Kyle Public Library wins 2020 Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award

KYLE, TEXAS – The Kyle Public Library is a recipient of the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association’s (TMLDA) 2020 Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award — making it in the top 10% of all public libraries in the State for the fifth consecutive year. 

Each year TMLDA confers awards for outstanding contributions to public libraries. Of the 568 public library systems in Texas, The Kyle Public Library is one of only 56 who have earned the 2020 Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award.   

To successfully receive the Achievement of Library Excellence Award, applicants must exhibit excellence in 10 categories:  

• Services to underserved populations either through outreach, special programs, collaborations with other libraries or organizations, special classes, special collections, etc.   
• Enhanced service to the public during the past year either through increase in service or a change in type of services  
• Innovative and effective current marketing materials highlighting basic services and publicity about specific programs the library offers  
• Cultural, topical, and educational programming for adults and families  
• Literacy support for all ages  
• Summer reading club   
• Collaborative efforts with community organizations  
• Workforce development support  
• Digital inclusion support by providing public internet access, digital literacy training, and offering library services online   
• Professional staff training to include training opportunities for staff at all levels   

The Kyle Public Library demonstrated distinction with its many programs and services including many innovative and educational events and activities throughout the pandemic such as socially distanced Santa visits and crafts; online interactive videos to promote curiosity and exploration with “Science Discovery” and a dual language storytime called “Los Cuentos;” and 20,000 Reads Under the Sea, an online Summer Reading Program. Preceding the pandemic, the Kyle library had launched an interactive event educating children on the importance of groundwater with “Caves, Wildlands, and Groundwater of Kyle” as well as an in-depth exploration of some of the world’s earliest art with a presentation and exhibit entitled “Art in Maya Culture.”  

“These programs and events are just a few of the ways that the Kyle Public Library serves the community in diverse and often innovative ways,” Library Director Paul Phelan said. “We are constantly looking for ways to bring new resources, services and meet the needs and interests of Kyle residents, even in the midst of unprecedented circumstances.”  

TMLDA is an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League. A full list of award winners is available on the TMLDA website.