FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Austin, TX – The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) has announced $1,373,133 in grants for Texas libraries in 2024-2025. Two successful Library Capacity Grant proposals totaling $101,569, six Special Projects 25 Grant proposals totaling $117,535, 12 Special Projects 75 Grant proposals totaling $735,454 and 12 TexTreasures Grant proposals totaling $418,575 were recently approved by TSLAC. Agency commissioners awarded the statewide library grants at their Friday, June 7 meeting.
“TSLAC is proud to support the innovative work of state public libraries to expand services that respond to local community needs and address the state’s priorities of fostering educational and economic opportunities,” said TSLAC Director and Librarian Gloria Meraz. “Texas libraries are vital to their communities and help people of all ages learn and achieve their goals.”
“The Texas State Library and Archives Commission is thrilled to support these important library initiatives, which will offer Texans the tools they need to meet the needs of their families,” said TSLAC Chair Dr. Martha Wong. “These grant funds from IMLS allow the agency to provide critical support to informational professionals statewide and the communities whom we serve.”
The Library Capacity Grant provides funds for programs and services that expand the capacity of local library staff to meet identified and/or demonstrated community needs through professional training and development opportunities. This grant enables library staff to learn, expand and/or hone skills needed to provide responsive programming and services to community members. Recipients are Partners Library Action Network (PLAN) and Houston Public Library.
Special Project Grants provide funds for programs that expand library services to include all members of the library's community. It enables libraries to develop programs for populations with special needs or those having difficulty using the library. Programs focusing on community engagement or involving collaboration with other community organizations are strongly encouraged. Recipients of Special Project Grants are Cooke County Library, Dickinson Public Library, McDonald Public Library, Pottsboro Area Public Library, Rowlett Public Library, the University of Dallas, Celina Public Library, Denton Public Library, Dublin Public Library, El Paso Public Library, Georgetown Public Library, Hewitt Public Library, Houston Public Library, Nicholson Memorial Library System, Partners Library Action Network (PLAN), Plano Public Library System, Traphene Hickman Library and Victoria Public Library.
TexTreasures are grants designed to help libraries make their special collections more accessible for the people of Texas and beyond. Activities considered for possible funding include digitization, microfilming and cataloging. Recipients are Beaumont Public Library System, Bryan Wildenthal Memorial Library, Dallas Public Library, El Paso Public Library, Fort Worth Public Library, Houston Public Library, Moore Memorial Public Library, Plano Public Library System, Prairie View A&M University, Southern Methodist University, the University of North Texas and the University of Texas at Arlington.
More information can be found at www.tsl.texas.gov/ldn/grants/recipients.
The projects supported by these funds represent innovative programs and services that will enhance the ability of libraries to meet the informational, educational and economic goals of their communities. The grant period begins July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
The majority of funding for local awards comes from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in Washington, DC.
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The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides Texans access to the information needed to be informed, productive citizens by preserving the archival record of Texas; enhancing the service capacity of public, academic and school libraries; assisting public agencies in the maintenance of their records; and meeting the reading needs of Texans with disabilities. For more information, visit www.tsl.texas.gov.
