Making a lasting impact
A library is so much more than a public bookshelf—it’s the cultural compass of a community. It navigates us through our past and guides us toward the future. We know local libraries are not only central to a community’s connectivity, but also to their state’s literary legacy. That’s why 100% of your contributions help support some of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s most important initiatives, such as:
Programs & Events
Cultivating a lifelong love of literacy throughout Texas
Texas Author Celebration: This annual event promotes Texas authors and the use of the archives for author research.
Lone Star Día: These every-other-year mini-grants, provide books to 80+ Texas libraries for Children’s Book Day.
Preservation & Conservation
Protecting the artifacts and heritage that Texas treasures
Preservation: Supports the hiring of interns to process specific collections and training to preserve of archival materials.
Conservation: Supports the repair of items treated by TSLAC’s professional conservators.
Education
Celebrating knowledge and empowering the next generation of scholars
Letters about Literature Texas: Supports an award and travel for winning students in the annual signature writing/reading contest for grades 4-8.
Read Across Texas: Provides mini-grants, every other year, for books to 60-80 Texas libraries participating in community discussions of books selected around a central theme.
Mark Smith Capstone Student Stipend. The stipend will be for one student annually to work on a project that is most needed as determined by the new State Librarian and Foundation board. It will fund 125 hours of work. The Foundation has funded the stipend for 5 years.
Research
Providing and promoting access to our state’s rich history
Fellowship in Texas History: Stipends encourage scholars in history and related disciplines to use primary resources in the State Archives.
Exhibit Opening Programs: Underwrites the celebrations for new exhibits.
Awards
Honoring our fellow allies that champion literacy
Annual awards recognize outstanding literacy efforts by Texas nonprofits.
Literary Landmark: Supports the installation of literary landmarks which publicly recognizes sites of Texas’ rich heritage.
First lady Laura Bush in the Talking Book Program recording studio reading a document from the State Archives.
Staff & Volunteer Support
Applauding and amplifying the TSLAC team’s efforts
Hospitality Fund: Allows staff to attend meetings and special events, and supports receptions.
Talking Book Volunteer Recognition Event: Annually recognizes the 40+ volunteers in the Talking Book Program Recording Studio.
Endowment
Securing funds that protect against financial fluctuation
The Endowment: With a starting goal of $1,000,000, the endowment provides long term, sustainable support for TSLAC’s ongoing needs.
Learn more about how to give.