The Texas Library and Archives Foundation announced July 28 that its annual Martha Wong Scholarship opportunity, as well as the new Mark Smith–Gloria Meraz Scholarship, for students in a Texas library/information science or school library certification program are available. Both scholarships will award a reimbursable grant of $2,000 that may be used for tuition or required textbooks.

Through these awards, the Foundation encourages Texans to pursue a degree from a Texas library/information science graduate program or school library certification program. These scholarships have been generously funded by Martha Wong, Chair of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Funds will be used for the January 2026 semester. Eligible applicants must live in Texas or work in a Texas library and should have the intention of pursuing a professional library position in Texas after obtaining their degree.

For full grant details and to apply online, visit the Foundation’s website at www.txlaf.org/scholarship. The deadline to apply is midnight (central) on September 15, 2025. Applicants will be notified by October 15. Questions may be emailed to txlafinfo@tsl.texas.gov.

Wong, of Houston, has served on the Texas State Library and Archives Commission since 2015 and was appointed chair by Governor Greg Abbott in January 2020. A longtime educational leader in Texas and the greater Houston area, she is a former educator and administrator. Wong, a community volunteer, former state representative and Houston city council member, is a member of the Houston Association of Retired Teachers and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Smith has authored three books and numerous articles on library topics and has been a long-time library advocate, a role that has continued after retirement. He served as a member of the Austin Library Commission—including two years as chair—from 2022-2025 and currently serves on the boards of directors of the Tocker Foundation and Amigos Library Services. Smith was named a Texas Library Champion by the Texas Library Association in 2024 and was California Library Association Member of the Year in 2003.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides Texans access to the information they need to be informed, productive citizens by preserving the archival record of Texas; enhancing the service capacity of public, academic and school libraries; assisting public agencies in the maintenance of their records; and meeting the reading needs of Texans with disabilities. For more information, visit www.tsl.texas.gov.