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Mission & History

The Texas Library Association is the largest state library association in the U.S.

Whether promoting intellectual freedom or working together to strengthen libraries and demonstrate their value, TLA is the embodiment of the aspirations first conceived over 120 years ago.

Mission Statement

The Texas Library Association’s mission is to embrace, unite, and amplify voices of the library community through advocacy and education to ensure library excellence for all Texans.

Vision Statement

The Texas Library Association is an integral partner, innovative leader, and passionate advocate for Texas libraries and librarians.

Defining Value

The Texas Library Association cultivates a welcoming community through equitable policies, practices, and programs that treat all with dignity and respect.

Core Organizational Values:

In the Fall of 2024, the TLA Executive Board and TLA leaders envisioned an association that not only continues our legacy of advocacy and professional excellence but also reinvents our internal operations for a rapidly changing environment. This plan sets out the course for the next three years.

Our Vision

In 2029, TLA will be recognized as:

Strategic Pillars:

Pillar 1: Ensuring Resilient Financial and Resource Management

By 2029: TLA achieves sustainable growth through diversified funding, proactive resource planning, and a balanced approach to managing new initiatives amid an evolving political and economic landscape.

Pillar 2: Championing Intellectual Freedom and the Value of Libraries

By 2029: TLA serves as the foremost advocate for libraries in Texas, building on decades of expertise and leadership. TLA equips members with the knowledge and support needed to respond to intellectual freedom challenges and navigate changing environments

Pillar 3: Empowering Professional Growth and Inclusive Engagement

By 2029: TLA’s professional development offerings become more varied, accessible, and welcoming, reflecting the needs of all library professionals while reinforcing our commitment to cost-sensitive programming.

Pillar 4: Transforming Governance and Operational Agility

By 2029: TLA’s governance and internal operations are restructured to be simpler, more agile, and highly responsive, providing a solid foundation for our expanding portfolio of projects and technology platforms.

About TLA

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the association is governed by a Council made up of voting and non-voting members. The Council meets twice at the TLA Annual Conference and twice at the Annual Assembly. As the association’s policy-making and chief governing body, the Council adopts the annual budget and legislative platform.

The Executive Board serves as the central management board and recommends matters of policy, budget, and operations to the Council. Board members are elected annually by the membership.

1902 - 2002: 100 Years in Progress
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Happy 120th Birthday TLA! Timeline of Events
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Latest News
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TLA 2025 Award Winners Announced

TLA News

Please congratulate the winners of the 2025 TLA Awards! These awards were presented at the Texas Library Association 2025 Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas. Kate Horan was recognized with the […]

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Texas Library Association Awarded $550,000 Mellon Foundation Grant

Advocacy, TLA News

The Texas Library Association (TLA) has been awarded a two-year grant of $550,000 from the Mellon Foundation. This grant will support TLA’s work in demonstrating the value of Texas libraries […]

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