Donate Books and Materials

Help build the Preservation Texas Institute Library by donating books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and other resources that support preservation and Texas history.

We are especially interested in materials covering:

  • Architecture

  • Art history and decorative arts in Texas, Mexico, and the South

  • Community heritage (Texas towns, counties, churches, businesses, organizations, schools)

  • Construction and building trades 

  • Cultural landscapes and agriculture

  • Folklore, literature, music, and poetry of Texas

  • Food, particularly local cookbooks from Texas and the southern U.S. 

  • Natural history, birding, hunting, exploring and similar topics

  • Law, economics, politics, and public policy

  • The philosophy, aesthetics, and economics of preservation

  • Resources that place Texas architecture and history in regional, national, or international context

We are also interested in:

  • Works published by the Jenkins Publishing Co. or San Felipe Press

  • Books listed in John H. Jenkins's Basic Texas Books and Cracker Barrel Chronicles

  • Books designed by Carl Hertzog of El Paso

  • Works related to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Texas and the U.S. in the 19th and 20th century, enhancing our understanding of Trinity University's origins

  • Works related to the Methodist Church in Texas and the U.S. in the 19th and 20th century, enhancing our understanding of Westminster College's origins

  • Books, papers, and related items owned or used by students or faculty of Trinity University (1869-1902) or the two Westminster Colleges (1903-1972)

  • Papers and documents of any kind related to historic preservation efforts in Texas belonging to individuals or organizations

All donations are carefully reviewed for addition to the permanent collection. Materials that do not fit the collection may be used to support the library through book sales or fundraising events. Your donations help expand access to knowledge, preserve valuable resources, and support historians, educators, researchers, and the public.

To learn more or discuss a donation, please contact us at 512-667-6500. We can arrange to travel to you for larger collections, otherwise, items should be delivered to our San Marcos office.