TLA Statement Regarding Statewide Mask Mandate

The Texas Library Association (TLA) is the largest state library association in the U.S. with almost 6,000 members representing all library types: academic, public, school, and special. As Texas continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, our focus remains on protecting the health and safety of library workers and users.

Libraries across Texas have instituted effective policies and procedures to protect the health and safety of their users and employees. It is critical that these protocols, including wearing masks, be kept in place to ensure a safe environment for Texans that rely on their libraries, and for the front-line library workers providing these valuable services.

TLA calls upon all library governing bodies to follow current CDC guidelines, and maintain their successful mitigation protocols, including requiring masks in libraries.