Volume 41 No. 2 | February 2022
TLA to Launch Statewide Initiative to Protect the Right to Read
TLA is committed to supporting librarians as they deal with unprecedented numbers of materials challenges. We launched the TLA Intellectual Freedom Helpline to connect those experiencing challenges with librarians who can offer support, resources and assistance. We’ve hosted webinars, and are adding resources to our intellectual freedom tools and resources frequently. In March, we will launch a statewide initiative to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders and key audiences on this issue. More details will be coming soon!
TLA Hosting Freedom to Read Roundtable February 24
Join us on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. CT for a crucial roundtable discussion of censorship and how to protect the freedom to read. The ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom is participating and all attendees will receive resources following the event. This 75-minute event is sponsored by Booklist and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; it is free to attend and open to all. Register.
Meet the Candidates! TLA Elections Open February 16
In 2022, members will elect a president-elect and a representative-at-large to serve on the Executive Board. President-elect candidates are Rhea Lawson and Gretchen Pruett; rep-at-large candidates are Nora Galvan and Melissa Rippy. Meet the candidates.
These units are participating in the online election: TASL, CRT, TTRT, D8. Other
unit elections will be conducted by the individual units by March 31. You must have renewed or joined TLA by January 31 to participate in the TLA elections. Eligible voters will receive an email from TLA on Feb. 16 with a link to the ballot and voting instructions.
TLA Summit Registration and Call for Proposals
TLA Summit is our one-day, virtual conference that will take place June 2, 2022. Registration is open! We're also currently seeking proposals for TLA Summit. Please submit your innovative presentation idea by February 23. More information here.
Texas Bluebonnet Award Voting Deadline Extended to Feb. 12, 2022
Voting for the Texas Bluebonnet Award continues until midnight February 12, 2022. If you have not registered your school yet, you can register here. Here is the current list and a guide to voting. Don't forget to hit "submit vote to TLA" when you are finished voting!
Branding Iron Award Deadline February 15 
TLA’s Branding Iron Awards honor the inspiring and creative marketing efforts of all types of libraries with awards presented in several categories, and one overall Best of Show winner. Share your best work with us! 
Texas Book Festival Now Accepting Grant Applications
The Texas Book Festival awards grants to support collection enhancement for Texas public libraries. Funding comes from book sales at the Texas Book Festival and other generous donors. The 2022-23 grant cycle is now open. Learn more and apply today.
Texas Center for the Book Celebrates Lone Star Día with Grants to Libraries
This year’s Lone Star Día is April 30, and the Texas Center for the Book is partnering with First Book to bring multicultural children’s books to Texas libraries through its grant program. The Lone Star Día Grant provides $200 in book credits to help libraries and literacy nonprofits purchase diverse titles to augment their Lone Star Día programs. Learn more.
Sam Whitten Intellectual Freedom Award; Jack Alton Strawn Standing TALL Award
Nominations are open for the Sam Whitten Intellectual Freedom Award, which recognizes an individual or organization in the library community who actively promotes intellectual freedom in Texas. Deadline is Feb. 28. The Jack Alton Strawn Standing Tall Award recognizes outstanding leadership demonstrated by a librarian who is an active or retired member of the Texas Library Association. Deadline is Feb. 18.
Names in the News
The San Antonio Public Library was one of the recipients of the 2021 Urban Library Council Innovation Award for its enhanced library card program.

LaMoya N. Burks, currently head librarian at Texarkana (Texas) College’s Palmer Memorial Library, has been named the interim executive director of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).

Dr. Tracey J. Hunter Hayes, director of the DeSoto Public Library, passed away on January 19, 2022.
TLA 2022
Buy your tickets for Preconference Sessions
Get a jump start on your conference experience by attending a preconference session! All TLA 2022 preconference sessions will take place Monday, April 25, including the always-popular Speed Dating the Texas Bluebonnet Award List. Tickets must be purchased by Friday, April 1. Register for TLA 2022 today. 
Upcoming Events
TALL Texans Application Open
The TALL Texans application is open! Click here to apply. TALL Texans 2022 will be held in person at Montserrat Retreat Center, Lake Dallas, November 13-17, 2022. The deadline to apply is May 15, 2022. 
TLA Launch Leadership Program
Designed for library professionals with less than five years of experience, Launch will be held July 24-25, 2022 at the Westin Austin at the Domain. Sessions will be taught by dynamic leaders in the field. For more information and to register, go here.