Goals include growing membership and outreach
Texas Border Business
(McAllen, TX) City of McAllen Library Director Kate P. Horan, MLS, has been elected president of the Texas Municipal League Directors Association (TMLDA). She is the first library director from South Texas to be elected president since the start of the organization in 1966. The Texas Municipal Library Directors Association was organized to promote the public library profession, improve the methods of providing library services, and maintain high standards of professional ethics.
“I am honored to have been elected president of TMLDA, an organization that helps all libraries in Texas better serve their communities,” said Horan. “I look forward to serving our members and welcoming new ones.”
Horan’s goals include increasing members and improving the organization’s communication when sharing news and information.
“I hope to encourage more member libraries to apply for the annual TMLDA Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award. It’s a great way to show mayors, commissioners, and the public the outstanding ways in which libraries serve their communities.”
This year will be the first of a two-year term for Horan. The organization currently boasts a membership base of 72 members. The TMLDA Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award is the big annual project for the association, which recognizes outstanding library services and programs. Last year, 44 libraries were awarded, including the McAllen Public Library. Additionally, TMLDA hosts training sessions at the annual statewide conferences for both municipalities and libraries.
“This is a great opportunity for the McAllen Public Library to showcase its innovative programs to the rest of the state,” said City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. “I am extremely proud when our directors take the lead in professional organizations and especially for the various Texas Municipal League associations that help all of our municipalities serve better. Good job Kate!”
TMLDA advances outstanding leadership and best practices in library and information services through advocacy and networking, and seeks collaborative alliances with the Texas Municipal League, the Texas Library Association and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. TMLDA also provides a former president to be on the TML Board of Directors and establishes primary objectives on behalf of libraries when the Texas Legislature meets.
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