Texas Library Association Elects 2025-2026 Executive Board

Congratulations to the winners of our recent election and thank you to all the candidates. The Texas Library Association is pleased to announce the new members of our executive board. TLA’s new executive board members, including incoming President Valerie Prilop, Senior Librarian at MD Anderson Cancer Center, will take office at the close of the TLA 2025 Annual Conference in April in Dallas.

President-Elect: Melissa Rippy, Director of Libraries & Instructional Materials, Pasadena ISD
“I view TLA as the central connection space for librarians representing all types of libraries across the state. We often call the library a safe space for all. TLA is and should be, our safe space for connection, support, and learning. I believe in the power of people. I believe in the core work of librarians. I believe that we truly are better together. By fostering community among ourselves, we can better fulfill our core mission of providing access to accurate and relevant information. Imbalances in access, services and staffing in libraries can make it difficult for librarians to feel heard and supported. We need the support of others who are facing similar obstacles. The Texas Library Association has the ability to help make those connections to each other and help find solutions to those common obstacles in the rapidly changing world.”

Representative-at-Large (School): Brooke King, Library Media Specialist, Atascocita Middle School – Humble ISD
“The most critical issues facing our Association and the Texas Library Community include censorship attempts, especially those targeting diverse voices, inadequate funding for all types of libraries, and a lack of understanding of what library personnel do and how libraries work. These issues are sure to be addressed in the upcoming legislative session. The Association and library community can help combat these issues through strong advocacy and community engagement. We must form relationships with stakeholders at both the state legislative level and in each community. We must share our stories and communicate the value of libraries. We must all work together to protect intellectual freedom.”