Literary Landmark Roundup FAQs | Texas State Library

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Literary Landmark Roundup Frequently Asked Questions

Below are our answers to frequently asked questions relating to the 2021 Literary Landmark Roundup. We hope to offer the Roundup again in the future.

What is a Literary Landmark?

A Literary Landmark is a site tied to a deceased literary figure, author, or his or her work. The Literary Landmarks Association was founded in 1986 to encourage the dedication of historic literary sites. The first dedication was at Slip F18 in Bahia Mar, Florida, the anchorage of the Busted Flush, the houseboat home of novelist John D. MacDonald's protagonist, Travis McGee. As of 2020, there were five Literary Landmarks in Texas.

What is the Literary Landmark Roundup?

Our goal is to double the number of Literary Landmarks in Texas in 2021. With funds from the Summerlee Foundation, the Texas Center for the Book, a unit within the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, is seeking nominations for potential literary landmarks sites. The Literary Landmark Roundup recipients will receive funding and support to finalize their Literary Landmark. TSLAC will pay for the application fee which also includes the cost of the foundry-made bronze plaque marking a Literary Landmark.

Can the landmark be for a group of authors or does it need to be just one?

Yes, a landmark can be for more than one author. For example, the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building in Austin was dedicated as a Literary Landmark in 2009 because multiple authors have usied resources housed therein for their creative works.

Can the author(s) be alive?

Authors must be deceased.

How creative can we be in identifying a Literary Landmark?

Very creative! In addition to a birthplace or home, consider where writers’ paths took them—where did the creative process take place, did an author work at a newspaper or magazine, write in a public library or institution, drink at local tavern with cronies? Consider other types of writers, not just those who wrote books, but newspaper writers or columnists, songwriters, or politicians.

How much does this cost?

The application and plaque fees are covered for selected applications through the generosity of the Summerlee Foundation. Costs organizations will incur will be associated with the dedication ceremony, mounting or situating the plaque, and any costs associated with the organization’s educational materials and programs.

What do I need for the nomination form?

Site location/description
Background material that corroborates the role of the site
Bibliography of author’s or authors work and related writings
List of organization, group, or individuals who will be responsible for the site and guarantee its continued designation
The outline of plans for a dedication ceremony (in person or virtual) including sponsors (potential), speakers, special guests, performances, site tours
Strategy for publicizing the dedication
Ideas for educational programs and materials

How do the Literary Landmark Roundup recipients finalize their Literary Landmark?

With assistance from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), the Literary Landmark Roundup recipients must submit their official application to United for Libraries, the national organization that administers the program, by May 1, 2021.

If your site is approved by United for Libraries, congratulations! Once sites are approved, TSLAC will pay required fees to United for Libraries and will begin working with local organizations to finalize the plaque language in conjunction with the dedication ceremony planning.

It will be up to the organization to plan its dedication ceremony. TCFB can help in designing the event and will assist in promoting the dedication ceremony. Additionally, TCFB will promote landmark sites statewide. The local entity will implement and execute the ceremony (either virtually or in person).

What is the timeline for notification from TCFB on support for the application process to United for Libraries, and then when will applicants know if the landmark designation has been granted??

The deadline for submitting a nomination for the Literary Landmark Roundup is Feb. 8, 2021. Organizations will be notified by March 15, 2021, if they are accepted. Once accepted, those entities will move forward and submit their applications to United for Libraries by May 1, 2021. United for Libraries normally takes up to one month to approve applications.

If our nomination is accepted, what type of assistance will my organization receive during the application process?

Once the nominated organization is approved by the Literary Landmark Roundup committee, we will work closely with the organization to get their application ready for United for Libraries. This includes helping with wording on the dedication plaque. It will be up to the organization to submit its application and plan its dedication ceremony. TCFB can help in designing the event and will assist in promoting the dedication ceremony. Additionally, TCFB will promote landmark sites statewide. The local entity will implement and execute the ceremony (either virtually or in person).

Our organization and potential Literary Landmark site has all the funding we need. Do we need to go through the Texas Center for the Book?

No. The Literary Landmark Roundup seeks to provide assistance for sites in need of funding and support. Entities who do not need funding may apply directly to United for Libraries to become Literary Landmarks

Is it too late to make a nomination for the Literary Landmark Roundup? Our deadline for this first roundup has passed. However, if you have a location suggestion for the Literary Landmark distinction, we want to hear from you. Please email tcfb@tsl.texas.gov.