{"id":34564,"date":"2026-08-31T09:06:59","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T14:06:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/?p=34564"},"modified":"2026-08-31T09:07:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T14:07:00","slug":"library-management-update-august-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/2026\/08\/31\/library-management-update-august-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Library Management Update: August 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Upcoming Opportunities<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Walmart Spark Good Local Grants<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

August 1 \u2013 November 30, 2026<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam\u2019s Clubs, and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5,000. Local grants are designed to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of the communities where we operate, build pride among all associates, and deepen relationships with our customers. For more information, visit the grants webpage. For more information, visit the program webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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I Partner With My Public Library Award<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

August 31, 2026<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does your library do great things with community partners? Share your story in the Let\u2019s Move in Librarie<\/em>s\u2019 Fourth Annual I Partner with My Public Library Awards. The call for nominations will remain open through August 31, 2026. For more information, visit the award webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Family Place Libraries™ Grant: What It\u2019s About and How To Participate<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

August 31, 2026  |  2:00 PM (Central)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Family Place Libraries™ initiative transforms libraries into community centers for early literacy, parent education, and family support. In this webinar, TSLAC’s Youth Services Consultant and a member of the Grants Team will discuss expectations and requirements for the 2027 Family Place Libraries™ Project grant applications, and strategies on how to meet those expectations. The discussion will include a review of how grants will be scored as well as the information needed for the application. As this event is primarily informational in nature, there will be no CE credit awarded. This session will be recorded for those unable to attend the live presentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advanced De-escalation Skills Workshop<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sept. 2026 \u2013 March 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TSLAC is bringing Advanced De-escalation Skills sessions to 12 locations across Texas. Led in-person<\/strong> by experienced clinical educator and consultant Marty Reinsel, this hands-on workshop builds on our 2025 series to help public-facing staff manage challenging interactions with confidence and care. Learn more and register today at our event page!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Texas Library and Archives Foundation Scholarships<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

September 15, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Texas Library and Archives Foundation is accepting applications for its annual Martha Wong and Gloria Meraz-Mark Smith Scholarships. Both scholarships will award a reimbursable grant of $5,000 that may be used for tuition or required textbooks. Through these awards, the Foundation encourages Texans to pursue a career in the library field. The scholarships have been generously funded by Dr. Martha Wong, Chair of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Funds will be used for the January 2027 semester. Eligible applicants must live in Texas or work in a Texas library and be pursuing a degree from a Texas library\/information science graduate program or school library certification program. For full grant details and to apply online, visit the Foundation\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start Strong, Stress Less: Preparing for the 2026 Texas Public Libraries Annual Report<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

October 15, 2026  |  10:00 AM (Central)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set yourself up for success before the reporting window begins. Join the TSLAC Accreditation Team to identify the data, documentation, and resources needed to complete this report. We’ll walk through what needs to be collected, explain key report definitions, share resources and strategies, and answer questions along the way. Whether you’re new to the report or an experienced veteran, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the process and a plan for getting started. Attendance of the live webinar qualifies for 1 hour of Texas State Library Continuing Education credit. This session will be recorded for those unable to attend the live presentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To register for TSLAC webinars, visit the Upcoming Webinars page.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bolger Foundation – Capital Improvements Grant<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

September 1, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bolger Foundation provides grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 to support capital projects that create lasting impact for nonprofit organizations. Eligible projects include facility construction or expansion, building and grounds improvements, land acquisition, and the purchase of significant long-term equipment and technology. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations may apply for projects with total budgets of up to $2.5 million. Fall applications are accepted annually from June 1 through September 1. For more information, peruse the grant guidelines<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Heroes & Hope Foundation Grants<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

September 24, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Heroes & Hope Foundation invites 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that align with their focus areas to submit a grant application. To be eligible, an organization must be located within a 30-mile radius of any of their corporate offices, distribution centers or retail stores, in order to support the communities served together. Grant applications can be submitted once annually. Grants are reviewed and approved by the Heroes & Hope Foundation Board of Trustees during quarterly meetings. For more information, visit the grant application page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Open Books, Open Minds 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

September 24, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This day-long event will convene authors, teachers, librarians, literacy experts, and other education leaders as well as product and services providers to elevate the love of reading and celebrate the process of fostering engaged reading environments. The day will convene those who together make up an umbrella of care about literacy building\u2014to share the tools, best practices, and learnings that support them; gather inspiration from the initiatives and advocacy that put books and reading front and center; hear about new books and how authors connect to learning; and elevate and enjoy the value and impact of this important collective work. For more information, visit the event web page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ross Regional Giving Guidelines<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

September 28 – October 16, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ross invests in a small number of direct grants to federal tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government programs that serve a community in an area where they have a large presence and many associates. Ross\u2019 goal is to have a meaningful impact with our grants, and we will consider funding organizations that are strongly aligned with our philanthropic mission. Ross has a two-staged review process with deadlines. Interested and eligible nonprofits will be asked to submit a Letter of Inquiry followed by an invitation-only full grant proposal. Ross will welcome requests for one-year grants of $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000, and will consider funding both general operations\/overhead and specific programs. For more information, visit the program webpage.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Texas America250 Reading Challenge<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

December 31, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Texas Center for the Book and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission are inviting Texans statewide to log 2,500 minutes (about 41 hours) of reading, exploring Texas state parks, or giving back through service between January 1 and December 31, 2026. The Texas America250 Reading Challenge is self-reported, and readers who complete the challenge earn a special certificate. For more information, visit the event web page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ongoing Tools<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These tools are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Core Knowledge\u00ae Free Library<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Core Knowledge Free Library is a no-cost digital collection of children\u2019s books, historical narratives, biographies, and educational resources aligned with the Core Knowledge curriculum. Designed for students, families, and educators, the library offers online reading and downloadable titles that support language arts, history, science, and the arts, for supplementing classroom instruction or independent learning. For more information, visit the program homepage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Courage Project <\/strong>(award)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Courage Project is a national initiative honoring everyday acts of bravery and courage that strengthen communities and democracy at the local level. Courage Awards of $10,000 to $50,000 recognize individuals and organizations that embody the nation’s foundational values through specific acts of courage that build bridges and strengthen communities, such as supporting disaster recovery, championing equality, or building consensus around community needs. Awards are general operating grants that focus on actions and activities within the United States. For more information, visit the award website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Policy Pressures: AI and Public Libraries <\/strong>(article)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As public libraries navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), regular policy review can help ensure policies remain effective, relevant, and responsive to emerging technologies. This article explores how AI may challenge traditional policies, including materials reconsideration procedures, and offers strategies for addressing these challenges through thoughtful, technology-informed revisions. It also recommends developing staff AI-use policies that establish clear expectations for privacy, data security, approved tools, appropriate use cases, and disclosure. For more information, visit The Digital Librarian<\/em> blog to read the full article<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Info2Go! Copyright in the Age of Generative AI: Critical Updates for Librarians<\/strong> (webinar)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stay informed on how shifting copyright laws and policy debates are responding to generative AI. This session explores recent legislative developments, emerging case law, and practical guidance for libraries navigating AI driven content and copyright questions. Nate Wise, Chief Intellectual Property Officer for BYU-Idaho, presents. For more information, visit the session recording on YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Refusal as Instruction: Breaking Up with Big Tech<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Major technology corporations like Google, Amazon, and Meta have become ubiquitous in the digital landscape, and can feel like the only option for patrons and library workers alike. However, these companies\u2019 practices and policies run counter to library values of privacy, intellectual freedom, and the public good. How can we as library workers help our patrons make informed choices about the technologies they use, find alternatives for accomplishing the same tasks, and reduce or eliminate reliance on these platforms? In this tutorial, Hannah Cyrus will provide practical strategies for teaching patrons of differing digital literacy levels about the issues and their options, with a focus on public library instruction. From casual reference interactions to program planning, learn how you and your patrons can dump Big Tech.  For more information, visit the course webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Conversations for Action<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Partners for Rural Impact\u2019s Conversations for Action (CFA), enable members to learn best practices from experts in place based approaches to community change. The organization has committed to creating opportunities for individuals working in rural libraries to share ideas, experiences and practical advice to improve educational opportunities in rural communities. Periodically, they will host a webinar featuring a conversation with people committed to serving the needs of rural students. Each webinar is recorded and made available on their YouTube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Navigating the federal application portal for first-timers<\/strong> (article)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Applying for a federal grant in the United States generally starts at one place: Grants.gov. It is the official portal where the U.S. government lists funding opportunities from more than 26 federal agencies and where organizations submit their applications. For first-time applicants, the platform can feel overwhelming. The registration process spans multiple government systems, the terminology is specific, and the technical requirements are unforgiving. Getting it wrong at the registration stage can make you ineligible to submit entirely. This guide explains the process step by step, including the registration issues that commonly slow down first-time applicants. For more information, view the full article on the Professional Grant Writers website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Reimagine Rural <\/strong>(podcast)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tony Pipa visits rural towns across America, listening as local people tell the story of how they are enacting positive change in their communities and learning how public investment in rural people and places can lead to increased and equitable prosperity. For more information, visit the podcast webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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#TXBookChat Series<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The #TXBookChat series offers brief discussions and programs with authors, librarians, and literary professionals. These informal conversations offer a quick look into different aspects of the state\u2019s literary world and showcase Texas authors, themes, and books. For more information, visit the program website. For more information, visit the program webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Introduction to Bridgebuilding: A course for strengthening community trust and connection (course)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Public libraries provide spaces where people of all backgrounds can connect, learn, and build a shared future. They also help build social trust and civic engagement. Introduction to Bridgebuilding<\/em> is a new on-demand course available in the WebJunction catalog. For more information, read the course announcement<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Navigating Misinformation In One-On-One Patron Interactions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Working one\u2011on\u2011one with someone who holds information that may be inaccurate or otherwise difficult to verify can be challenging for any library worker. A researcher from the University of Washington\u2019s Center for an Informed Public (CIP) and a librarian from the Dallas Public Library will provide a brief overview of factors that influence why people trust certain information, as well as approaches library staff can use when interacting with patrons. By the end of this session, attendees will feel more confident engaging one\u2011on\u2011one with patrons in situations involving information that may require clarification or further evaluation. For more information, visit the event webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helping patrons navigate natural disaster preparation and recovery<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

National Preparedness Month is observed every September to encourage individuals, families, and communities to prepare for disasters and emergencies. It’s a great opportunity to educate patrons about disaster preparation while also making sure staff are ready to support the community in the aftermath of a disaster. Explore this article<\/a> to find WebJunction’s on-demand course for library staff, resources to create displays and information kits for patrons, and much more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Need more support?<\/em><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Resource Archive<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wish you had access to a repository of all <\/em>the tools that are featured in the monthly Library Management Updates? <\/em>Check out our Resource Archive<\/strong><\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continuing Education<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition, be sure to peruse our continuing education offerings<\/strong><\/a>. Our resources are constantly updated, so check back often.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Questions?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For more information, visit our management services page<\/a> or contact Christina Taylor at ctaylor@tsl.texas.gov<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Connect With Us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n