Texas Library Association

In the latest episode of the Libraries Transform Texas Podcast, host Carrie Bresnehen, district library specialist for Austin ISD, is joined by Katie Adams, Heather Stephens, and Sarah Ruttan for a conversation inspired by their TLA 2026 session, “Beyond the Book Fair: Strategies to Stretch Your Library Budget.”

Together, they share practical approaches for making limited library funds go further across campuses through creative fundraising campaigns and local partnerships. Tune in for tools on sustaining vibrant school library programs: ow.ly/X4hY50Z5MIV

The Jones Public Library is proud to announce that for the second year in a row, we are a recipient of the Summer at the Library Grant! We received $4,000 that will help us bring our summer programs to life.

We want to extend a dino-sized thank you to the Texas Library Association and H-E-B! Every year, H-E-B works with the Texas Library Association to raise money for the Summer at the Library Grant. This grant provides additional funds to Texas public libraries so that communities across the state have the opportunity to host their summer programs.

Become a part of the next class of library leaders! The TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute helps library professionals build confidence and grow their impact within their libraries and communities. TALL Texans alumni have gone on to serve in leadership roles across the profession. Apply by the June 8 deadline. https://txla.org/professional-development/tall-texans/

In 1994, the first TALL Texans class launched a leadership journey that continues to shape Texas libraries today. You could be part of what’s next! Applications are open for the 2026 TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute! This program is open to professionals with at least 5 years of library experience and a commitment to advancing themselves, their libraries, and their communities. The deadline to apply is June 8!​ bit.ly/talltexans26

This month’s TLA Member Spotlight is Claudia Villarreal Quiroz, whose professional journey began when she was asked the question, “Where is the one place you could be happy working every day?” For Claudia, the answer was the library.

At McAllen Public Library, she focuses on community engagement, creating programs and spaces that support learning and community. A special thank you to Claudia for being the winner of TLA’s referral program and helping strengthen our statewide network. Learn more about her journey here: https://txla.org/news/may26memberspotlight/

The Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial Library is excited to announce that we have been awarded the 2026 Summer at the Library Grant sponsored by Texas Library Association and H-E-B for the second year in a row! Not only will this grant help to maintain all the programs for the Unearth a Story Summer Reading Program but also bring new books, activities and prizes for all to enjoy.

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¡La Biblioteca Conmemorativa Lucy Hill Patterson se complace en anunciar que hemos sido galardonados con la subvención «Summer at the Library» de 2026 —patrocinada por la Asociación de Bibliotecas de Texas y H-E-B— por segundo año consecutivo! Esta subvención no solo ayudará a mantener todos los programas para la programa de lectura de verano: Desentierra una historia, sino que también traerá nuevos libros, actividades y premios para el disfrute de todos.

Join TLA on June 16 for "Past as Prologue: Cultivating Community Through Archival Engagement". This session will showcase how a library successfully partnered with a sociology class to use historical yearbooks as archival resources for hands-on research. Tune in to learn how students developed archival care, data analysis, and qualitative research skills while exploring case studies on representation and community change. Register today: ow.ly/69Cs50Z4WlK

School is out, and the library is SO IN! 🤓

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and to every student for making it through another school year. Whether you’re graduating, moving up a grade, or just ready for a well-earned break, we’re celebrating with you.

Now it’s time to kick off a Summer of Discovery at the library! Join us beginning Tuesday, May 26 for our Summer Kickoff Week with reading challenge sign-ups, activities, crafts, and plenty of new books to check out for summer break.

KPL has got your back this summer!

Public libraries embody the values Texans hold dear: independence, opportunity, and a strong commitment to community.​

A new statewide public opinion poll conducted by KRC Research on behalf of TLA reveals that Texans have a high level of trust in librarians to meet their community's needs and recognize libraries as vital hubs of information access. Explore the full study here: txla.org/advocacy/public-library-public-opinion-poll-results/