McAllen Public Library is celebrating being a recipient of two notable awards. The library is the 2018 recipient of the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award as well as a Texas Library Association Branding Iron Award.

Each year, TMLDA confers awards for outstanding contributions to public libraries. To receive the Achievement of Library Excellence Award, the applicant must exhibit excellence in providing services to underserved and special populations. It must also be active in enhancing services, marketing their programs and services in innovative ways, and promoting cultural, topical, and educational programming. Other qualifications include providing literacy support and summer reading clubs, pursuing collaborative efforts and providing for digital inclusion. Applicants should also support workforce development and comprehensively train staff.

Of the 548 libraries in Texas, only 51 were recipients of award. This places the MLP in the top 10 percent of libraries in the state in 2018 in excellence of services, programs, marketing and staff training. This is the fifth year for MPL receiving the award.

The TLA Branding Iron Award honors the creative work libraries do to promote their programs, resources, and events. MPL’s recognition is in the “Rebranding” category for the promotional campaign revamping the McAllen Book Festival to the South Texas Book Festival. Announcement of the Branding Iron Awards given every year in ten public relations categories comes at the TLA Annual Conference.