TLA 2025 Award Winners Announced
Please congratulate the winners of the 2025 TLA Awards! These awards were presented at the Texas Library Association 2025 Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas.
Kate Horan was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Kate Horan is the Library Director at the McAllen Public Library. Previously, she was the Assistant Director of Public Services. The Lifetime Achievement award recognizes an exemplary career in librarianship, an extended record of service, active participation in professional organizations, and creative leadership and service to the library profession.
Under her leadership, the McAllen Public Library has expanded its community programming and integrated innovative technologies to enhance library access. She has been a driving force in creating opportunities for learning and connection, launching signature events that have earned national and international acclaim and left an indelible mark on the McAllen and Rio Grande Valley community.
Minda Anderson, Librarian at Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, won the Librarian of the Year Award.
Minda Anderson is a librarian at Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. Her leadership has helped shape training and guidelines for using artificial intelligence in Austin ISD libraries. She is a trusted mentor for Austin ISD librarians and has mobilized library supporters through cofounding the Friends of Austin ISD Libraries program.
Minda’s vision for school libraries places students at the heart of her work. Lynn Boswell, Austin ISD Trustee, remarked, “Minda’s leadership and innovation shine brightly through her work as a life-changing campus librarian, strategic advocacy for Texas libraries, and commitment to community, joy, and student voice. A deep love for libraries and people runs through everything she does.”
Karina Quilantan-Garza won the Distinguished Service Award.
Karina Quilatan-Garza began her library career in 2015 and has since made significant contributions to the Texas library community. She has served as chair of the Texas Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List Committee, a Conference Proposal Reviewer for the American Association of School Libraries, and as Vice President of the Library Special Interaction group of the Texas Computer Education Association.
This year, she is Chair-Advisor to the Texas Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List Committee, a MagiKids Libraries Lead, and an Advisory Board Member of Manga in Libraries. Karina’s expertise has fostered collaboration among teachers, students, and librarians, creating valuable learning opportunities in hybrid learning environments.
McKinney Public Library won the Branding Iron Best in Show Award.
The Branding Iron Best in Show Award honors innovative and creative marketing and public relations work created by librarians to promote their services, programs, and events. The McKinney Public Library commissioned a 3D chalk artist to create an interactive art installation in a public park before a Halloween event that attracted over 6,000 attendees. The project increased the library’s social media interactions and resulted in strong event attendance. Through this unique experience, the library effectively connected with the broader community, displaying effective engagement strategies that can be replicated to captivate residents across age groups.
Keralee Clay was awarded the Benefactor Award
Keralee Clay, Interim President and CEO of the Amarillo Area Foundation, was presented with the Benefactor Award. Through her efforts, the Amarillo Area Foundation and the Friends of Amarillo Public Library secured grant funding for the library’s Makerspace from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Makerspace offers a facility for art projects, repairs, and business experimentation and has been integral to boosting library attendance and meeting the community’s evolving needs over the past two years.
Amanda Kennair, founder of Friends of FBISD Libraries, won the Outstanding Services to Libraries
Amanda Kennair organizes the Friends of FBISD Libraries, a group of parents, educators, and community members committed to protecting student access to diverse books. She has worked to keep her community informed about the district’s reconsideration process and advocated for librarians’ inclusion.
Fort Bend librarians have praised Amanda’s perseverance in her advocacy, stating, “The community would not have known all of this was unfolding without Amanda’s trusted voice and diligence. Many people would have backed down under this sort of pressure, but Amanda remained steadfast in her support of libraries and the right to read in our school district.”
City of Lubbock Libraries was awarded the Libraries Change Communities Award
The City of Lubbock Libraries, under the leadership of Library Director Hannah Stewart, organized the 2024 Back-2-School Bash with Texas Tech University. This event was designed to ensure that Lubbock students could start the new school year confidently and well-prepared. The event drew 12,800 attendees and collaborated with 107 community partners to provide cost-free resources for the local community.
The Lubbock City Council has recognized library staff and leadership for the successful reinvention of Bash. Carla Olson, Executive Director of the Parenting Cottages, praised this community-focused effort, stating, “The event was led and would not have taken place without the incredible leadership by the City of Lubbock Libraries. Our libraries are a unique resource in our community and deserve recognition for the programming and service they give to our community every day.”
The Sam G Whitten Intellectual Freedom Award was awarded to the founders of the Texas Freedom to Read Project
Laney Hawes, Frank Strong, and Anne Russey, the Founders of the Texas Freedom to Read Project, were awarded the Sam G. Whitten Intellectual Freedom Award. This award honors anyone actively promoting or fighting for intellectual freedom in Texas.
The Texas Freedom to Read Project strives to defend, protect, and preserve the rights of every Texan to read and access information and ideas freely. The group has become a prominent advocate for many Texans who oppose book banning. Their efforts have been essential in promoting collaboration and creating a unified message for legislators and the public.