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…
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…
El Paso Public Library’s recently reopened Main Library is now home to a groundbreaking initiative: Centre Future, a unique program designed for young adults ages 16 to 26. As the first of its kind in the nation, Centre Future brings teens and twenty-somethings together for workforce development, digital literacy, life skills training, and so much…
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,…
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,…
Texas libraries are stepping up to meet an essential community need: access to healthcare. Thanks to innovative partnerships and funding, telehealth pods are now offering rural residents a lifeline to critical medical services. This groundbreaking project highlights how libraries continue to evolve as pillars of their communities, offering resources far beyond books. The Power of…