North San Antonio News

The City of Boerne’s Patrick Heath 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.

“The staff at the library continuously develop new and innovative programming while ensuring our core services are delivered with excellence,” Library Director Kelly Skovbjerg said. “We love being able to create a space for the community to come have fun and learn something new.”

To successfully receive the Achievement of Library Excellence Award, the applicant must exhibit 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 library celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022 with 50’s-themed programming and activities throughout the year. With regular activities for babies all the way to seniors, the library has no shortage of things to do. They also have some noteworthy and unique offerings like Killer Crafts, where you can listen to a true-crime podcast while crafting, or the Monthly Makerspace, where patrons learn a new type of craft like wreathmaking or embroidery.Other community-centered programs include monthly visits to senior centers and homes, where library staff conduct arts and writing programs and provide technology help. Staff are also actively recording oral histories of locals to be included in the online Dietert Community Archives.Of the 542 public libraries in Texas, only 73 received this award in 2022.

Original source can be found here.