Welcome to the Friends of the Libraries & Archives of Texas

Laura W. Bush, former U.S. and Texas First Lady dedicated the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, the headquarters of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), as a national Literary Landmark, on Thursday, December 3, 2009. The landmark designation was issued by the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF).

"Today's dedication recognizes the inspiration that this building and the resources it houses, has provided for great writers for decades," said Mrs. Bush. "The Zavala building was the first central repository to house and protect Texas' priceless historical treasures and to support and improve library services in the state."

Gail Bialas, manager for the Texas Center for the Book, along with Mrs. Bush, presented the designation plaque to Peggy D. Rudd, Texas State Library and Archives Commission director and state librarian. Rudd thanked Mrs. Bush and the Texas Center for the Book for their work in the nomination and designation of the building.

In the lobby of the Lorenzo de Zavala building, the Texas State Archives is exhibiting, materials and works used by James Michener, author of Texas; Jack "Jaxon" Jackson, author of graphic novels on Texas history; and Walter Prescott Webb, author of The Texas Rangers. ALTAFF cited that each author used resources and materials that are now located in the building to create their works.

"It is what is inside that is the real treasure," said Rudd. "For decades researchers and students of Texas history have mined gold, historical gold, and they have found it in abundance."

The Friends of Libraries & Archives of Texas, Texas Center for the Book, ALTAFF, joined the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in supporting this literary landmark event.

Friends Greet Friends at “Friends & Flags” Reception

May 2009

Close to 100 guests enjoyed a very special evening on May 5 at the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty. The occasion was the display of two Texas Treasures from the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library – the Matamoros Battalion Flag, captured by Texas forces in the Battle of San Jacinto; and the 17th and 18th Texas Cavalry Brigade Flag, captured in the Battle of Atlanta.

Co-hosted by the Atascocito Historical Society and the Friends of Libraries & Archives of Texas, the event provided an opportunity to introduce lovers and supporters of Texas history, archives, and preservation to the collections of the Sam Houston Center. Guests—many with personal connections to the documents and artifacts on exhibit—viewed diaries, swords, clothing, and letters highlighting the history of Liberty and surrounding communities.

Contributions from the evening benefited the Friends’ Capital Campaign for the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building. All funds received through March 2010 will also go to match the Houston Endowment’s 3-to-1 challenge grant.

The Friends extend special appreciation to Sam Center Director Robert Schaadt and Texas State Library and Archives Commission Chair Sandra Pickett for making this event possible. The flags were on display at the Sam Houston Regional Library (a division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission) through the end of June 2009.

Houston Reception for Texas Treasures

March 2009

At a Houston event on Texas Treasures from the State Archives, the Friends of Libraries & Archives of Texas announced a challenge from Houston Endowment, Inc. If the Friends raise $1.3 million by March 2010, Houston Endowment will add $500,000. The Friends has raised $1.7 million to date. The additional $1.3 million will complete the first phase of the Campaign. Read more.

TSLAC celebrate 100 years of service to Texas!

March 2009

All photographs, March 19, 2009, Texas State Capitol South steps and grounds, Austin. (TSLAC Photos/Peggy Lee Oster)

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission marked its 100th year of March 19, 2009 at noon on the South Steps of the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas. About 150 people turned out for the special event that featured speeches, choral performances by the Austin Girls’ Choir (including Happy Birthday to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission!) and birthday cake decorated with agency’s blue, gold, and white Centennial logo.

Speakers included Commission Chair Sandra J. Pickett, of Liberty, who read a proclamation issued by Governor Rick Perry. Bill Crawford, author and historian, was the events keynote speaker, and spoke enthusiastically about his use of the Texas State Library and Archives over the past 20 years. State Representative Donna Howard and State Senator Kirk Watson, both sponsored resolutions in their respective chambers earlier in the day.

Program guests included State Archivist Chris LaPlante, Assistant State Librarian Edward Seidenberg and Former State Archivist and University of Texas Professor, Dr. David B. Gracy II. Other guests were Scott McAfee, TSLAC commissioner from Driftwood, Austin writer and historian, Terrell Blodgett, and Dianna Dorman, vice president of the Friends of Libraries and Archives of Texas. Special guests in attendance were Thomas and Kelly Daniel, and their children, Price, Thomas, and Caroline. Mr. Daniel is the great grandson of Governor Campbell and the grandson of Governor Price and Mrs. Jean Daniel.

Past Events