Texas State Library and Archives Commission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Austin, TX – Earlier this fall, Director and State Librarian Gloria Meraz announced her retirement from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), effective Jan. 1, 2027.

Meraz joined TSLAC in August of 2016, guided the agency through legislative sessions and facilitated substantial funding increases for the agency and libraries. During her tenure, she worked with the state’s leadership to secure a $210 million appropriation for the purpose of constructing a new state-of-the-art archival and records storage center. The facility will feature a long-term growth plan for the agency’s records-related operations, offer new services to state and local government agencies and provide expanded digitization, conservation and imaging labs. The new facility is expected to open in late 2027.

Both in 2023 and 2025, Meraz led efforts to increase the agency’s authorized staffing levels and staff salaries. In 2025, she worked with the state’s leadership to secure a long-term funding mechanism to support renovations and expanded exhibition capacity for the agency’s Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building in Austin, as well as the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty, Texas.

Meraz presided over the agency’s successful application of $9 million in broadband development funding to support libraries in Texas achieving improved connectivity for their communities. The project has allowed many libraries to offer new broadband services and technology spaces. Meraz also shepherded the introduction of community literacy grants, which support local nonprofits partnering with libraries to provide free books to children ages 0 to 5.

Meraz began her career working in special library collections and archives in institutions throughout the state, including the University of Texas at El Paso and Baylor University’s Armstrong Browning Library. During her 35-year career in cultural institutions, Meraz also worked as Director of Communications for the Texas Library Association.

“It has been the professional honor of a lifetime to serve as Director of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The TSLAC team is incredible at what they do and are committed to the agency’s great work of supporting the people of Texas,” Meraz said.

Martha Wong, Chair of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, said, “We thank Director Meraz for her leadership and years of excellent service as Director and Librarian. She has brought the Commission to a dynamic point, successfully positioning the agency for growth and initiating new programs for libraries across the state. She will be greatly missed.”

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission will begin the search process for the new director this fall.

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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.