Access to justice isn’t just a legal principle, it’s a real challenge for many Texans. That’s why libraries across the state are stepping in, using technology to bridge the gap. Virtual court kiosks, now available in public libraries like Harlingen and Harris County Law Library branches, offer a secure, private space where patrons can connect…
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…
Michelia Mason didn’t start out as a data expert. In fact, when she first opened Power BI, the data visualization tool felt more intimidating than intuitive. “Data analysis was not my background,” she admits. “Usage reports were about it.” But as the librarian at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), a nonprofit based in San Antonio that…
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…
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…
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…
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…