Texas Library Association

The Fall 2026 Texas Library Journal is now available! 🍂📖 Here’s a look at a few of the stories you’ll find inside:

🎧 Back to School, Back to Reading: Discover how Texas State Library and Archives Commission's Talking Book Program is helping students with dyslexia build confidence and a love of reading through free access to audiobooks.

🎨 The Quiet Magic of the Mock Caldecott: A K-5 Literacy Initiative: See how Del Valle Elementary School's annual Mock Caldecott sparks excitement around reading and gives students a voice in their library.

⚖️ LAWPods: Expanding Community Access to Legal Information: Learn how a partnership between Harris County Public Library and Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library is bringing reliable legal information and support closer to the communities that need it.

Plus, you’ll find even more insights, stories, and TLA news throughout the issue.
Check out the digital or pdf issue here: https://txla.org/publications/texas-library-journal-fall-2026/

Congratulations to McAllen Public Library on being named a McAllen SHINES Champion by the City of McAllen TX Government!

The award recognizes organizations making a positive impact on the McAllen community, and we’re especially proud to see TLA President-Elect and McAllen Public Library Director Kate Horan and her team recognized for their work.

Congratulations to Kate and the entire MPL team on this well-deserved honor! 👏

Learn more: https://www.mcallennewstribune.com/p/city-of-mcallen-honors-library-as

$1 invested. $4.74 returned.

New research commissioned by the Texas Library Association finds that every $1 invested in Texas public libraries generates $4.74 in economic and community value, with libraries generating $3.8 billion in economic benefits and supporting 11,200 jobs statewide.

Beyond just books, libraries connect Texans to technology, workforce resources, information and services that strengthen communities across the state.

Read and share the full report at https://trulytexas.txla.org/

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month from all of us at TLA! This month, we’ll be highlighting a few of the books from the current Tejas Star Reading List, along with sharing coordinating activities. Up first is "Fridays Are for Churros"/"Los viernes comemos churros" by Jenny A books!

The Tejas Star Reading List encourages children ages 5–12 to explore multicultural books and discover the cognitive and economic benefits of bilingualism and multilingualism. To find even more books and activities, visit https://txla.org/reading-lists/tejas-star/resources/.

A huge thank you to our members of the Tejas Star Reading List Committee for putting together this special series!

Applications are now open for TLA awards and scholarships! Celebrate outstanding work in the library community or take the next step in your own professional journey.

🏆 TLA Awards honor individuals and organizations for excellence and their contributions to the library profession. Learn more and complete your nomination forms at: https://ow.ly/ZKNt50ZNz0j

🎓 TLA Scholarships support both aspiring and current librarians by assisting with education costs and professional development. Learn more and apply at: https://ow.ly/gHYy50ZNz0k

Registration for fall district meetings is open! These annual fall meetings are a great way to connect with your local library community and bring valuable knowledge back to your library. Remember, you don't have to live or work in a particular district to attend its meeting. Find one near you and register today! https://txla.org/professional-development/district-meetings/

Congratulations to The Librarians Film on their Emmy win! So proud of the librarians featured in the film and all librarians for the important work they do. 👏📚

TLA offices will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. We’ll resume normal business hours Tuesday, September 8.

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing holiday weekend!

Libraries are for everyone, at every age.

Texas native Abner Gaston Jr. is proving there’s no age limit on summer reading! At 98, he completed San Diego Public Library’s summer reading challenge and plans to participate again next year. His story is a wonderful reminder that libraries offer opportunities to read, learn, and connect at every stage of life.

Read the full story at https://ow.ly/NHoK50ZJ17C.

At 98, he took on a summer reading challenge. He plans to do it again at 99. As Abner Gaston Jr. nears the century mark, his son said, going to the library helps him get out of the house and meet other people.

There’s always something new to learn with TLA! 📚

Check out these upcoming September webinars covering community collaboration, advocacy, and demonstrating the value of public libraries. View our full calendar of events and register at https://txla.org/events/.