The logo for the Library Digital Opportunity Team

How Texarkana Public Library Threw the Block Party of the Century

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…

The logo for the Library Digital Opportunity Team

El Paso Public Library’s Centre Future Helps Young Adults Build Skills and Confidence

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…

The logo for the Library Digital Opportunity Team

How One Small-Town Texas Library is Transforming Mental Health Support

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,…

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 logo for the Library Digital Opportunity Team

Telehealth Pods in Texas Libraries Are Revolutionizing Community Health

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…

Logo for TSLAC's Library of Digital Opportunity Office

E-Rate Central: TSLAC’s “Bulldogs” Help Librarians Navigate the Complexities of E-Rate for Big Broadband Discounts

On October 10, the Library Digital Opportunity team (LDO) held a kick-off webinar with E-Rate Central for the upcoming 2025 E-Rate Funding Year. E-rate is a federal discount program available to accredited public libraries that pays up to 90% of broadband costs. While that is an amazing benefit, it can be challenging to complete the…