Texas Reads Grant

Nueces County

Robstown (News Release) – The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) recently awarded
funding to Nueces County Public Libraries under its Texas Reads grant program.

Nueces County Public Libraries will provide early literacy programming and sign up online for the new 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program beginning January 11, 2023. Patrons will have access to
100 backpacks filled with 10 books to checkout at the Keach Family Library to encourage active
involvement in expansion of literacy skills with an emphasis on early childhood, family literacy,
and lifelong learning. Caregivers can register at https://nuecescountylibraries.readsquared.com/ for the Nueces County Public Libraries 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and commit to reading 1,000 books to their little ones by kindergarten.

Parents who register can track their reading online and receive a quarterly email filled with librarian-approved book lists and reading tips. Kick-off of the program will begin Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 10:00am with A Tale In the Garden at the Keach Family Library.

This project is just one of 42 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 proud to support public libraries throughout the state as they deliver critical information services to their communities that support education, access to technology, and workforce development,” said TSLAC Director and Librarian Gloria Meraz.For the 2023 fiscal year, which runs from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023, TSLAC has awarded approximately $1.18 million in competitive grants.

“The Commission is thrilled to advance some truly transformational projects designed to offer Texans the tools necessary to meet the every-changing needs of their families and communities,” said TSLAC Chair Martha Wong. The agency’s Texas Reads Grant program supports projects that promote reading and literacy within local communities. TSLAC is funding 14 Texas Reads grants this year, with
awards ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. “The idea behind the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is to encourage bonding between parents, caregivers and children through a fun approach to early literacy, and to help young children develop positive attachments to reading and gain the confidence they need to
become strong readers,” said County Librarian Ida Garza. “Reading to children helps develop
critical pre-reading skills that provide a solid reading foundation. Plus, reading together is fun!”