Mission

Partners Library Action Network (PLAN) is dedicated to strengthening Texas public libraries.

Vision

PLAN sees a future in which all citizens know, use, and benefit from excellent library services.

History

In 1969, the Texas Legislature passed the Texas Library Systems Act which created the framework for the 10 regional systems. The CTLS, along with the other 9 systems, received little state funding for a number of years. Over time, the funding increased and many new libraries were established to serve the rapidly growing central Texas population. In 1975, the System was comprised of 32 public library members. By 1985, the CTLS membership numbered 44 libraries serving central Texas. In 1995, 60 libraries were members, and in 2005, the system had 76 member libraries. In the fall of 2004, 54 member libraries voted to join a non-profit corporation for the purposes of administering the system grant. On September 1, 2005, CTLS, Inc. was awarded a contract to manage the System and TANG grants from the Texas State Library. In 2012, funding from the Texas State Library ended.

For almost 30 years, from 1973 to 2002, the system office was housed in the basement of the Austin History Center, the old Austin Public Library building in downtown Austin. Between 2002 and 2005, the System office moved three times.

In 2021, our membership elected to rename Central Texas Library System (CTLS) to Partners Library Action Network (PLAN). PLAN is now headquartered at 5806 Mesa Dr, Suite 375, Austin, TX 78731. Staff members work diligently to assist over 215 member libraries with the daily challenges of running a public library in Texas.