Volume 38 No. 6 | October 2019
Update: Executive Director Search
The Executive Director Search Task Force is making great progress! We received 41 applications from candidates across the country. After carefully reviewing and scoring the applications with a standard rubric based on the position’s required qualifications, six candidates were selected for virtual interviews. Those interviews were completed last week, and the task force is meeting to discuss next steps.

Letters About Literature Texas
All fourth through 12 th graders are invited to participate in Letters About Literature Texas! Read a book or poem and write a letter. This year’s contest will open on Nov. 4, 2019. Submissions for 2019-2020 LAL Texas are due to the online submission platform by Dec. 17, 2019. Letters About Literature is a reading and writing contest under the direction of the Texas Center for the Book at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Texas winners in all three levels each receive a $100 cash prize, as well as assistance with travel costs to the Letters About Literature Texas award ceremony at the Texas Library Association Annual Conference. LEARN MORE
 
Don’t Miss Your TLA District Meeting!
The TLA districts’ fall meetings are an opportunity for local librarians, para-professionals and trustees from all types of libraries to meet, network and collaborate on future projects and programs. Districts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10 have events planned over the next four weeks. LEARN MORE  (Other district events occurred prior to publication).

Now Accepting Applications for the TALL Texans Class of 2020
The TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute provides advanced leadership and management education in service to all the libraries of Texas and the communities they serve. Participants study strategic planning, risk-taking, conflict negotiation, team-building, coaching, ethics, advocacy, personal career planning, and more. Applications are due by January 31, 2020. Apply today!
 
Texas Book Festival October 26 – 27
The Texas Book Festival released their 2019 schedule , which features more than 300 celebrated and emerging authors in events spread throughout the grounds of the Texas State Capitol and along Austin’s iconic Congress Avenue. The new Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List will be announced Saturday, October 26 at 10 a.m. in the Next Chapter Tent. Be sure to visit TLA in Booth 112 in Exhibitor Tent #1. Interested in volunteering at the TLA Booth?  Contact Theresa Tongio Holden .
Renew Today and Tell a Friend! Now that the weather in Texas is finally cooling off, it’s time to renew your membership. Your renewal will be good through December 31, 2020. Remind your fellow librarians to renew or join! Renew membership here.
TLA 2020 News
TLA 2020: A Vision for All Texans
The TLA 2020 conference theme was inspired by TLA’s vision that in the future , “Each and every Texan recognizes the value that libraries bring to their lives.” With this theme guiding programming decisions, the more than 300 education sessions will focus on equity, diversity and inclusion; advocacy and marketing; and the future of libraries. Register today!
 
What a Deal! Membership + Conference 
Back for 2020, TLA’s conference packages include your conference registration and annual individual TLA membership. The upgraded package includes conference registration, membership dues, Opening and Closing Author Sessions, and Evening with the Authors. Packages are available until November 30.

2020 Conference Package
  • Annual TLA Individual Membership
  •  TLA Conference Registration
  • $525 mail-in, ($500 online)

2020 Conference Package Plus (quantities limited)
  • Annual TLA Individual Membership
  • Conference Registration
  • Opening Author Session
  • Evening with the Authors
  • Closing Author Session
  • $710 mail-in, ($685 online)

Register and pay online and save $25! Purchase Orders available for TLA Institutional Members only. 
 
Teacher Day @ TLA
Attention school librarians! Do you know a classroom teacher who would enjoy the TLA Annual Conference? Our conference – made up of books, authors, technology integration, maker spaces, curriculum connections, and supportive librarians – may very well be the stuff of teachers’ dreams.

Connect with your teachers, encourage their innovation, inspire them to greater collaboration, and impact their instruction by inviting your teachers to join you at this year’s Teacher Day @ TLA! On Thursday, March 26, 2020, up to 100 classroom teachers will have the opportunity to participate in this special one-day event during the TLA conference, comprised of speakers, activities, and pricing designed just for them. Online applications open November 1.   LEARN MORE
Continuing Education
All webinars are FREE to TLA members. Visit the TLA Webinar  page for more information. (All times are Central Time.)
Names in the News
  • Billie Grace Herring, School of Information, University of Texas at Austin, passed away in August
  • Gerald Holmes, Hank the Cowdog illustrator, passed away in September.
  • Bill Lukenbill, School of Information, University of Texas at Austin, passed away in August.
  • Rex Peebles, Assistant Commissioner for Academic Quality and Workforce, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, passed away in September. 
Texas Library Association
3355 Bee Cave Road, Suite 401, Austin, Texas 78746-6763
Phone: 512-328-1518 | Fax: 512-328-8852