New Braunfels Public Library Earns Statewide Achievement of Excellence Award for 11th Straight Year
When a public library earns statewide recognition once, it’s impressive. When it happens 11 years in a row, it becomes a reflection of something deeper — consistency, trust, and a community that values access to learning.
The New Braunfels Public Library has once again been selected to receive the 2025 Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association (TMLDA), marking the 11th consecutive year the library system has earned the distinction.
Out of 516 public library systems across Texas, only 101 were selected for the 2025 award — placing the New Braunfels Public Library System in the top 20% statewide. For residents, that means their hometown library continues to meet and exceed rigorous standards for public service, programming, and community engagement.
What the Achievement of Excellence Award Means for New Braunfels Residents
The Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award is issued annually by the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association to recognize libraries that demonstrate consistent excellence and outstanding contributions to their communities.
For families in New Braunfels, this recognition isn’t just a plaque on the wall. It reflects:
- Access to high-quality educational programming
- Workforce literacy development support
- Outreach to underserved populations
- Cultural and topical events for all ages
- Safe, welcoming spaces for students, parents, and seniors
In a fast-growing city like New Braunfels, where families, retirees, and young professionals continue to relocate, strong public library services help anchor the community — supporting property values, educational outcomes, and lifelong learning opportunities.
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A Year of Milestones at the New Braunfels Public Library
Throughout 2025, the New Braunfels Public Library marked several notable accomplishments that contributed to earning this statewide recognition.
Among the highlights:
- Rebranding of the library’s mobile outreach program, expanding access beyond the Main Branch
- Distribution of 1,800 Books for Babies bags to encourage early childhood literacy
- Creation of a dedicated Tween Zone at the Main Branch Library
- Launch of the first Teen Advisory Board cohort, made up of 14 members
- A Teen Back to School Dance organized by teens for teens
- Two new ongoing teen-specific programs
- More than 22,000 participants in Summer Reading programs during June and July
- Over 55,000 launches of the library’s smartphone mobile app in 2025
Those numbers represent more than participation metrics. They reflect parents bringing toddlers for story time, teens finding leadership opportunities, students using quiet study areas, and residents downloading e-books on the go.
Leadership Perspective
Library Director Cole Johnson credited the staff’s dedication and community-centered focus for the continued recognition.
“This award demonstrates the hard work and dedication of our staff as they provide important services to the community,” said Johnson. “That includes planning and delivering programs to underserved populations and patrons of all ages and interests, promotion of cultural, topical, and educational programming, as well as providing workforce literacy development support.”
His comments point to something many residents already know — the New Braunfels Public Library serves as more than a place to check out books. It functions as a literacy hub, workforce support center, youth engagement space, and cultural gathering point for Comal County.
Why Strong Public Libraries Matter in Growing Texas Cities
As one of the fastest-growing areas in Central Texas, New Braunfels continues to experience residential and commercial expansion. In communities facing rapid growth, public libraries often become essential infrastructure — supporting:
- Early childhood literacy and school readiness
- Job seekers and workforce development
- Digital access and technology training
- Community programming and civic engagement
Recognition from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association places New Braunfels among leading library systems statewide — reinforcing the city’s reputation for investing in quality-of-life services that benefit homeowners, families, and local businesses alike.
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What Happens Next
With 11 consecutive years of Achievement of Excellence honors, the question becomes not whether the New Braunfels Public Library will continue to evolve — but how it will continue expanding services to meet the needs of a growing population.
Residents interested in learning more about the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association and the Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award can visit tmlda.org.
To explore library programs, events, digital resources, or volunteer opportunities at the New Braunfels Public Library, visit newbraunfels.gov/library.
As New Braunfels continues to grow, its public library remains a steady presence — offering access, opportunity, and connection for every stage of life. Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continued coverage of the programs and initiatives shaping your community.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
