For Immediate Release: Contact information: Mercedes Franks July 5, 2023 (936) 559-2970

(Nacogdoches, TX) – The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) recently awarded funding to the Judy B. McDonald Public Library under its Special Projects Grant program for its Learning About the College Application Process series. The series aims to provide information about applying to college, where to find information about student life and financial aid, and to provide a forum where parents and students can ask questions. The series will begin in September and will run through May 2024, although an informal College Success Tips discussion will be offered on July 26th at 6:30pm. Information at all sessions will be provided in English and Spanish and all programs are free and open to the public.

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.” said Meraz.

“For several years, the library has hosted FAFSA workshops with the assistance of various partners. Through these workshops we have noticed that parents often have questions that go beyond the FAFSA. We thought we would offer a forum for parents and future college students to help them navigate the exciting, but sometimes nerve-wracking, college application process and give them an opportunity to ask questions about other aspects of first-year college life that they might have.” said Mercedes Franks, library manager.

ABOUT THE TEXAS STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES COMMISSION

Formed in 1909, TSLAC 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.