When the Institute of Museum and Library Services announced the 2025 winners of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, one Texas library was still in shock. Nicholas P. Sims Library in Waxahachie, now 121 years old, has been named a national medal recipient, one of the highest honors a library can receive in…
When people think of genealogy libraries, they often picture quiet rooms and adults researching family trees. But at the Genealogy and Preservation Center of Montgomery County Memorial Library System in Conroe, Texas, history is an exciting activity for all ages. Thanks to the creativity and dedication of Genealogy Librarian Laura Politte, the space has become…
When Marla Boswell talks about robotics at the Arlington Public Library, she does not describe it as a class. She describes it as an experience. After more than 25 years working with tweens and teens, Boswell has learned that the most effective learning happens when kids are fully engaged, curious, and having fun. Boswell began…
At Montgomery County’s Charles B. Stewart Library, Children’s Librarian Ally Graves has built a reputation for transforming everyday curiosity into unforgettable learning experiences. Her recent Bubble Lab, part of her STEAM series, drew a record crowd and even required an impromptu second session. The secret behind the success goes far beyond soap and water. It comes…
Across the country, libraries are evolving beyond books and quiet study spaces to become centers of innovation and creativity. Maker spaces, equipped with tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, recording studios, and design software are giving patrons the chance to experiment, build, and bring ideas to life. These spaces lower the barrier to entry for…
At the Amarillo Public Library, digital access is more than a service, it’s a lifeline. During a recent webinar for the Texas Library Association (TLA)’s Innovation and Technology Round Table (ITRT), Maggie Elder, the library’s Digital Outreach Coordinator, shared how their innovative Digital Navigator program is helping the community build confidence, skills, and independence in…
The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) is tackling the digital divide with programs that expand infrastructure and digital opportunity across the state. Led by new Director Bryant Clayton and supported by Digital Opportunity Supervisor Omar Ledezma, and Outreach Coordinators Andrea Pacheco and Lauren Weber, the BDO plays a key role in keeping communities, internet providers,…
At the New Hampshire State Library, Technology Consultant Bobbi Slossar has spent nearly two decades helping libraries experiment with emerging technologies. When the makerspace movement gained traction nationwide, she knew most small New Hampshire libraries did not have the space, money, or staff to follow suit. Instead, she created a “Maker Play” program, circulating electronic…
As the quest to close the digital divide marches on, rural Texas libraries remain on the front lines—eager to serve their communities but often lacking the resources and technical infrastructure needed to keep up. Technology and connectivity are essential to modern library services, yet for many rural libraries, even understanding what’s required can be a…
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…