Public Library Accreditation and Statistics
Texas Public Libraries Annual Report
The Annual Report is only as strong as the information provided by Texas public libraries. Thanks to the commitment, cooperation, and expertise of library staff across the state, the report serves as a valuable resource for understanding and supporting public library services. We are deeply grateful to everyone who participates in this effort and helps tell the story of libraries in Texas.
The data collection window for the 2026 Texas Public Libraries Annual Report will close on April 30, 2027. Report reviews will continue over the next several months by TSLAC staff. Official accreditation letters are sent in September 2027, after the start of state fiscal year 2028.
Information that is collected: Texas Public Libraries Annual Report.
Application and Accreditation Forms
Local Fiscal Year (LFY) 2025 Annual Report Blank Worksheet (PDF)
Local Fiscal Year (LFY) 2025 Annual Report Branch Worksheet (PDF)
Local Fiscal Year (LFY) 2025 Annual Report Blank Worksheet (Excel)
Application Form for Accreditation for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027 (Excel)
Indirect Cost Information
Indirect costs may be included when a library fails to meet Maintenance of Effort (MOE) requirements. These are documented expenses paid by the local government entity on behalf of the library but not charged directly to the library’s budget. Only actual, verifiable expenditures qualify—donated services or in-kind contributions are not eligible.
Indirect Cost Examples
Indirect Cost Documentation Sample
Accreditation Appeal: Public libraries that do not meet certain accreditation criteria have the option to appeal loss of accreditation to the Library Systems Act (LSA) advisory board. If you believe your library may need to appeal loss of accreditation, please contact LDN staff at accreditation@tsl.texas.gov for instructions and assistance with this process.
Training Links and Upcoming Presentations
2026 Annual Report Webinars
Start Strong, Stress Less: Preparing for the 2026 Texas Public Libraries Annual Report
October 15, 2026, 10am-11am CT
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.
Slides (PDF)
Stay Calm, Report Confidently: Completing the 2026 Texas Public Libraries Annual Report
January 28, 2027, 10am-11am CT
Reporting season goes January through April, and we're here to help you complete the library's 2026 Annual Report. In this webinar, the TSLAC Accreditation Team will discuss each section of the report, review important definitions, highlight common areas of confusion, and answer your questions. By the end of the session, you'll have a clearer understanding of the reporting process and feel better prepared to complete and submit your report accurately and confidently.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.
2025 Annual Report Webinars
Annual Report, Part 2 - Telling Your Library’s Story: Completing the Texas Public Libraries 2025 Annual Report (Click to view the recording)
Original Aired Thursday, January 8, 2026.
The TSLAC accreditation team invites you to join us for a complete review of the Texas Public Libraries 2025 Annual Report. We'll guide you through our expectations of each section of the report, emphasize definitions, respond to questions, and explain the importance of communicating the events and activities that took place in your library last year. This session is a great refresher for experienced submitters and provides essential information for those doing it for the first time.Annual Report, Part 1 - Pulling It All Together: Organize and Prepare for the Texas Public Libraries 2025 Annual Report (Click to view the recording)
Originally Aired Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Join the TSLAC accreditation team for an insightful webinar that will provide context and meaning to this fundamental report. We’ll discuss question definitions, and where to find resources for necessary information and answer any questions. Since parts of this report require research, preparing near the end of the library’s fiscal year can reduce stress during the reporting window that begins in January. This webinar may be valuable to you whether you are new to this report or need a refresher on all that it entails.