Texas State Library and Archives Commission

06/12/2026

Excited to see you tomorrow at The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) on Saturday, June 13, for a celebration of Flag Day!

Flag Day at TSLAC Program:
10:00 a.m. Special viewing of rare 28-star U.S. flag from 1846.
11:00 a.m. “Texas Joins the United States” presentation by Texas State Historian Dr. Richard B. “Rick” McCaslin.
2:00 p.m. “Texas: Before the Lone Star” with Dr. Carolina Castillo Crimm and author GeorgiAnne Brochstein, interviewed by Michele Chan Santos, Texas Center for the Book.
3:30 p.m. Event concludes.
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/node/70650

06/12/2026

We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of a true Texas Treasure and friend of the State Archives, historian Dr. T. Lindsay Baker.

Dr. Baker was a regular visitor to our research room, as he was a prolific author of historical works. TSLAC staff appreciated Dr. Baker's kindness and his enthusiasm for the documents he found at TSLAC while researching the history of Route 66 through Texas. He noted the Texas Department of Transportation Right of Way Division records and Highway Department historical records as particularly helpful. His warm, engaging personality and witty humor was always welcome and his gift for storytelling a benefit to his profession. He will be missed.

Image: T. Lindsay Baker (l) with State Archivist Jelain Chubb (c) and TSLAC Commissioner Monte Monroe (r) at the 2026 Texas State Historical Association annual meeting.

06/12/2026

The June 2026 Library Management Update features upcoming opportunities including FREE trainings, conferences, contests, awards, funding, and grants, as well as spotlights a few ongoing tools to facilitate doing the work. Read it today, and be sure to bookmark our Library Developments blog so you never miss timely updates, insights, and resources!

Library Management Update: June 2026 LDN Staff / 1 day ago June 9, 2026 Upcoming Opportunities These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations. Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) Conference Professional Development Award....

06/11/2026

from the State Archives: When Highland Mall opened in 1971, it was the first indoor mall in Austin. Anchored by department stores Joske’s (Dillard’s), Scarboroughs, and JCPenney, Highland expanded in 1979 with a new wing and a Foley’s. The two-story mall was filled with the retail shops, restaurants, and snack stands that became standard in the 1980s and 1990s, such as Orange Julius, Walden Books, Hickory Farms, and The Gap. As competition grew and visits declined in the 2000s, Highland Mall eventually closed to the public in 2015. The site now serves as the ACC Highland Campus for Austin Community College District.

Image: [Highland Mall, Austin, Texas, undated]. Texas Tourist Development Agency photographs and audiovisual materials, 2012/193-71-2-52. TSLAC.

06/10/2026

Check out our June newsletter, out now: https://mailchi.mp/tsl/tslac-happenings-june26-8759232

Subscribe to get TSLAC Happenings delivered directly to your inbox every month! https://www.tsl.texas.gov/subscribe

06/10/2026

Join us TODAY at 10:00 a.m. for a virtual , featuring "Hank the Cowdog" author John R. Erickson!

In this free, virtual book event, the beloved Texas author will discuss his autobiography, "Small Town Author," and the inspiration behind his timeless Hank the Cowdog series.

Register and get the link now at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9YZDVxhBQvG9qh78C932pQ #/registration.


Texas Tech University Press The Library of Congress National Ranching Heritage Center

06/09/2026

Another TSLAC library grant at work! 🤩

06/09/2026

Records Management Training for Local Governments – Registration Open!

Our State and Local Records Management Division has announced two local government classes later this month:

Monday, June 29, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Introduction to Records Management
Tuesday, June 30, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Managing Electronic Records

Classes will be held at the Barbara Jordan State Office Building,1601 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701.

Learn more and register at https://www.tsl.texas.gov/slrm/blog/2026/06/records-management-training-for-local-governments-registration-open-8/

06/09/2026

Spotlight: Specialist Paris Reescano, Jr.

Paris Reescano, Jr. was born in 1944 and graduated from the Liberty Training School in 1962. He entered the United States Army in October 1963. By 1965, Reescano was a specialist with Battery C, 3rd Howitzer Battalion of the 17th Artillery, serving in Germany. After his service, Reescano returned to Texas.

Image: Specialist Paris Reescano, Jr., United States Army, undated. Barbara Donatto Wright Collection, 2005.057. SHC, TSLAC.

Learn more about our collections at SHC at: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/shc

06/08/2026

Have you signed up for the Texas Center for the Book's next virtual , featuring "Hank the Cowdog" author John R. Erickson, at 10:00 a.m. (Central) THIS WEDNESDAY, June 10?

In this free, virtual book event, the beloved Texas author will discuss his autobiography, "Small Town Author," and the inspiration behind his timeless Hank the Cowdog series.

Readers of all ages are invited to register at online at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9YZDVxhBQvG9qh78C932pQ #/registration.

The Center recently announced "Hank the Cowdog #83: The Case of the Poison Toad" and "Small Town Author" as the 2026 Texas Great Read Youth and Adult Selections, respectively. This marks the first time the Texas Center for the Book has selected Adult and Youth titles by the same writer.

Read the press release: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/node/70684


Texas Tech University Press The Library of Congress National Ranching Heritage Center