Book sanctuaries are institutions committed to upholding the First Amendment Rights of all citizens, wherein book bans and challenges must follow through a specific procedure to be considered. They are places where books and the right to read them remains at the forefront of what an institution does. Chicago Public Libraries (CPL) declared themselves book sanctuaries in late September. Along …
In a time of intense political polarization, library staff in every state are facing an unprecedented number of attempts to ban books. Many great resources exist to help library staff including the Unite Against Book Bans toolkit. The Tocker Foundation is pleased to offer one more with this video presentation from the authoritative voice of Mark Smith, retired director of …
Through a collaboration with the Westport (CT) Library and Tocker Foundation, rural libraries can join a thrilling, nationwide event to celebrate the visionary works of acclaimed author, Neil Gaiman. Stream a captivating live presentation featuring exclusive insights and in-depth discussions about his mesmerizing tales. From the haunting realms of “American Gods” to the whimsical adventures of “Coraline,” this watch party …
Texas State Library has contracted with E-Rate Central to provide E-Rate consulting services to eligible libraries in the state of Texas at no cost to the libraries! Unlike years past, E-Rate Central will now be providing E-Rate support and forms preparation for both categories one and two. To meet the team, learn more about the program and understand the NEW …
Library Journal’s annual award showcases the exemplary work of libraries serving populations under 25,000. This year’s prize went to Page (AZ) Public Library, an outstanding example of an exemplary library. One of two honorable mentions went to Texas’ smallest accredited library in Marathon. Kudos to the hard-working folks who make the Marathon Public Library a community anchor. Stay tuned for …
The Freedom to Read Foundation and the American Association of School Librarians have joined the Association of University Presses, Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Freedom to Learn Advocates in filing an amicus curiae brief that supports the request by the American Booksellers Association, the Association of American Publishers, the Authors Guild, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and two Texas …
Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library in Caldwell, Texas is serious about supporting individuals in advancing their education. This WebJunction article features their programs as a shining example of just one way that libraries strengthen their communities. This is the first in a five part series.
Texas Tribune announces two Texas bookstores and three national bookseller associations file suit over House Bill 900, which requires private booksellers to rate books on appropriateness, and bans “sexually explicit” material from libraries.
In the current climate of well-funded campaigns to control what children read, Melanie Huggins, president of the Public Library Association (a division of the American Library Association), is speaking out in Public Libraries Journal Jan/Feb 2022. She shares that in the past, the diversity of a collection served as a library’s primary (and mostly quiet) act of resistance against hate, …
Texas’ new office of broadband development is tasked with ensuring that all Texans have access to reliable, high-quality broadband. To allow all corners of the state to be heard, they are inviting Texans to offer their thoughts by completing an online survey. Share it with friends, neighbors, family and colleagues. Survey is open until May 5, 2022.
The Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) is a one-time, $7.17 billion funding program authorized by the American Rescue Act Plan (ARPA) and directed at remote learning through libraries and K-12 schools. Application period ends on August 13, 2021. Fund period runs July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022. Visit the ECF or the American Library Association’s dedicated page to get up to speed …
Is your library ready to host in-person programming again? The Writers’ League of Texas is seeking rural libraries interested in hosting their free, 3 hour writing workshop, Texas Writes. Each workshop includes two presentations on the craft of writing by published authors, plus a moderated conversation and Q&A. Workshops are free and open to all. Twelve to fifteen rural libraries …
In far West Texas, good things are happening for residents in Jeff Davis County. Local leaders of the Jeff Davis County Library, the Friends of the Library and the local food pantry have formed a unique partnership to serve their community by meeting them where they are with a mobile unit dubbed Mobile Comunidad. The new van will deliver food, …
A Tocker Foundation grant in 2020 provided new books, a security system and a new outdoor drop box for book returns. Library staff members were thrilled by patron response to all three, but they were unprepared for the excitement generated by this upgraded book drop. Nearly 1,000 people checked it out on their Facebook page. If you ‘judge a book …
Small, public libraries* with little or no e-book content recently got a boost when TSLAC began purchasing digital books for libraries to lend through SimplyE, an e-book app. Over 6,000 titles and growing in this collection that includes popular adult fiction and non-fiction, selections from various university presses and TIME for Kids. A focus on ease of use means readers …
Resourceful librarians have adapted quickly to continue offering services to their communities during the pandemic. This important skill really kicked in for Adina Dunn of the Dublin Public Library. Even before forced closures, the library started offering curbside services in early March. To follow recommended guidelines, they first installed a Ring® doorbell to notify staff of a patron’s arrival, however …
The buildings may be closed to visitors but library staff all over the state are working hard to serve their patrons even in the most difficult of times. Keach Family Library in Robstown, part of Nueces County, amassed a list of 30 services and activities for patrons of all ages available during the pandemic . Here are the top ten: …
