McAllen Public Library Celebrates National Library Week with Two Distinguished Awards
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Apr 8, 2019, Comments Off
Courtesy Laura D. Garcia,
(Laredo, Texas)-,The McAllen Public Library kicked off a bevy of accolades and recognitions, starting with National Library Week, April 7- 13, 2019, an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.
This year’s theme, “Libraries = Strong Communities,” illustrates how today’s libraries are at the heart of cities, towns, schools and campuses, providing critical resources, programs and expertise. They also provide a public space where all community members, regardless of age, culture or income level, can come together to connect and learn.
“Library programs are designed to encourage community members to meet and discuss civic issues, work together using new technologies like 3D printing or learn alongside one another in English language or technology classes,” said Kate Horan, McAllen Public Library Director. “Library staff also partner with other civic and service organizations to actively engage the people they serve, always striving to make sure their community’s needs are being met.”
To celebrate, all three MPL locations will have special programs for all ages. All library programs are free and open to the public and cover a wide variety of interests, from technology and literature to crafting and gaming.
MPL is also celebrating being a recipient of not one, but TWO notable awards: the 2018 Texas Municipal Library Directors Association (TMLDA) Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award and a Texas Library Association (TLA) Branding Iron Award.
Each year, TMLDA confers awards for outstanding contributions to public libraries. To successfully receive the Achievement of Library Excellence Award, the applicant must exhibit excellence in providing services to underserved and special populations, enhancing services, marketing their programs and services in innovative ways, promoting cultural, topical, and educational programming, providing literacy support, in providing summer reading clubs, pursuing collaborative efforts, supporting workforce development, providing for digital inclusion, and in comprehensively training staff.
