Due to the World Health Organization’s declaration of a global pandemic, and the disaster declaration in Harris County, we are unable to perform to the high standards expected for a TLA event. Therefore, with a heavy heart, the Texas Library Association’s Executive Board made the difficult decision today to transition to a streamlined, virtual event and cancel TLA 2020 activities in Houston to protect the health and safety of our members, attendees, sponsors and exhibitors.

While we are devastated that the TLA 2020 event will not take place in Houston, we are excited to offer a new professional development experience to the library community. TLA 2020 Virtual will offer a diverse selection of exciting programs of interest to all types of librarians. Your existing conference registration will be valid for TLA 2020 Virtual. Continuing education credits will also be available. We hope you join us for this exciting experience; more details will be announced soon.

As you know, in addition to the human toll it has taken, the COVID-19 epidemic has been devastating to many organizations and industries. The Texas Library Association was established 118 years ago; we have held the annual conference 106 times and only cancelled the in-person event this year because of unprecedented health risks.

The TLA Annual Conference is our largest event, and contributes significantly to our annual operating revenue; conference funds make up approximately 80 percent of our annual budget. In lieu of cancelling your registration, we encourage you to retain it to be able to participate in our TLA 2020 Virtual event and help ensure our organization’s survival. We have long been both the voice and the heart of the Texas library community and hope to continue in that role for many years.

However, if you feel the virtual opportunity is not a good fit for you, our refund policy will be honored through March 24, 2020.



On behalf of the TLA executive board and staff, thank you for your continued support and understanding. Please be patient with us as we work through this unprecedented situation.