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Austin Public Library Receives Library Excellence Award

City library system recognized as one of the top 15% of library systems in Texas

The Austin Public Library has received the 2022 Achievement of Library Excellence Award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association (TMLDA), an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League. Of the 542 public library systems in Texas, only 73 received this award for 2022, putting Austin Public Library in the top 15% of library systems in the state. 

“I am grateful to all APL employees whose hard work helped our library system earn this distinction,” stated Austin Public Library Director Roosevelt Weeks. “I am also grateful to the TMLDA for this honor, but even more so, I am proud of the excellent service that we provide for our community that helped us earn this award.”

To successfully earn the Achievement of Library Excellence Award, a library system must demonstrate excellence in each of ten categories:

  1. Services to underserved populations either through outreach, special programs, collaborations with other libraries or organizations, special classes, special collections, etc. 
  2. Innovative and effective marketing materials highlighting basic services and publicity about specific programs the library offers
  3. Collaborative efforts with community organizations
  4. Enhanced service to the public during the past year either through increase in service or a change in type of services
  5. Literacy support for all ages (including summer reading programs)
  6. Support for digital inclusion through public internet access, digital literacy training, and online library services 
  7. Support for workforce development
  8. Cultural, topical, and educational programming for adults and families
  9. Professional staff training to include training opportunities for staff at all levels 
  10. Any other initiatives that speak to library excellence

The Austin Public Library demonstrated its distinction with its many programs and services in 2022, including an expansion of access to library materials by doing away with overdue fines, providing outreach and services to unhoused individuals, and a robust calendar of classes, workshops, and cultural events for all ages.