The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is pleased to announce the 2023 Family Place Libraries™ Project Grant Recipients.
2023 Family Place Libraries™ Project Grant Recipients
- Carrollton Public Library—Carrollton, Texas
- Copperas Cove Public Library—Copperas Cove, Texas
- Dickinson Public Library—Dickinson, Texas
- Lamar Bruni Vergara Inner City Branch Library—Laredo, Texas
- Leon Valley Public Library—Leon Valley, Texas
- Mesquite Public Library—Mesquite, Texas
- Pharr Memorial Library—Pharr, Texas
- Richard Burges Library—El Paso, Texas
- Westside Branch Library—New Braunfels, 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 our next Family Place Libraries™ Project cohort will open this coming fall. If you are interested in applying, please familiarize yourself with the program requirements through the 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity. Grant updates are usually announced on our grants webpage and amplified via this blog and social media; please consider subscribing and following us today!