Author Profile

Mark L. Smith

Director and state librarian, Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Mark Smith has served as director and state librarian of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission since November 2013. A native Texan, Mark has over 35 years of experience in the library field in three states and in a variety of library settings.

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Public libraries offer a great return for Texas taxpayers

Even if you don’t personally visit the library and participate in these programs and services, public libraries are using your tax dollars in ways that benefit you. Texas public libraries generated $967 million in economic activity in 2015. I hope that you will take advantage of all public libraries have to offer, but even if you don’t, your community is a better place with a library in it.