On December 2, The Partners Library Action Network (PLAN) assisted the City of Sundown Library with cleaning and packing their library materials in preparation for the move later this month to their new building.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) awarded funding in FY2023 – 2024 to PLAN of Austin, Texas, to provide support and assistance to small and rural Texas Libraries in accomplishing large projects that small libraries with limited staff are unable to achieve by themselves.
This project is just one of more than 40 grants made possible this year by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.
“TSLAC is pleased to recognize and support the important work of Texas libraries in delivering innovative information services that strengthen local literacy, workforce and digital opportunity efforts,” said TSLAC Director and Librarian Gloria Meraz. TSLAC awards competitive grants annually, as funding allows. For the 2024 fiscal year, TSLAC has awarded approximately $1.2 million in competitive grants, including 15 Special Projects grants. The Special Projects Grant supports programs seeking to expand library services to include all members of a library’s community, including those populations with special needs. The funds provided by our federal partners allows libraries to respond to local needs and bring a wide array of resources and services to Texans.”
Library Director A’ndrea McAdams welcomed the professionals’ hands and minds to begin the shelving undertaking.
“With the help of three librarians, we were able to pack over 4,000 books in a day, about half of our collection. We are thankful for Kaitlyn and Tyler who came from Groves Library in Lubbock, and we are extremely grateful to Dayna Williams-Capone the PLAN special projects coordinator who not only organized and recruited but also traveled a great distance to literally lend a hand. Our renovation project will be complete with these books being in their new shelves in the new city library.”
There will be a come-and-go grand opening on Thursday, January 18 from 9 a.m. -6 p.m. and all are welcome to stop by to see the completed work.
“This effort has been a fantastic collaboration between locals who love Sundown to state partners who believe in the impact of rural libraries,” said McAdams. “Words of gratitude cannot express how thankful we are for every person who has helped us build better together.”
TSLAC was formed in 1909 and is committed to giving Texans access to information and programs to improve their lives and communities. TSLAC provides historical and genealogical search assistance, federal and state government documents, electronic research, and library services to all Texans, including those who are unable to read standard print material because of physical or reading disabilities. For more information, visit www.tsl.texas.gov or to learn more about PLAN and their Library Rescue Projects visit: www.libaction.net.