CET Writes

Originally published September 09, 2025 Library Developments Blog   |   Library Development and Networking Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission As we turn our attention to National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) compliance, consider the following scenario in which a well-intentioned effort to help patrons engage civically revealed how the absence of an implementation plan can lead to inconsistent practices, legal risk, and unintended harm to public trust. The Gotham Public Library—a fictional, small, rural library in Texas—hosted a well-attended community resource fair in partnership with the Madame Selina Kyle Foundation and Gotham City Hall. As part of the event, library staff helped visitors apply for library cards, sign up for public computers, and learn about available social services. With the much anticipated mayoral race between Oswald Cobblepot and Bella Reál coming up, the table that included information about voting was doing brisk business in s...

Originally published January 12 , 2025 Library Developments Blog   |   Library Development and Networking Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission Community Partnerships as Leadership in Action: Three Texas Library Stories Expanding Capacity Through Strategic Collaboration  |  Unger Memorial Library (Plainview, TX) Community partnerships aren’t just a programming strategy—they’re a core management and leadership practice that allows libraries to extend their capacity when space, staffing, or funding are limited. Unger Memorial Library ’s collaboration with PBS Kids Lubbock (KTTZ) shows how intentional leadership can turn constraints into opportunities. By leveraging their relationship with PBS Kids  educator Reagan Doyal and utilizing the city-owned Fair Theatre , library leaders have delivered large-scale, high-impact family programs for more than a year and a half. These Saturday events—featuring storytimes, educational cartoons, free books, ...