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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Upcoming Opportunities Professional Development Opportunities Color Our World: Animal Prints and Patterns with the Detroit Zoo The Library of Michigan invites us to join a free, upcoming webinar on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. (central) about engaging STEM programs centered around the 2025 Summer theme, Color Our World. Learn more and register. NSLA Summer Planning Bootcamp…
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) went south to the Rio Grande Valley in early February to visit three area libraries in Hidalgo County to interview and film library directors and staff to document their efforts in digital literacy. TSLAC’s Library Digital Opportunity (LDO) team, Data Coordinator Promise Madu, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator…
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is pleased to announce the 2025 Family Place Libraries™ Project Grant Recipients. 2025 Family Place Libraries™ Project Grant RecipientsBurnet County Library SystemEl Paso Public LibraryIrving Public LibraryLaredo Public LibraryMcAllen Public LibraryNavasota Public LibraryLubbock Public LibrarySchertz Public LibrarySergeant Fernando de la Rosa Memorial LibrarySherman Public Library TSLAC initiated this project…
I hope you all were able to rest over your holiday season. May 2025 be kind to us all. This update has a lot of great information! Upcoming Opportunities Take Your Child to the Library Day in February By registering your library to celebrate TYCLD, you can use the beautiful graphics by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace,…
Summer Materials Ordering Open until November 15th Ordering materials for Summer 2025 has now been open for over 3 weeks! Library Directors of eligible libraries were able to express an interest in ordering materials and designate a person authorized to order for your library system. Those designated individuals have been given your library’s budget, ordering code,…