Texas Library Journal - Winter 2021

8 Texas Center for the Book Resources for Librarians, Educators, and Book Lovers

By Rebekah Manley

Recently, a well-connected librarian commented, “Read Across Texas sounds amazing. But why is this the first time I’m hearing about a statewide reading program?”

Since we just launched our third biennial Read Across Texas, I didn’t have a good answer. Texas is a big state with a lot happening. How can anyone keep up with all the offerings? An incredible number of emails, tools, articles, and announcements cross a librarian’s desk every day.

We thought it would be helpful to offer a quick introduction and refresher on the Texas Center for the Book (TCFB), along with a list of resources.

Established in 1987, the Center seeks to stimulate public interest in books, reading, literacy and libraries, while celebrating the written word and literary heritage of Texas. Our commitment is to support every Texan as they develop an appreciation for books and the bridges they create. The TCFB builds partnerships with library professionals, educators, authors, publishers, and booksellers who provide support to our shared mission of promoting a love of literature throughout the Lone Star State.

One of 50 state centers affiliated with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, the Texas Center for the Book is under the direction of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) at the Lorenzo De Zavala State Archives and Library Building in Austin, Texas.

HERE ARE EIGHT TCFB RESOURCES:

1. Read Across Texas

This statewide community read offers ready-made resources for libraries to host meaningful dialogues around a significant subject. The toolkits remain available for 2017’s The Veteran Experience, 2019’s Know Your Neighbor: Cultivating Communities of Compassion and 2021’s Recovery themes. Find it at: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/readacrosstexas

2. Texas Great Read

Each year the TCFB chooses a title, varying in genre, to represent Texas at the National Book Festival. This year’s book, Marfa for the Perplexed, by the late Lonn Taylor is available for all Texans to read for free online via E-Read Texas, TSLAC’s e-book program. Learn more at https://www.tsl.texas.gov/greatreadtexas.

3. Texas Center for the Book Literacy Award

For this annual award, a winning nonprofit organization receives a $2,000 cash award to assist in its future work promoting reading and combating illiteracy. Additionally, at least one honorable mention recipient receives $500. Libraries, although ineligible, are one of the most common sources of nominations for organizations in their community. Find it at https://www.tsl.texas.gov/literacyaward.

4. Literary Landmarks

Literary Landmarks are special places located across the country that attract tourists, book lovers and history buffs to educate the public about important literary works and history. The TCFB sought to increase the number of landmarks in Texas, and four new Texas sites were approved in 2021 by United for Libraries. Now we are working to secure more funding to continue growing the number of Texas Literary Landmarks annually. https://www.tsl.texas.gov/landmarks2021

5. #TXBookChat

This online series offers brief discussions and programs with authors, librarians, and literary professionals. These informal “coffee chats” last about 30 minutes and offer a quick look into different aspects of the state’s literary world. The #TXBookChat series seeks to bring together diverse voices and perspectives.

6. Lone Star Día

April 30 marks the annual celebration of Children’s Day, Book Day. Libraries and schools across the country hold events to promote reading, literacy, and the power of sharing multicultural stories. In Texas, we celebrate this event as Lone Star Día and aim to offer book grants on even numbered years.

7. Letters About Literature Texas

This reading and writing contest is for 4th-12th graders. Students are encouraged to write a letter to an author about how a book changed their life. Winners receive $100 and are honored at the Texas Library Association Annual Conference.

8. Partnerships and You

We partner with libraries and organizations like the Texas Library Association, the Texas Book Festival, Lone Star Literary Life, The Writers’ League of Texas, and others to help support and grow the literary landscape in Texas. Additionally, we are grateful to the librarians who support our mission. You, yourself, might be a valuable resource. If you are interested in being a judge for Letters About Literature or being involved in the TCFB, please reach out.

These are a handful of the programs offered by the Texas Center for the Book; for more in-depth information on these programs and others, please visit our website. https://www.tsl.texas.gov/centerforthebook

Rebekah Manley is the coordinator of the Texas Center for the Book at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission