Texas

E-Read Texas is a statewide eBook program powered by BiblioBoard that provides thousands of geolocated, simultaneous use eBooks to residents across the state. All of the eBooks are also available through various individual public library SimplyE instances. This state-supported program partnership with the Texas State Library and Archives (TSLAC) provides baseline information and eBook resources to better support underfunded schools, information deserts, and homeschooled students.

 
Highlights

Over 3,000 top eBooks available to residents throughout the state with new content being added in Fall 2020.

TSLAC is working cooperatively with individual public libraries in the state on a pilot program to leverage shared electronic resources including statewide support of Adult Literacy programs.

TSLAC is working with Texas A&M and the Texas Book Consortia to make a large library of ‘Texana’ resources focused on the people, culture, and history of Texas available. Part of this project is working collaboratively to use the electronic discovery of books to generate print sales for publishers and keep smaller-scale publishing sustainable.

TSLAC and Amigos Library Consortia are supporting the SimplyE platform for libraries across Texas. BiblioLabs is a partner in this effort, supporting SimplyE hosting for all of the collections available on E-Read Texas.

Fun Facts

  • The Texas Center for the Book partners with BiblioBoard and the TSLAC on the Texas Author Project. This program is focused on finding the best indie-published books in the state while raising the profile of those authors through events and promotion. See the acceptance speech from 2019 winner Scott Semagran at the TSLAC to get a sense of the spirit of these events.