Amarillo Public Library Recognized by
Texas Municipal Library Directors Association

 8th Consecutive Achievement of Excellence Award for APL

For the eighth year in a row, the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association has recognized Amarillo Public Library with its Achievement of Excellence Award. Amarillo Public is one of only 73 of the 542 public library systems in Texas to earn this distinction, placing APL in the top 15% of all public libraries in the State.

To receive the award, libraries must demonstrate excellence in 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. Other initiatives that speak to library excellence

Director of Library Services Amanda Barrera says APL’s history of winning the award demonstrates the consistent excellence of Library staff. “We are grateful to TMLDA for recognizing our staff’s outstanding work year after year. 2022 was especially significant as we returned to in-person programming and hosted the Americans and the Holocaust traveling exhibition from the American Library Association and the US Holocaust Memorial Museum.”

Barrera says the award is possible because of the Library Advisory Board, City Management, and City Council who have always worked to ensure all Amarillo citizens have access to library services. “We’re also incredibly grateful for the support of Friends of the Amarillo Public Library who provide funding for some of our most popular programs.”

For more information contact Library Coordinator of PR and Programming Stacy Clopton at Stacy.Clopton@amarillolibrary.org.