Welcome to the Texas State Library and Archives!

Gloria Meraz, Director and Librarian

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has been serving the people of Texas for more than a century. Since 1909, when the state founded the agency, we have been supporting the reading, learning, and historical preservation needs of Texas and its people. 

Going back to the days of the Republic, there has always been an official library and archives of Texas. While fulfilling our unique and longstanding place serving Texas government, the State Library and Archives Commission mission is also to ensure that citizens have information they need to lead informed, productive, and fulfilled lives.

We accomplish this mission through four main areas:

• Archives and History: TSLAC preserves the archival record of Texas, supports research, and makes primary resources available to the public (Archives and Information Services).
   
• Libraries and Learning: We assist public, academic, and school libraries across the state in meeting the needs of their communities and students (Library Development and Networking).
   
• Access to Public Records: TSLAC is responsible for helping public agencies maintain their public records (State and Local Records Management).
   
• Reading Services: We support the reading needs of thousands of Texans with disabilities preventing them from reading a standard book (Talking Book Program).

We live in an information-based economy, and the continued success of the state depends on the access to information that is provided through these four programs for virtually every citizen in the state of Texas regardless of age, geographic location, or physical ability.

We hope that as you explore our website you discover resources, services, tools, information, and programs that are meaningful and useful to you.  And visit us in person, as well, whenever you are in Austin or Liberty. We are here to serve you.

Thank you for reading and taking time to explore our state’s great library and archival resources!

Gloria Meraz
Director and Librarian
Texas State Library and Archives Commission

• Read THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT with Gloria Meraz blog

View our Vision, Mission, and Philosophy.

Our three locations information on our Visit Us page.

Our Customer Service Policies
Learn about our service commitment to you. Includes:

• Public Information Act
• Compact with Texans
• Agency Customer Service Report, May 2022