FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Austin, TX – The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) has announced $902,202 in grants for Texas libraries in 2025-2026. Agency commissioners awarded three Special Projects 25 Grant proposals totaling $73,391, eight Special Projects 75 Grant proposals totaling $544,373 and nine TexTreasures Grant proposals totaling $284,428 at their Friday, June 6 meeting.

“TSLAC’s grant program supports the innovative work of state public libraries in responding to local community needs,” 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.”

Special Projects 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. Special Projects 25 Grants supports eligible projects for a single year with grant funding up to $25,000, while Special Projects 75 Grants support larger projects implemented over multiple years within TSLAC guidelines with funding up to $75,000. Recipients of Special Projects 25 Grants are Balch Springs Library-Learning Center, Elgin Public Library, and Irving Public Library. Recipients of Special Projects 75 Grants are Austin Public Library, Dublin Public Library, Hillsboro City Library, Hondo Public Library, Pottsboro Area Public Library, Schertz Public Library, Texarkana Public Library, and the University of North Texas.

The TexTreasures Grant program provides assistance and encouragement to libraries to provide access to their special unique holdings and to make them available to all Texans. Activities considered for possible funding include organizing, cataloging, indexing, and/or digitizing local material. Recipients are Cleburne Public Library, Dallas Public Library, El Paso Public Library, Kaufman County Library, Moore Memorial Public Library, Rosenberg Library, Texas State University, the University of North Texas, and White Settlement Public Library.

More information can be found at www.tsl.texas.gov/ldn/grants.

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 Sept. 1, 2025, and will end Aug. 31, 2026. 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 they need 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.