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Showing posts from August, 2025

Policy Corner: Circulation Policies

Originally published August 25 , 2025 Library Developments Blog   |   Library Development and Networking Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission What started out as a sizeable donation of custom-built video games from the county’s STEM club was quickly joined by the late Mr. Nguyen’s golden age Superman comics and his daughter's childhood collection of rare Shojo manga—only to then be expanded by Ms. Gordon’s crafting overstock that was curated by the library’s teen advisory board with an eye toward establishing a cosplay makerspace. And now, having grown into something you’ve dubbed “The Fandom Zone,” these items have definitely imprisoned the community’s interest. After reading your thank you posts on social media, the local historical customers have begun reserving the meeting room nearest the collection where they can surreptitiously observe each new arrival as they plan their next event. And now that school has begun, Miss Harvey’s third grade class—who ...

Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stat

Originally published August 18 , 2025 Library Developments Blog   |   Library Development and Networking Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission   With Summer Library Program in the review mirror, you can practically hear the thrum of those yellow limousines, taste the cafeteria‘s food service delights, and smell the essential oils of fresh pencil shavings mingling with melted crayons. And now that it’s back to school season, learning and reflection are top of mind. As the young summer patrons leave your stacks and seats for their campus libraries, here's some arithmetic for YOU. From 561 invitations, 517 libraries completed the Texas Public Libraries Annual Report for local fiscal year 2024. Of those, 95% met the minimum standards for accreditation. They will be accredited for State fiscal year 2026, starting September 1. Originally designed specifically for directors of small public libraries-those serving a population of 25,000 or less, SLM offered...