Library Automation Grant

Library Automation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Tocker Foundation
Last Updated: October 14, 2025

Summary

The Tocker Foundation supports rural public libraries in Texas through its Library Automation Grant. Established in the 1960s, the Foundation addresses the resource scarcity in communities with populations of 12,000 or less. Grants cover the costs of software subscriptions, data migration, and training for automated library systems, helping libraries modernize their operations and integrate these expenses into their budgets over five years.

Overview

The Tocker Foundation The Tocker Foundation, a family foundation with roots dating back to the early 1960s, was established to implement the philanthropic interests of its founders, Phillip and Olive Tocker. Phillip, initially a practicing attorney, transitioned to the outdoor advertising industry later in life. He purchased the Waco outdoor advertising plant and expanded to own outdoor advertising plants throughout the United States. Phillip's career reached its pinnacle when he became the President of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America. In 1973, after retiring to Austin, Texas, Phillip and Olive continued to actively pursue their avocations, leaving a legacy of philanthropy that persists in the family to this day. With an office in Austin, Texas, and a staff of two, the organization is governed by a mix of family members and librarians whose guidance helps the family achieve their goal of supporting rural, public libraries of Texas. This funding focus was identified back in the early 1990s when research revealed a severe lack of resources in towns of 12,000 or less. The Foundation’s very first grant cycle confirmed the need when applications for funding amounted to ten times the total that was available for grant-making at the time. Automation Grants An ongoing grant to assist in the implementation and training of automated library systems. A robust, integrated automation system is vital to the operations of every library. Even in today’s advanced world, we still come across small libraries that, for various reasons, have yet to become fully automated. These libraries are prime candidates for an automation grant. New libraries are also welcome to inquire. Automation grants cover the first five years of the software subscription, data migration and new user training. By providing for the first five years, the library’s leadership has plenty of time to integrate this expense into their annual budget.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Which libraries qualify for a Tocker Foundation Grant?Communities in the state of Texas that serve a population of 12,000 or less according to statistics from the Texas State Library database. County libraries may use the city population rather than the assigned county population when determining the eligibility.

Ineligibility

Are there certain items that will not be funded?Debt ServiceEndowment FundsNormal Operating ExpensesSalariesEmployee BenefitsConstructionCarpetingElectricalOther infrastructure needs that are typically supported by the municipalityE-readersMembership fees for providers