Renewals are open for the 2022 membership year! In these challenging times, your TLA membership is more important now than ever before. Renew your membership today to ensure you don’t miss out on the support you need to tackle the challenges that come your way. And with our new, powerful online platform, TLA Engage, your TLA network is just a keystroke away.

District meetings provide regional settings for presenting continuing education, carrying on legislative activities, and recruiting members. The annual fall meetings are an opportunity for local librarians, paraprofessionals, and trustees from all types of libraries to meet, network, and set a foundation for collaborative efforts. District meetings are coming up quickly! You can find your meeting, date, and link to register here.

We are thrilled to finally unveil this robust, centralized space for TLA members to communicate and connect online. If you haven’t logged in yet, go to TLA Engage and then follow the instructions in this quick video on how to log in, set up your password, update your profile and set your email preferences. More information and training resources here.

FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has a message for libraries: apply for the Emergency Connectivity Fund! Although the original deadline was Aug. 13, the FCC has announced a second application window will open September 28. ALA will provide more information in the coming days as the FCC announces more details. The FCC's Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) is a $7.17 billion program that will help schools and libraries provide the tools and services their communities need for remote learning during the COVID-19 emergency period. Find the "Preparing to Apply" guide on this page.

The association’s awards celebrate the creating and inspiring work of individuals, libraries, and supporters. The awards are for real people and real projects like yours. TLA’s awards and scholarships applications opened on September 15. Many TLA units also offer awards, scholarships and conference stipends (application schedules and deadlines vary). Learn more and nominate yourself, or another deserving librarian today! Learn more.

Dr. Barbara Immroth was a longtime professor at The University of Texas at Austin School of Information and a beloved member of the Texas Library Association. In 2009, TLA awarded her our Lifetime Achievement Award. Immroth was known for mentoring many librarians, both while they were her students and then for years after, as their careers developed. Immroth, who retired in 2016, was also renowned for her research of children’s libraries and literature. The UT iSchool is planning a virtual memorial celebration, details to come.

Dr. Teri Lesesne was a distinguished professor at Sam Houston State University. Lesesne inspired countless students for more than thirty years as faculty in the Library Science program; she was a trailblazer and tireless advocate for literacy and a champion for readers of all ages. She was a long-time, active TLA member and recipient of TLA’s 2020 Outstanding Services to Libraries Award. Plans for a celebration of Teri’s professional life and legacy by the SHSU Library Science program are to come.

Linda Sue Thiebaud was a dedicated kindergarten teacher and school librarian for Lewisville Independent School District. She was well-respected and loved by her students and peers. She was known to frequently dress up as book characters to engage her young students and instill a love of reading in them. In retirement, Thiebaud spent countless hours volunteering at the George W. Bush Presidential Center as a docent. She was a devoted member of the Texas Bluebonnet Award Committee from 2013-2016 and a longtime member of the Storytelling and Children's Round Tables. Her memorial will be held in Stephenville; details here.

Esther Garcia, librarian at the University of St. Augustine Health Sciences Center in Dallas, was recognized as the August faculty member of the month by the Dallas Students of Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA.) 

Gloria Meraz was appointed state librarian and director of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission effective September 1.

Martha Sanders, longtime children’s librarian at Buda Public Library, retired.

Make your reservations now for TLA 2022 in Fort Worth. Book through OnPeak, the TLA 2022 official housing provider, to get the best rates and easy access to the convention center. Go here to book your room. TLA 2022 is April 25-28.

Have you been doing something unique and innovative in your library? Share your great ideas in the fast format of a lightning talk. Great Ideas Lighting Talks are five-minute sessions that engage the audience and feature new or innovative ideas. The deadline to apply is November 1, 2021. More information and link to application here.

Call for Makers and Innovators! Share your enthusiasm and projects with librarians from across Texas at the Innovation Lab at TLA 2022. Innovative librarians, makers and students show off a project, idea or a demo of a successful program or project completed in their own libraries. More information and link to application here.

Register online for all events here. All times are Central time.

TLA Talks: Libraries and the Vote | 3:30-4:30 pm. Libraries play a crucial role in public engagement and by Texas statute are recognized voter registration agencies. Krystine Ramon, Staff Attorney in the Elections Division at the Office of the Texas Secretary of State will provide information on the legal requirements for serving as a voter registration agency. TLA public librarian members Michael Hardrick (Director, Forest Hill Public Library) and Heather Lowe (Adult Services Administrator, Dallas Public Library) will share their experiences implementing and managing voter participation, engagement, and education programs. Cost: Free for TLA members; $25 for nonmembers.

District 2 Fall Meeting; in person; $25.

TLA Talks: Not Just THAT Book- New World of Intellectual Freedom | 3:30 - 4:30pm

Material challenges in libraries are nothing new. Today challenges are moving past displays and specific books and onto online content, social media presence/posts, book clubs, or inclusive reading initiatives. Library staff serve their public best when prepared with a clear policy and guidance about collection development as well as a resource challenge process. Is your old policy good enough to address the new world of intellectual freedom? More information here.

Library Instruction Round Table Summit: Keynote speaker Patricia Becker-Johnson from El Paso ISD will share ideas for integrating technology and library skills through the use of Google Slides and Digital Escape Rooms. More information here.

You can find other district meetings on this schedule page.