CET Writes

 After having attended the Texas Library Association's TALL Texan Leadership Institute, another library worker reached out to me with questions about my experience. Below are the answers that I provided in response to her questions. *** Why did you apply to Tall Texans?  Originally, I heard about TALL Texans as a new school librarian - within my first five years - and at the time it was described to me as an opportunity to gain meaningful leadership training in the field of librarianship that was specific to the Texas Library ecosystem. Thus, it was something that I'd aspired to for quite awhile. However, as time went on I made my way toward leadership without having attended the institute and began to second guess the value of the investment. However, when I mentioned to my supervisor that I was mildly interested in attending, she strongly encouraged me to apply - stating that not only would the library pay for my tuition but that she believed I would particularly benefi...

  Originally published February 6, 2023 Library Developments  Blog |  Library Development and Networking Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission ***** As the new year has sprung right into action, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is here to give you a boost by connecting you to our youth services. Here are the tools that can help you stay one step ahead! Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Newsletter In this monthly newsletter, CSLP offers the latest news and information about the current program. Family Place Library Listserv Family Place Libraries ™ uses this private list to provide updates about the national program.  Texas Family Place Library Project  grantees should be able to update their contact information via their library’s member login. Please contact us if you need help connecting with the national organizers. Texas Summer Library Program Newsletter TSLAC uses the  Texas Summer Library Newsletter...

  Originally published April 5, 2023 Library Developments  Blog |  Library Development and Networking Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission ***** As a freshly-minted librarian, I was hired to serve at THE high school bearing my district’s name alongside an amazingly zany, veteran librarian who knew the current collection inside and out as she’d been the one to revitalize it with bond money just prior to my arrival. To say that I was intimidated about what I could possibly have to contribute is more than an understatement. So when the moment of truth arrived and I was handed a “small” purchase order to get my feet wet, I. Was. Stymied! Her  fingerprints were all throughout that collection, and what  she  didn’t read our assistant  did . How would I ever fit into this team?! What could I possibly contribute?! To be honest… after teaching a core, tested subject for fifteen years, I was just beginning to read young adult literature regularly...

  Originally published April 12, 2023 Library Developments  Blog |  Library Development and Networking Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission ***** Fifteen years ago, I started a new adventure—one which granted me the sacred title of “Aunt,” one which made me privy to my brother’s anxiety about being a new father. In one particular late night conversation, I remember trying to assuage his various and sundry concerns the only way I knew how. I reminded him that our family used to always say that “children don’t come with instruction manuals” and assured him that he’d do the best he knew how when the challenges arose—even if neither of us had the slightest idea of what that would entail. While children  don’t , in fact, come with instructions, as key institutions in their communities, libraries  do  offer a wealth of resources—useful appendices to that non-existent handbook—that may come in unexpected forms. There’s more to the story of your lib...

  Originally published June 9, 2023 Library Developments  Blog |  Library Development and Networking Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission ***** Buda, on the edge of the Hill Country, just south of Austin, is one of the United States’ fastest-growing small cities, with a 2020 population of 15,643, but for four days last month—May 15-18, 2023—the population numbered at least 15,6 78 . While strolling through downtown, you can expect to see unique local restaurants and boutiques as well as a number of cultural attractions in the historic buildings lining Main Street. Not among the usual attractions, however, is a dozens-strong cadre of children’s librarians heading toward the city complex. Nonetheless, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) partnered with Middle Country Public Library (MCPL) and  Buda Public Library  (BPL) to make that sight possible by hosting the inaugural  Family Place Libraries™ Project  Trai...