Austin, TX – The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is pleased to announce the 2024 Family Place Libraries™ Project Grant Recipients.
2024 Family Place Libraries™ Project Grant Recipients
Denton Public Library North Branch—Denton, Texas
Moore Memorial Public Library—Texas City, Texas
R.F. Meador Branch Library—Willis, Texas
Tom Green County Library System—San Angelo, Texas
Esperanza Acosta Moreno Regional Branch Library—El Paso, Texas
Benbrook Public Library—Benbrook, Texas
Howard County Library—Big Spring, Texas
Pflugerville Public Library—Pflugerville, Texas
Dr Hector P Garcia Memorial Library—Mercedes, Texas
Balch Springs Library – Learning Center—Balch Springs, Texas
Cooke County Library—Gainesville, Texas
Roanoke Public Library—Roanoke, Texas
W Walworth Harrison Public Library—Greenville, Texas
Forest Hill Public Library—Forest Hill, Texas
Hondo Public Library—Hondo, Texas
TSLAC initiated this project in 2015 to help public libraries address early learning with a goal of ensuring that all children enter school ready and able to learn. The purpose is to create a welcoming, family-centered environment that empowers caregivers of young children as they become their child’s first teachers.
This project will provide funding for the training and equipment necessary for each library to:
- Host workshops for children ages 0-3 and their caregivers.
- Develop an interactive space for this age group to play and learn in the library.
- Forge strong partnerships with organizations serving young children and their families.
Financed by a combination of grant funds, the Family Place Libraries™ Project provides tuition to attend training, travel stipends for each attendee, and reimbursement of purchases for establishing the program. Participating libraries are granted tuition for up to two staff members to attend the Family Place Libraries™ Training Institute where they’ll learn the core elements of the Family Place Libraries™ model and receive assistance with the beginning stages of developing and maintaining a program at their facility.
In addition, participating libraries can also expect three years of follow-up and support from the Middle Country Public Library (MCPL) following the training. Tuition for the Institute and follow-up support are provided through a grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Moreover, TSLAC will host an in-state Training Institute and provide each attendee up to $700 in stipends to offset the cost of travel. Finally, after attending the Institute, participants are eligible for an additional grant of $6,000 to assist with the development of their program.
Grant applications for the next TSLAC Family Place Libraries™ Project cohort will open again in fall 2024. Libraries are encourages to apply and may familiarize themselves with the program requirements through the 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity. More information can be found on the website at www.tsl.texas.gov/ldn/familyplace.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides Texans access to the information they need to be informed, productive citizens by preserving the archival record of Texas; enhancing the service capacity of public, academic and school libraries; assisting public agencies in the maintenance of their records; and meeting the reading needs of Texans with disabilities. For more information, visit www.tsl.texas.gov.