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…
E-rate is a federal discount program available to accredited public libraries that pays up to 90% of broadband costs, but we at TSLAC know the process to complete an application like this can be challenging. TSLAC is continuing its support of libraries this year in applying for E-Rate. The project, called Libraries Connecting Texas (LCT),…
The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) is tackling the digital divide with programs that expand infrastructure and digital opportunity across the state. Led by new Director Bryant Clayton and supported by Digital Opportunity Supervisor Omar Ledezma, and Outreach Coordinators Andrea Pacheco and Lauren Weber, the BDO plays a key role in keeping communities, internet providers,…
At the New Hampshire State Library, Technology Consultant Bobbi Slossar has spent nearly two decades helping libraries experiment with emerging technologies. When the makerspace movement gained traction nationwide, she knew most small New Hampshire libraries did not have the space, money, or staff to follow suit. Instead, she created a “Maker Play” program, circulating electronic…
Imagine that the Gotham Public Library, a small rural library in Texas, has recently received a request for help from its group of local homeschool families—the Arkham Angels—that is looking for appropriate young adult graphic novels for this year’s book club. In the past, the library had a brief, outdated collection development policy that didn’t…
Upcoming Opportunities These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations. 2026 Infinite Sums Rural & Small Libraries Cohort Grant Program September 1-30, 2025 The Infinite Sums Rural & Small Libraries Cohort Grant Program is supported by the Simons Foundation as part of its Infinite Sums national initiative and…
Once one of the least-connected cities in the United States, Brownsville, Texas, has transformed into a leader in community broadband access and the Brownsville Public Library System has been at the center of that journey. What was once a single-branch library with just 20 public computers is now a two-branch system that offers hundreds of…
As the quest to close the digital divide marches on, rural Texas libraries remain on the front lines—eager to serve their communities but often lacking the resources and technical infrastructure needed to keep up. Technology and connectivity are essential to modern library services, yet for many rural libraries, even understanding what’s required can be a…
Turn messy spreadsheets into meaningful stories. Join Promise Madu, TSLAC’s Data and Project Coordinator, for an interactive session on cleaning, organizing, and visualizing your library’s data. You’ll learn how to take raw numbers and shape them into clear visuals that highlight the impact of your library’s programs and services. When: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 |…
What started out as a sizeable donation of custom-built video games from the county’s STEM club was quickly joined by the late Mr. Nguyen’s golden age Superman comics and his daughter’s childhood collection of rare Shojo manga—only to then be expanded by Ms. Gordon’s crafting overstock that was curated by the library’s teen advisory board…