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…
What do you get when you mix cotton candy, karaoke, a helicopter, and hundreds of books? One unforgettable library event that drew more than 1,000 people, and once again, showcased why libraries are often the beating heart of their communities. To kick off the city’s 100th anniversary and the start of summer reading, Texarkana Public…
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…
Although none were born into leadership, it is a truth universally acknowledged that some achieve it and some have it thrust upon them. With apologies to both Shakespeare and Austen, the path to library leadership can be as varied as the individuals who travel it. Directors and head librarians come to this work by many…
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…
Upcoming Opportunities These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations. Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides $10,000 in funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to start the Community Heart & Soul model. Grant funding requires…
When most people think about artificial intelligence, they picture high-tech startups or Silicon Valley labs—not a library filled with patrons eating tamales, listening to musical performers and hearing the buzz of Spanish and English voices. But at the Frisco Public Library, that’s exactly what is happening, and it’s helping ESL learners get acquainted with emerging…
For Mental Health Awareness Month, LDO is spotlighting libraries that are making a difference for their patrons and communities. The Smithville Public Library is doing just that, proving once again that libraries are far more than just buildings full of books—they’re lifelines. At the heart of Smithville Public Library’s mental health outreach is an innovative,…
When it comes to summer programming, creativity is key—and Texas libraries are proving that artificial intelligence (AI) can be a powerful tool for bringing big ideas to life without stretching small teams too thin. This summer, two libraries—North Angelo Branch Library in Tom Green County and Pasadena Public Library near Houston—are showing how AI can…