Texas Border Business
The McAllen Public Library is celebrating once again for a Best in Show win in the prestigious Texas Library Association Branding Iron Awards (TLA). The compelling application, written by MPL employee and poet laureate Priscilla Suarez, highlighted the Wild West Casino Fundraiser which directly supported the South Texas Book Festival (STBF).
The South Texas Book Festival is the library’s annual celebration that combines literacy, regional and national authors and children’s entertainment in a festive atmosphere that promotes a lifelong habit of reading for pleasure.
“I am so proud of the work that the McAllen Public Library does not only to make the South Texas Book Festival a success, but also, to promote literacy throughout McAllen and South Texas,” said Assistant City Manager Joe Vera. “This award only highlights the talent and creativity found at the McAllen Public Library, for the benefit of our entire community.”
Overall, there were 29 entries across five categories for excellence in creative marketing and public relations projects. MPL has previously won a Branding Iron category award in 2019 for the rebranding of the South Texas Book Festival.
“TLA Branding Iron Award judges were impressed by the creativity and breadth of the event, as well as its prowess as a fundraiser with organizers raising more than double their goal, said Shirley Robinson, Texas Library Association Director. “Marketing materials, designed by library staff, were creative and well-thought out, reaching their audience through print, digital and social media channels. We congratulate McAllen Public Library on this fun and unique event which will inspire other libraries seeking to enhance their fundraising events.”
The winning entry will also be featured in the summer issue of the Texas Library Journal published in June.
