About the Friends
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are the Friends?
- What do the Friends do?
- Why become a Friend?
- Who are the Friends' Board Members?
- What are the Friends Bylaws? Requires Free PDF Reader
Who are the Friends?
The Friends of Libraries & Archives of Texas believe that libraries are vital to each Texas community. They believe in the preservation of and access to Texas' rich history for all generations. With these tenets, the Friends value the services provided by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission as crucial to Texas residents and communities. The Friends also understand that local communities need local friends and strive to connect local groups for the purposes of communication and collaboration.
The mission of the Friends of Libraries & Archives of Texas is to enrich library and archival services for the benefit of the individual, the community, and the state by promoting and supporting the programs of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
What do the Friends do?
The Friends of Libraries & Archives of Texas advocates for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission among the public and government leaders, striving to increase the visibility and awareness of its statewide library services and historical preservation and access of the Texas State Archives. The Friends fundraises to expand the special collections and services of the State Library and Archives and to fund archival exhibits and preservation of historic artifacts. The Friends fosters development and growth of local groups in support of local libraries and archives in Texas and supports the efforts of local groups and State Library and Archives staff. The Friends can volunteer their time to help the Texas State Library and Archives Commission achieve its goals.
Why become a Friend?
Your donation to the Friends of Libraries & Archives of Texas has a lasting impact upon fellow Texans and others around the globe, whether it adds materials to the collection, preserves a historic map or document, or digitizes a collection. A membership to the Friends of Libraries & Archives of Texas demonstrates your dedication to and support of the preservation of Texas' rich history and the right of every Texan to have access to excellent library service. A membership in the Friends of Libraries & Archives of Texas helps strengthen the wealth of services offered by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Benefits of membership include:
- An informative newsletter
- A beautiful Friends lapel pin
- Special announcements and events
- Annual membership meeting
Who are the Friends' Board Members?
- Darryl Tocker, President – Austin
- Sandy Melton Stephens, Vice President – Dallas
- Susan Dorsey, Secretary – Austin
- Michael "Mickey" Schott, Treasurer – San Antonio
- JoAnne M Moore, Immediate Past President – Canyon Lake
- Diana Rae Hester Cox, Commission Liaison – Canyon
- The Honorable Kim Brimer – Fort Worth
- Dianna Dorman – Austin
- The Honorable Jose Menendez – San Antonio
- Nelda Laney – Hale Center
- Donald Oliver – Waco
- Ramon Noches – Austin
- Marvin Rich – Houston
- Lori Brix – Austin
- Peggy D. Rudd, Texas State Library & Archives Commission Director & Librarian – Austin
- Patricia H. Smith – Austin
- Carol Roark – Dallas
- Sue Bilich – Austin
