Librarian Professional Development Grant

Librarian Professional Development Grant is sponsored by Tocker Foundation. The Tocker Foundation offers stipends for library staff from rural Texas communities to attend the Texas Library Association's Annual Conference, promoting professional development.

Professional Development Grant | Tocker Foundation Professional Development Grant Professional development is crucial for all library staff yet, within the rural library community, distance and limited funding can make it hard to take advantage of opportunities to advance one’s skills. To fill this gap, the Foundation offers select stipends for staff in eligible libraries.

Attend the Texas Library Association's Annual Conference with a Travel Stipend. The most significant annual immersion to all things ‘library’ is the Texas Library Association’s annual conference .

This gathering attracts professional and aspiring librarians from all over the state (and some from other states) where they can learn from experts in the field, find new vendors in the exhibit hall, network with their peers, hear from authors and gain valuable CEU’s at designated sessions.

TLA Membership Included in Stipends for Small-Town Library Staff Every stipend includes a one-year membership to the TLA so the recipient can have access to the best in innovative education, support, advocacy, and best practices all year long. Library staff in towns of 12,000 or less qualify to apply for this grant. Senior library staff who are first-time attendees receive priority in this grant selection.

Apply early to plan for a full experience at the conference. Join us at the 2026 TLA Annual Conference in Houston, March 29‑31, 2026. Secure your spot with our Travel Stipend.

For new portal users, please call our office for assistance in creating a user profile. Don't miss out – apply by February 1, 2026, and make this conference an experience to remember! Visit the application portal