Our Story

 

The Texas Library and Archives Foundation (TxLAF) is a statewide nonprofit organization chartered to exclusively support the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), located in Austin, Texas, on the grounds of our State Capitol. 

We believe libraries and archives are essential to the circulation and safekeeping of the state’s rich history. That’s why our mission is to support the interests of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in order to promote learning, literacy, and the preservation of Texas history. 

Explore the Texas Treasures we preserve and protect.

So, what is the Texas State Library and Archives Commission?

 

Officially formed in 1909, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission is a state agency that ensures citizens have access to the information they need to lead informed, productive, and fulfilled lives. 

More specifically, they enhance Texas public, academic, and school libraries with a variety of programs and resources, in addition to preserving the archival record of Texas. TSLAC also assists other public agencies with records management, and advocates for the reading needs of Texans who have visual impairments or disabilities. 

Why does TSLAC need private funding?

 

Though the Texas State Library and Archives Commission is a state-funded agency whose basic operating expenses are largely covered by state and federal distributions, their fiscal needs far outweigh the available resources and permitted use of federal funds. 

For example, the Talking Book Program provides a lifeline for people who cannot read standard print due to a visual impairment or physical disability. It gives them access to an entire world of information and imagination. However, the program currently only reaches about 7% of eligible users, and has limited resources to promote the program statewide. 

Here’s where we come in. 

 

Since state and federal funds have limitations on how they’re allocated, TSLAC’s programs frequently require additional capital. TxLAF is able to support those critical, often restricted, components like the awareness campaigns that will enable the Talking Book Program to reach additional communities. See how your giving makes an impact.

 

Here’s where you come in.

 

In fact, your contribution to the Texas Library and Archives Foundation’s funding is the only way the Texas State Library and Archives Commission can receive the supplemental financial support it needs to make a lasting impact. Give now.

Our Mission

The Texas Library and Archives Foundation’s mission is to support the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and its staff to promote learning, literacy, and the preservation of Texas history.

Our Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors share a lifelong love of literacy, libraries and preservation. As volunteers, they diligently oversee the Foundation’s statewide fundraising efforts supported by private donations and endowments, special events, and our partnerships with literary and historical organizations.  

 

Andrea Lapsley | PRESIDENT
Houston, TX – Term Expires April 2025

Irene Liberatos | VICE PRESIDENT
Houston, TX – Term Expires April 2025

Gene McKenzie | SECRETARY
Austin, TX – Term Expires April 2025

Lori S. Brix | TREASURER
Horseshoe Bay, TX – Term Expires April 2025

Rebecca B. Borchers
Yoakum, TX – Term Expires April 2024

Kelly Durnin
Dallas|Fort Worth, TX – Term Expires April 2025

Rhoda L. Goldberg
Houston, TX – Term Expires April 2025

Deborah Liles, Phd.
Stephenville, TX

Katherine Parsley
Houston, TX

Scott Sosebee
Nacogdoches, TX

Kitty Spalding
El Paso, TX

John Trischitti III
Midland, TX

Shirley Robinson, Executive Director
Texas Library Association
Austin, TX – Ex Officio, Voting

Billy Crye, Chair
LiFTA
Nacogdoches, TX – Ex Officio, Voting

Darryl Tocker, Commissioner
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Tocker Foundation
Austin, TX  – Ex-Officio, Non-Voting

SUPPORT STAFF

Gloria Meraz, State Librarian and Director
Texas State Library and Archives Commission 
Austin, TX

Tim Gleisner, Assistant State Librarian
Texas State Library and Archives Commission 
Austin, TX

Susan Floyd, Communications Officer
Texas State Library and Archives Commission 
Austin, TX

Cyan Green, Executive Assistant to Gloria Meraz
Texas State Library and Archives Commission 
Austin, TX

Ann Minner, Director Talking Book Program
Texas State Library and Archives Commission 
Austin, TX

Official Nonprofit Status

Texas Library and Archives Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.