Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Cross Timbers Library Collaborative (CTLC) Conference! This conference provides the opportunity for libraries across the Cross Timbers Region to showcase activities, services, and technology happenings in their libraries related to this year’s theme: "The Next Chapter: Community, Creativity, and Collaboration"
The Cross Timbers region is a unique ecological zone of woodlands and prairies that stretches from Central Texas through Oklahoma and into southeastern Kansas:
We are proud to welcome Patricia Alvarado-Barnes as the Keynote Speaker for the 2026 Cross Timbers Library Collaborative Conference.
Patricia serves as the Director of Library Media Services for Dallas ISD, leading one of the largest school library systems in Texas. Since 2022, she has led a period of significant growth and innovation, helping expand the district’s librarian workforce from 92 librarians to more than 200 in the 2025–2026 school year.
Under her leadership, Dallas ISD has strengthened its library program through a clear vision centered on literacy, equity, innovation, and student learning. She led the development of an evaluation rubric for librarians aligned to the district’s Library Standards of Service, helping define and support high-quality library programs across the district.
Patricia has also helped build the future pipeline for the profession by creating a pathway for certified teachers to become certified school librarians and by partnering with universities, including Texas Woman’s University, to encourage and increase enrollment in school library certification programs.
Her work continues to position school libraries as dynamic hubs for reading, research, digital citizenship, and innovative learning. She is also leading efforts in responsible AI integration to support teaching, learning, and library services in Dallas ISD.
Click Here to Submit a Proposal
Libraries are vibrant, ever-evolving hubs where community, creativity, and collaboration intersect. This year’s theme “The Next Chapter” celebrates not only the innovative programs and strong partnerships shaping our future but also the dedication and ingenuity of library employees who bring these ideas to life. What does the next chapter look like for you and your library users?
We invite proposals for:
Proposals should include a title, indicate predicted length, and be no more than 500 words.
The committee welcomes proposals from students, recent graduates, new librarians, paraprofessionals, and seasoned librarians. We encourage a variety of formats, including presentations on innovative approaches to current library challenges, workshops on specific topics, panel discussions on contemporary library issues, and other proposals for training and sharing information.
Our primary goal is to promote information sharing, bring awareness to successful (or unsuccessful) programs and projects, and provide an affordable training, development, and networking opportunity for library professionals in the region. Please consider topics such as:
We accept proposals from all types of libraries, including but not limited to academic, school, public, and special libraries. The proposal deadline is April 24, 2026.
Questions about proposals?
Contact us at ctlcprogramming@gmail.com
