The Tocker Foundation was established by Phillip and Olive Tocker to further their philanthropic interests. After years of supporting a broad range of causes, the Foundation identified a unique need in small, rural Texas libraries serving populations of 12,000 or less. Consequently, the foundation now focuses on partnering with these community libraries to address their specific needs, enriching local communities through improved library services.
The Tocker Foundation seeks to support the continuing education of rural librarians in Texas. Through specific initiatives like the Texas Library Association (TLA) Travel Stipend, the foundation provides financial assistance to staff at rural libraries, enabling them to attend the TLA’s annual conference. This opportunity allows attendees to learn from field experts, discover new vendors, network with peers, meet authors, and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) at designated sessions. This focus on professional development is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of librarians in small, rural settings, ensuring they can better serve their communities.