A project to engage middle school youth through an after-school “makerspace” at the Round Rock Public Library was one of the grants approved recently by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC).

The $49,500 Special Projects Grant awarded to the Round Rock Public Library System is for Innovation Station, an after-school “makerspace” collaboration between the City, the school district, a local nonprofit, and tech workshop. The concept will engage middle school youth in project-based science, technology and engineering, mathematics, art and design, or STEM+Art.

The TSLAC highlighted the Round Rock program from among “the dazzling array of proposals” received for funding requests. Agency commissioners approved 70 library grant awards totaling $1.6 million for numerous Texas libraries, institutions of higher education, and related nonprofit organizations.

The commission awards library grants annually through its Texas Reads, Impact, TexTreasures, Library Cooperation, and Special Projects grant programs. All are funded by the federal Library Services and Technology Act via the Institute of Museum and Library Services in Washington, D.C. The grant period runs from Sept. 1, 2013, to Aug. 31, 2014.

“These grants will help improve library programs and services in communities and institutions all over Texas,” said TSLAC Interim Director and Librarian Edward Seidenberg. “These federal dollars augment local funds and help local libraries fulfill their roles as valuable community resources.”

About the TSLAC

Formed in 1909, TSLAC is committed to giving Texans access to information and programs they can use to improve their lives and communities. We provide 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.