Banned Books Week – the perfect time to launch video on The Whole Community Library.

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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 …

Public libraries in rural Texas invited to join Neil Gaiman Watch Party.

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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 …

TSLAC Offers Free Help for Public Libraries to File for 2024 Federal E-Rate Funding

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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 …

Marathon Public Library gets honorable mention as best small library in U.S. by Library Journal

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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 …

Coalition Fights Texas HB 900 for Free Speech

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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 …

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Rural should not mean ‘out of reach’. Speak up for better broadband across Texas.

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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.

American Rescue Plan Act money makes its way to Texas libraries.

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Wednesday, September 1st at 2 pm, join TSLAC staff for a live webinar discussing the details of three new competitive grant opportunities for libraries made possible by emergency pandemic funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The three grant focus areas are support for libraries related to the pandemic, digital navigators, and telehealth. What will you do with the …

Writers’ League of Texas ready to take their Texas Writes program back on the road.

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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 …

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TSLAC helps small libraries provide E-books to patrons.

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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 …

Jasper storytime in park

Jasper’s Storytime in the Park during COVID

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Libraries have been forced to get creative in responding to the challenges of the pandemic. Jasper Public Library found a way to maintain a beloved program – Storytime – and simultaneously support their community’s health. Staff enlarged the pages of a colorful children’s book and attached them to yard signs similar in size to real estate signs. Staked in the …