Rosemont MS Librarian Elected Texas Library Association Representative at Large
Mike Mendez was recently elected to the Texas Library Association (TLA) Executive Board as Representative-at-Large, representing members who are school librarians at preschool, elementary, middle and high schools in Texas. Mendez is the Librarian at Rosemont Middle School in the Fort Worth Independent School District.
What would he like to see TLA accomplish in the coming year?
“I have two main goals for TLA this year,” Mendez wrote. “The first is that I would like to see TLA expand its support for our rural and small community libraries. I think this starts with offering more distance-learning opportunities for these members. Obviously, this year will be a great time to learn how to best provide a virtual conference experience. After this year, I hope that we can use this knowledge to begin to offer either a virtual conference option, or possibly a virtual mini-conference, for those that are not able to travel to the physical conference.”
“The second goal that I have is to encourage more members to step into leadership roles. I was very lucky to be encouraged to take a more active role in TLA by my mentor, Jennifer LaBoon,” Mendez said. “She pushed me to run for office, apply for TALL Texans, and gave me the confidence to see myself as a leader. I want to make sure that we are reaching out to our members that want to become more involved in the profession, but are not sure how to do so.”
How do you feel about being elected?
Mendez said, “I feel very honored to have been elected! I have worked with some amazing people during my time with TLA. Many of my closest friends have come from my years of volunteering with the organization. I look forward to continuing to work for Texas libraries in my new role.”
About the Texas Library Association
TLA is the largest state library association in the country with approximately 6,000 members who work in public, school, academic, and special libraries and who support educational institutions. Visit www.txla.org or call 512-328-1518.