The Texas Library Association (TLA) has launched its 2026 Member Referral Program, offering incentives to current members who recruit new colleagues or welcome back former members. The program, which runs through April 30, 2026, aims to expand the association’s statewide community, currently numbering almost 5,000 members, making it the largest state library association in the U.S.
Under the program, referrers will earn $10 in TLA Member Credit for each eligible referral. This credit will be delivered as a coupon code in September 2026 and can be used towards membership items only between October 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026. The credit cannot be combined with other discounts or used for event registrations or donations.
New members recruited through the program will receive a 10% discount on their 2027 membership dues. To qualify as a referral, the new or reactivated member – those who haven’t held a TLA membership in the last five years – must select the referrer’s name in the “Referred By” field on the membership form. The membership dues must be paid in full by the April 30, 2026 deadline.
The TLA will also recognize the top recruiter in the Texas Library Journal and through TLA Engage. Referrals are considered valid as long as the referrer is properly identified on the membership form and the membership is fully paid. Only one referrer will be credited per new membership.
The association cautions that referral credits may be removed or adjusted if a membership is refunded, voided, or found ineligible. Fraudulent or manipulated referrals, such as self-referrals, will be disqualified. The TLA’s mission, according to its website, is to “embrace, unite, and amplify voices of the library community to ensure library excellence for all Texans.”
