McAllen Public Library Director Kate P. Horan Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Texas Library Association

The City of McAllen is proud to announce that Kate P. Horan, Director of the McAllen Public Library, has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Texas Library Association (TLA), the highest honor given to a library professional in the state. This recognition celebrates Horan’s remarkable career, visionary leadership, and transformative impact on the library profession and the McAllen community.

“It’s not every day you get to celebrate a leader who has not only shaped a department, but also touched thousands of lives in the process,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “Kate Horan has redefined what it means to be a public servant, ensuring that our library is a place of opportunity, belonging, and lifelong learning. This award is a testament to her heart, her dedication, and her legacy in McAllen.”

Horan has led the McAllen Public Library system since 2006, guiding it through transformative growth and national recognition. Under her leadership, the main library was relocated into a repurposed big-box store—turning a vacant retail space into the largest single-floor public library in the United States, a project that has since been featured in international design and public service publications.  She redefined what a public library can be, especially in a diverse, bilingual, and growing community like McAllen. Under her leadership, the McAllen Public Library evolved into a vibrant community hub, known for its award-winning South Texas Book Festival and her initiatives have emphasized accessibility, literacy, innovation, and inclusivity—turning libraries into dynamic community centers for lifelong learning.

Her visionary approach prioritized equitable access to technology, literacy, and learning. She transformed the Palm View Branch Library into a true community center, expanded library programming to serve patrons of all ages, and created spaces that welcomed everyone—whether they needed a story time, computer access, or a quiet place to dream.

McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil added, “Kate has built more than just programs—she’s built opportunities. Whether you’re a child learning to read, a jobseeker using the library’s resources, or a first-generation student discovering a love for learning, Kate has made sure our libraries are there to support you. Her work is a model for communities across the state.”

Horan’s legacy also includes championing bilingual programming, expanding digital access, increasing professional development for staff, and building strong community partnerships. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic ensured uninterrupted access to vital services through creative curbside pickup, virtual programs, and expanded online resources.

In response to the award, Horan expressed gratitude and reflection:

“This honor means the world to me, not because of the recognition, but because of the people it represents—our staff, our patrons, our community. I’ve always believed that libraries are about hope. We offer hope through knowledge, connection, and access. I’m deeply humbled and proud to have spent my career building that hope in McAllen.”

In addition to her local achievements, Horan has made significant contributions at the state and national level, serving as Co-Chair of the TLA Conference Planning Committee, Chair of District 4, and Past President of the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association. Her leadership has helped shape library policy and best practices across Texas.

The Texas Library Association praised Horan’s lifelong dedication to equity, literacy, and community enrichment.

“Kate’s career has been defined by her unwavering belief that libraries are the heart of a community,” said Gretchen Pruett, Immediate Past President of the Texas Library Association. “Her leadership, mentorship, and vision have had a ripple effect far beyond McAllen, inspiring a generation of library professionals and making a lasting impact on Texas libraries.”

Thanks to Horan’s vision, the McAllen Public Library has earned numerous accolades, including 11 Texas Municipal Library Excellence Awards, the Best in Texas Award from the Texas Festivals & Events Association, and a three-time Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festival & Events Association. But more than awards, it is the community’s continued participation, engagement, and pride in their library that best defines her legacy.

For more information about McAllen Public Library and its services, visit www.mcallenlibrary.net.