Texas State Library and Archives Commission

May 28, 1971, the highly decorated soldier and Hollywood star Audie Murphy passed away in a plane crash at the age of 46. Murphy was a native Texan and after serving in WWII went on to a career in the arts. He became a popular actor and appeared in numerous films. Murphy also co-wrote the best-selling book, "To Hell and Back," in addition to writing hit songs. He has been honored posthumously in the state with a memorial, statue, a veterans hospital with his name, and annual Audie Murphy Day celebrations.

Image: Audie L. Murphy, 1945. Audie Murphy Day photograph collection, 1973/155-53. TSLAC.

Spotlight: Sergeant Frank I. Dulaney

Frank Irby Dulaney was born on June 30, 1891, in Rio Frio, Texas. Prior to his enlistment, he worked for the Gulf Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad in Silsbee, Texas. Dulaney was drafted into the United States Army’s 360th Infantry, Company C. After completing his training in August 1918, Dulaney was sent off to the European Theater. On June 21, 1919, the unit was demobilized. Dulaney passed away on July 29, 1964, and was buried in Houston, Texas.

Image: Sergeant Frank I. Dulaney, United States Army, 1918. James H. Young Collection, 1983.019. SHC, TSLAC.

Learn more about our collections at SHC at: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/shc

Spotlight: Sergeant James Hogg Young

We’ve recently been featuring photos from our collections of those from the region who have served in the U.S. military with the series . On Memorial Day, we recognize Sergeant James H. Young. Young was born September 3, 1882, in Liberty County, Texas, to Joseph and Mary Young. In 1917, he enlisted in the United States Army and trained in San Antonio. After a five-week training, Young traveled to France in 1918 with the 360th Infantry, Company C, where he served on the front lines in World War I. On September 15, 1918, during the St. Mihiel Offensive, Young was killed in action. He was first buried in France, but his body was returned to the United States in 1921. Young was reburied in Moss Hill Cemetery.

Learn more about our collections at SHC at: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/shc

Image: Sergeant James Hogg Young, United States Army, 1918. James H Young Collection, 1983.019. SHC, TSLAC.

Reminder: We will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, reopening on Tuesday, May 26, at 8:00 a.m.

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Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing each exhibit panel from the Texas America250 exhibit, on loan from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (Texas State Library and Archives Commission). The exhibit can be seen in person at the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library through July 4, 2026.

Texas flag and seal design by Peter Krag, approved January 25, 1839. Texas Secretary of State legislative bills and resolutions filed (General and special laws), 2-7L/3.

Who is excited about our 2026 Texas Great Reads announcement earlier this week? 🙋 The Texas Center for the Book has chosen "Hank the Cowdog #83: The Case of the Poison Toad" by John R. Erickson as this year's youth selection, and "Small Town Author," also by Erickson, as the adult selection.

When it came time for the National Ranching Heritage Center, a museum and historical park at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, to find a way to teach kids about ranching life, Hank the Cowdog was a natural fit.

“There’s a real authenticity to Hank,” said Julie Hodges, the Helen DeVitt Jones Endowed Director of Education at the Center. “John Erickson wrote about the ranch experience based on his real experience. He really was a cowboy, and he lives on a ranch to this day. And kids, I think, can see that truthfulness. The books are funny, but they also have heart, courage, friendship, and responsibility woven through them.”

Read more in our recent interview with Hodges over on the Texas Bookshelf Chronicles blog, "Author of “Hank the Cowdog” Spurs Children’s Curiosity About Life on the Range": https://www.tsl.texas.gov/tcfb/author-of-hank-the-cowdog-spurs-childrens-curiosity-about-life-on-the-range/



Texas Tech University Press The Library of Congress

Libraries strengthen communities in ways that extend far beyond their walls.

Our May “In the Spotlight” post highlights how Texas public libraries are creating meaningful opportunities for connection across generations through family celebrations, teen-led STEAM programming, and senior wellness initiatives.

From Presidio’s annual community Easter Egg Hunt, to Plano’s youth-driven STEAM Showcase, to Castroville’s growing senior wellness activities, these stories demonstrate how libraries respond directly to local needs while fostering belonging, learning, and civic engagement.

Together, these programs show the public value of strong library leadership and the powerful role libraries play in building healthier, more connected communities for all ages.

Read the full post and discover how Texas libraries are leading community-centered impact every day: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ld/librarydevelopments/2026/05/20/in-the-spotlight-may-2026/

Presidio Public Library Plano Public Library Castro Lib

When U.S. President William McKinley paid a visit to Texas in May of 1901, the capital city greeted him with a parade and this decorated arch at the gate of the State Capitol building. This photo is from one of five scrapbooks kept by Mabel H. Brooks with images that capture scenes from around the city of Austin from 1866-1920. Photographers Samuel B. Hill, Hamilton Biscoe Hillyer, and William James Oliphant are represented throughout the collection, which has been digitized and is part of the Texas Digital Archive (TDA). View more images of the McKinley visit and other scenes from Austin in the Brooks collection:
https://tsl.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/SO_5ec6d6a7-c479-4eeb-be85-ae5d8421b752/

Image: The Arch of Welcome to President McKinley at Capitol Gate, Austin, about 1901. Mabel H. Brooks photograph collection, 1932/005-5. TSLAC.

More than 250 public and school libraries across Texas have registered for the Texas America250 Reading Challenge! Adults and kids across the state are reading books, listening to audiobooks, attending library events, volunteering in their communities and visiting state parks, all to reach the 2500 minutes (about 41 hours) required for the certificate. Are you doing the Reading Challenge? Post a photo and tag us ( on all platforms)! https://www.tsl.texas.gov/america250/challenge

Seen here, students at Robert B. Frazier Elementary in Pasadena are doing the Reading Challenge and also recently viewed our traveling exhibit in their school library; the Ponder Jr. High Lions student council gave out popcorn to promote the Reading Challenge and encourage participation!

We are now accepting applications from external and internal applicants for the following job posting:

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IV (Archives and Information Services Division)

Browse and apply for this and other positions on our Employment Opportunities page: www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs