
Public libraries bridge access gaps, whether that means books, internet access, or workforce resources. Innovation spaces represent the next evolution of that mission. Not everyone can afford a 3D printer, professional recording equipment, design software, or specialized training. By providing those resources in a free and welcoming environment, libraries ensure that innovation is not limited…
The Pottsboro Area Library is no stranger to innovation. Over the years, the small, rural library (service population: 4,150) has launched initiatives that have attracted attention far beyond North Texas, from creating the nation’s first telehealth hub to developing a drone pilot certification program that helps students build career-ready skills. But the library’s latest initiative…
Artificial intelligence can feel overwhelming for libraries. Between privacy concerns, confusing headlines, and pressure to “keep up,” it is easy to see why many library workers feel uncertain about what role they should play. But according to Jose Ruiz-Vazquez, assistant manager at the Milwood Branch of Austin Public Library, librarians already have the exact skills…