Awards & Recognition

McAllen Public Library has received local, state, national, and international recognition for its architecture, library services, programs, events, and community impact.

An Award-Winning Library

Most Beautiful Library in Texas | 2016

Main Library was named the Most Beautiful Library in Texas by Tech Insider for its architecture and design.

Texas Architect Magazine | 2013

Main Library was featured in Texas Architect, with its Teen Department featured on the magazine's cover.

Top 100 Libraries to Follow on Facebook | 2013

Recognized among the top 100 libraries worldwide to follow on Facebook by marketing expert Matt Anderson, recognizing the library’s growing online community engagement.

AIA Honor Award | 2013

Main Library received an American Institute of Architects Honor Award for its architecture and adaptive reuse.

Library Interior Design Competition | 2012

Main Library received top honors in the Public Libraries Over 30,000 Square Feet category for its interior design and transformation of a former retail building.

Library Excellence Awards

TLA Lifetime Achievement Award | 2025

Library Director Kate P. Horan received the Texas Library Association's Lifetime Achievement Award for her leadership and contributions to the library profession.

Achievement of Library Excellence Award |
2014–Present

MPL has received the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association's Achievement of Library Excellence Award for excellence in library service.

Readers' Choice Award | 2018

Lark Branch Library received a Reader’s Choice Award for Best Customer Service in Hidalgo County from "The Monitor."

Festival & Event Awards

Texas Festivals & Events Association | 2019–2025

McAllen Public Library has received numerous Kaliff Marketing Awards recognizing festival programming, marketing, sponsorships, community outreach, publications, websites, and volunteer programs.

Recognized events include the South Texas Book Festival, Día de los Niños, World Cultures Festival, Summer Reading Challenge, and other library programs.

International Festivals & Events Association | 2019–2025

McAllen Public Library has received multiple Pinnacle Awards recognizing excellence in event programming, marketing, sponsorships, and community outreach.

Recognized events include the South Texas Book Festival, Día de los Niños, World Cultures Festival, Summer Reading Challenge, May the 4th, and library fundraising events.

Marketing & Outreach Awards

Texas Library Association Branding Iron Awards

2024 | Fundraising
Fiesta! Casino Night Fundraiser & Taquiza Night

2023 | Public Library
South Texas Book Festival Strategic Plan

2022 | Best in Show
Wild West Casino Fundraiser

2019 | Rebranding
McAllen Book Festival to South Texas Book Festival campaign