decorative logo for TSLAC library management services

Library Management Update: May 2025

Upcoming Opportunities These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations. Grants for Literacy Programs Believe in Reading supports the efforts of nonprofit organizations that teach, improve, or encourage reading by people of all ages from around the world. Grants are awarded to existing and provably successful literacy programs that…

The logo for the Library Digital Opportunity Team

Hughes Springs Public Library Fuels STEM Program with Local Partnerships

In Hughes Springs, Texas, known for beautiful spring wildflower trails and its quiet small-town charm, something big is happening inside the local library—and it involves robots, rockets, and a whole lot of imagination. Under the leadership of Library Director Shannon Perez, the Hughes Springs Area Public Library is redefining what’s possible in rural public library…

The logo for LDO (Library Digital Opportunity) workforce development

How a Small-Town Texas Library Used Drones to Inspire the Next Generation of Workers

In the small Texas town of Pottsboro, population just over 2,000, the public library is helping teens launch their careers—literally. Last summer, Pottsboro Public Library offered an innovative workforce development program called Taking Flight: Preparing for a Career in Drone Technology. Funded by a grant from Atmos Energy and Simmons Bank, this five-week course introduced…

Decorative logo for the tomorrow's tall tales series

Library Renaissance: 2025 TLA Annual Conference Recap

The spirit of transformation was alive and well at the 2025 Texas Library Association’s Annual Conference, themed “Library Renaissance: Our Quest for Renewal.” Against a backdrop of evolving community needs and rapid change, library professionals from all sectors came together to reimagine the role of libraries in a shifting world. This powerful theme set the…

decorative logo for TSLAC library management services

Library Management Update: April 2025

Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Federal Funding for Texas Libraries – TSLAC has created a one page document illustrating all of the programs and services funded for Texas libraries from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Upcoming Opportunities These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations. Jerry…

A logo for Library Digital Opportunity Broadband

The 2025 Speed Test Dashboard is Here!

The results are in! Compare your internet speeds to other libraries across the state and see the year-over-year trends. The good news is—efforts like those by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) to increase library internet speeds in Texas public libraries are working, though there is still much work to be done. More…

The logo for the Library Digital Opportunity Team

AI Narrators and AI-Generated Books Infiltrating Library Reading Apps

Libraries have long been champions of expanding access to books, and digital platforms like Hoopla Digital, Libby, Audible, Boundless, or Scribd help make that possible. With a few taps, readers can borrow e-books and audiobooks from their local libraries, making literature more accessible than ever. With the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), libraries have found…

Introducing Library Infrastructure Facility Improvement (LIFI) Grant Program

We are excited to announce the opening of the TSLAC Library Infrastructure Facility Improvement (LIFI) Grant Program which funds broadband infrastructure and facility improvements in Texas public libraries. These improvements are designed to enhance internet connectivity, improve technology infrastructure, and ensure broad access to digital resources for library patrons by funding projects that enable work,…

The Texas Library Association 2025 Annual Conference Is April 1-4 and TSLAC Will Be There!

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) Library Development and Networking Division (LDN) is headed to Dallas for the 2025 TLA Annual Conference and several members of our staff will be presenting. We’ll be sharing some exciting updates on our programs and initiatives so mark these in your calendar. For in-depth session descriptions, just…

A farmer in a field using a tablet. The Library Digital Opportunity logo appears above him.

How Pflugerville Public Library is Connecting Job Seekers to Skilled Trades Careers

There are thousands of jobs in fields like construction, transportation and utilities that need to be filled in Texas. But for many job seekers, breaking into the skilled trades can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? What certifications do you need? And how do you connect with the right employers? Pflugerville Public Library is helping…