The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) awarded funding to Patrick Heath Public Library under its Community Advancement Package (CAP) grant program this past year, totaling just over $8,600. The program is designed to include eligible items that will assist libraries as they expand community services in specifically targeted areas. This project is a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Library director Kelly Skovbjerg is excited to use the funds to enhance and upgrade the library’s Spanish collections for children, as well as create attractive displays to promote them. Skovbjerg commented, “Research shows that it is of critical importance for children to connect with their homelands, language, and culture. Moreover, when children discover books in their native language at the library, they are more motivated and inspired to read. Literacy is of course one of any public library’s primary objectives.”
In Kendall County, Hispanic residents comprise just over 30%, and the Boerne Independent School District (BISD), which has an attendance of about 10,000 students, teaches approximately the same percentage of Spanish-language students. With the award of this grant, the library will play an integral role in assisting these students to achieve their educational goals on a more level playing field.
Funded by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through a grant to the Texas State
Library and Archives Commission (Grant #LS-250239-OLS-21).* (2021)