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…
During her tenure as Director of the Brazoria County Library System, Lisa Loranc has introduced a variety of new programs and resources to her community. One of those offerings is a “Library of Things,” which gives patrons the ability to access more than just books and media. What started out as a way for people…
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…
After months and countless miles on the road, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s (TSLAC) Continuing Education and Consulting (CEC) team wrapped up the spring regional workshop series with a final stop at Lewisville Public Library on May 20. Over the course of eight two-day workshops held across Texas—from Alpine to Harlingen, Tyler to…
Frisco Public Library has long been a trailblazer when it comes to emerging technologies, from 3D printing to award-winning, take-home tech kits for patrons to play around with AI. Now, they’ve added another “dimension” with their first public class on 4D printing, a cutting-edge field that fuses fabrication with time-based transformations. What Is 4D Printing?…
Libraries across Texas are redefining what it means to serve their communities—and Grapevine Public Library is leading the way. During a recent monthly “Tech Chat” hosted by the Texas Library Association (TLA)’s Innovation and Technology Round Table (ITRT), Assistant Library Director Chad Hetterley shared some of the programs they’ve launched, all rooted in a culture…
Upcoming Opportunities These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations. Library Leadership Essentials Series June 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – Noon (Central) Each 2-hour virtual training will be led by Eddy Smith and consist of a topical presentation followed by an opportunity for questions and answers. For more…