Texas Reads Grant

The Texas Reads Grant is administered by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission through its Library Development and Networking Division. This program is funded as part of the federal Library Services and Technology Act Grants to States Program and is designed to support public libraries across Texas in advancing literacy and reading engagement. The grant reflects a statewide priority to ensure Texans of all ages have access to educational resources and opportunities that strengthen literacy, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning. The program is aligned with the agency’s multi-year plan to improve access to library services and promote community-based learning initiatives. The primary purpose of the Texas Reads Grant is to fund programming that actively promotes reading and literacy within local communities. Eligible activities include a wide range of literacy-focused programming such as book talks, author visits, book clubs, English literacy classes, early childhood literacy initiatives like Born-to-Read programs, and culturally relevant events such as Dia de los ninos/El dia de los libros. Programs may target specific populations including youth, teens, adults, or the broader community, and strong emphasis is placed on initiatives that foster community engagement or partnerships with local organizations. The grant explicitly excludes projects focused primarily on collection development or acquisition of materials outside the context of a program. Funding for this opportunity is competitive, with an estimated total program funding pool of approximately 100000 dollars, subject to availability and approval. Individual awards are capped at 10000 dollars, and funding is provided for a single state fiscal year, spanning from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027. Allowable expenses include materials, professional services such as speaker fees, temporary staffing, and other operational costs necessary to deliver programming. However, the grant prohibits expenditures on construction, renovations, food, travel, general advertising not tied to the program, and entertainment-focused performers. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, making the grant accessible to smaller or resource-limited libraries. Eligibility for the Texas Reads Grant includes accredited public libraries in Texas, local public library systems, and libraries participating in the TexShare consortium. Nonprofit organizations may also apply on behalf of eligible libraries if their mission explicitly supports library services. Applicants must meet accreditation requirements and demonstrate that their proposed project is distinct from previously funded efforts, as repeat funding for similar projects is discouraged. Only one grant may be awarded per library or system in a given cycle, and consecutive funding for the same project is not permitted. The application process requires submission through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s Grant Management System. Applicants must complete several required components, including a certification form, program narrative, detailed budget, Children’s Internet Protection Act certification, and letters of cooperation for collaborative projects. Draft proposals are encouraged and may be submitted for review prior to the final deadline. The application deadline for this cycle is March 23, 2026, with optional draft submissions due earlier in March. Applications are evaluated by a peer review panel using a structured scoring rubric that assesses needs assessment, program purpose, design, timetable, evaluation, and budget justification. The review process is rigorous and includes both staff screening and panel evaluation. Applications are scored based on clearly defined criteria totaling 100 points, with additional bonus points awarded for libraries serving smaller populations or those that have not received recent funding. Successful applicants are notified following panel review and commission approval, with awards finalized in summer 2026. Funded projects begin in September 2026 and must conclude by August 31, 2027. Throughout the grant period, recipients are required to submit financial and performance reports through the grant management system. Applicants are encouraged to consult with the TSLAC Grants Team during proposal development and may access support via email or phone. Key contacts include designated grants coordinators and administrators who provide technical assistance. The program is expected to recur annually as part of the agency’s ongoing literacy initiatives, although specific priorities and funding levels may vary by cycle. Overall, the Texas Reads Grant represents a strategic investment in community literacy and public library programming across the state.

Align proposal clearly with community literacy needs and measurable outcomes prioritize strong needs assessment and evaluation plans demonstrate clear connection to library goals and community impact