Volume 39 No. 4 | June 2020
We Stand in Solidarity
Statements Condemning Racism and Encouraging Action

Texas Library Association
As people around the world march to honor the life of a fellow Texan, George Floyd, and protest his death, as well as the violent and senseless deaths of countless Black people, our community mourns and our hearts are broken. We stand in solidarity with Black people and all people of color from across the globe in protest of the racism, discrimination, pain and sorrow marginalized communities have experienced for too long. Read the full TLA statement here.

Black Caucus Round Table
On behalf of the Black Caucus of the Texas Library Association, we condemn the most recent acts that we have witnessed of George Floyd. We oppose all acts of racism towards Black people.There are complexities regarding how systemically we have been reared as a nation.This creates current-day tensions between humankind that will take time to unfold, understand, and heal. Read the full BCRT statement here.

Latino Caucus Round Table
TLA’s Latino Caucus Round Table stands in solidarity with the Black Caucus Round Table and with Black people, including Afro-Latinx Americans, who are a significant part of our community, against injustices.We ask our Latino Caucus members to commit to addressing anti-blackness, both inside and outside of our Latinx community. To support, fight for, and love our Black brothers and sisters as we stand with our communities demanding justice. Read the full LCRT statement here. 

COVID-19 Response Team
TLA leadership quickly formed a COVID-19 Reopening Response team to develop resources and tools for our members to use as libraries reopen across Texas. The team members are Christina Gola , University of Houston; Dan Burgard , University of North Texas Health Science Center; Manya Shorr , Fort Worth Public Library; and Mary Woodard , Mesquite ISD. 

TLA Talks
In this free, weekly interactive discussion, panelists discuss various aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic and how they affect libraries. See the Continuing Education section below for links to register and join us for energetic and informative conversations. Tuesdays at 3:30 PM.

COVID-19 Resources:
Links to past TLA Talks recordings, TSLAC Reopening Resource Guide and more.
Bright by Text Delivers Developmental Games and Tips to Parents’ Cell Phones for Free

Texas PBS and the Texas Department of Family Protective Services has teamed up with Bright by Text to bring the program to Texas communities! The program offers parents and caregivers expert tips and resources for children prenatal to 5 right at their fingertips.
 
Bright by Text helps parents and caregivers by illustrating fun and easy activities, providing positive parenting tips and resources, tips for aiding a child’s physical development, and much more. The program is proven to build nurturing caregiver-child relationships, and positively impact a child’s healthy development and school readiness.
 
In addition to expert content, Bright by Text includes messages about events and resources specific to the local community, like library storytime, free museum days, health clinics, and preschool open enrollment periods.
 
To sign up, parents and caregivers with children under 8 can text the word #TexasKIDS to 2-74448 or register online . They will receive 2 to 5 text messages per week, and each message includes a link to a landing page with more detail, short modeling videos, and links to related resources.
 
If you are interested in helping to build this partnership in your local communit y , would like to share your library resources and events, and can help get the word out, contact Kierstan Schwab at Texas PBS.
Calling All Past Larson Grant Recipients
The Larson Grant committee is working on collecting information on past grant recipients. If you are a past recipient, please email Daniel Schwartz , the current committee chair. 
Virtual Annual Assembly: Free, Register Now
This year’s virtual Annual Assembly will offer great resources, information and opportunities to connect with TLA members and leaders. There is no cost to register for Assembly. We'll have sessions on how to plan a great conference program, officer training and more. Information and link to register here .
TLA 2021 in San Antonio: Book Your Hotel
In partnership with onPeak, we’ve secured discounted rates at a selection of San Antonio hotels for TLA 2021. onPeak is the only hotel provider endorsed by Texas Library Association Annual Conference 2021, and we encourage you to book through them early for the best selection and price.
Names in the News
  • Cindy Buchanan, Aldine ISD, has retired.
  • Mary Hull was named dean of Texas Christian University’s Mary Couts Burnett Library.
  • Laura Sheneman, Region One Education Service Center, has retired.
TLA 2020 Virtual Summer of Learning: July 7
The next Summer of Learning LIVE event takes place July 7.
Here is a list of the 5 most popular educational sessions so far. All are available in the portal:
1.     EdTech + Information Literacy = Information Technology Heaven
2.     Creating an Inclusive Environment and Bridging Cultural Gaps
3.     Unmasking Your Leadership Potential
4.     EdTech Tools & AASL Standards
5.     Get a Year's Worth of Work Done in the Next 90 Days

Don't forget to check out the many awesome exhibitor showcases and resources on the virtual portal.Sessions are available through August 31.

Find out more about Summer of Learning  here .

Not registered for TLA 2020 Virtual? Sign up now!
Download the Conference App
Be sure to load the TLA conference app for quick access to the most up-to-date list of all sessions, speaker list, exhibitor list, sponsors and other information. Search for Texas Library Association at the App Store.
Continuing Education
All webinars are FREE to TLA members. Visit the TLA Webinar  page for more information. (All times are Central Time.) For information about the AZ webinars, visit the A-Z training page .
Classic A to Z Webinars Now Available Free of Charge
Sitting at home? Behind closed doors in your libraries, but pretty much alone? Looking to take a break from inventory, filing and struggling to decide how to clean materials when we are “back?” Planning that perfect virtual summer club?

Consider viewing five of TLA’s older, but classic A to Z series webinars. Ranging from library functions and services to critical infrastructure content, completion of the five webinars will earn a completion certification and a feeling of accomplishment and control over something during this unusual and unknown time. The sessions, which are offered free of charge, are presented by Dr. Julie Todaro and include handouts.

Texas Library Association
3355 Bee Cave Road, Suite 401, Austin, Texas 78746-6763
Phone: 512-328-1518 | Fax: 512-328-8852