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In 2025, the Texas Library Association (TLA) was awarded a two-year grant of $550,000 from the Mellon Foundation. This grant supports TLA’s work in demonstrating the value of Texas libraries and librarians and celebrating their vital roles in our communities through research, education, and outreach.
“This funding will facilitate vital research, help amplify the value of libraries through storytelling, and strengthen our advocacy and professional development work.”
Shirley Robinson, TLA Executive Director
TLA is the largest state library association in the country, with almost 5,000 members from public, school, academic, and special libraries across Texas. TLA’s mission is to embrace, unite, and amplify the voices of the library community through advocacy and education. Through the support of the Mellon Foundation grant, TLA will conduct research on the financial return on investment of Texas libraries, analyzing funding trends against usage trends, and conducting polls to assess public sentiment on libraries.
We are proud to lead a project that highlights the significant and measurable impact of Texas libraries. This research will provide library advocates valuable tools and insights to effectively champion libraries and their critical role in our communities.
The research outcomes will not only contribute up-to-date information to state and national conversations around libraries, but they will also surface new pathways for TLA members and supporters to raise awareness of the important work of libraries and librarians.
TLA contracted with KRC Research to conduct a comprehensive survey among 1,000 Texas adults, 18 years and older. The random sample survey was offered in both English and Spanish and was conducted both online and by phone (landline and cell phone), from Nov. 20 to Dec. 19, 2025. The sample was drawn from an online panel and from phone sample, weighted to be demographically representative by Texas region, age, sex, race/ethnicity, household income, and educational attainment.
TLA commissioned JBK Economics Group to conduct a Return on Investment (ROI) study to examine the economic impact of public library funding, public library services, and the broader contributions public libraries make to communities across Texas. The JBK Economics Group conducted research activities and analyses in the spring and early summer of 2026.
