Across Texas, in both small rural towns and rapidly growing metro areas, libraries serve as essential community anchors. Behind every program, resource, and welcoming space are the people who make it all work: the librarians and library staff who show up every day as quiet, steady helpers.
At Tocker Foundation, we see this work firsthand. When rural libraries receive support, the benefits extend far beyond bookshelves and strengthen entire communities. The individuals who make that possible often take on far more roles than the public realizes.
Recently, Jaime Bare of the Texas Library Association (TLA) shared an inspiring list that captures the many ways librarians show up for the people around them. With Jaime’s permission and attribution, we’re honored to share an expanded version of that message here.
What Librarians Do: A Non-Exhaustive List
Librarians are:
- Champions of intellectual freedom
- Advocates for students and lifelong learners
- Ambassadors for digital equity, helping bridge the digital divide
- Promoters of marginalized and underrepresented voices
- Skilled researchers, ready to help with everything from advanced questions to everyday needs
- Innovators in emerging technologies, including the use of AI in education, business, and public services
- Creators of joyful learning experiences, offering community events for all ages
- Teachers of information literacy, helping people understand and evaluate information
- Connectors to essential services, including social services, workforce development, telehealth, and civic engagement
- Stewards of safe, welcoming community spaces
- Builders of early literacy skills that support long-term learning
- Caretakers of local history and cultural memory
- Trusted guides in times of crisis, helping people find reliable, timely information
- Champions of creativity, providing makerspaces, STEAM programs, and hands-on learning
- Curators of stories that reflect and uplift their communities
- Bridge-builders who link families, schools, and local organizations
- Guides through real-life challenges, assisting with everything from resumes to research to everyday tasks
Texas librarians strengthen every corner of our state and help keep communities informed, creative, connected, and resilient.
Why This Matters for Rural Texas
Many of these roles become even more essential in rural communities. The local library may be the only place with free Wi-Fi, the only access point for telehealth, or the only safe environment for after-school activities. For many Texans, the library is a central hub for learning, connection, and community support.
Supporting rural libraries also means supporting the people who make all of this possible.
At Tocker Foundation, we honor the incredible breadth of work Texas librarians do. We are proud to invest in the spaces, tools, and resources that help them continue serving their communities.