Lubbock Public Library Receives Libraries Change Communities Award

The Lubbock Public Library is honored and grateful to announce it is the 2025 recipient of the Texas Library Association (TLA) Libraries Change Communities Award.

This award is presented annually to a collaborative community effort that recognizes positive achievements and promotes outstanding library-based initiatives in Texas. The award recognizes good practice in an innovative library-related effort that involves communities, demonstrates imagination and innovation, and has the potential to be developed and adapted elsewhere.

The Lubbock Public Library won this award for the 2024 City-Wide Back 2 School Bash with Texas Tech University. On Saturday, August 3, 2024, the event welcomed 12,800 people from Lubbock and the West Texas area where they received free backpacks, school supplies, immunizations, and more. Attendees also received free haircuts and access to a community resources fair, which featured over 100 vendors.

In an effort to create a one-stop-shop for back to school needs, the Lubbock Public Library, along with many local non-profits and agency partners, collaborated to make the 2^nd Annual Back 2 School Bash with Texas Tech University a success.

The city-wide Back 2 School Bash with Texas Tech University will continue this year on Wednesday, July 30 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center to connect local families to resources in their community, as well as provide the necessary school supplies to start the school year off strong.

Library Director Hannah Stewart stated, “I could not be more pleased or proud of the library team for their efforts”. 

Library representative Kaitlyn Call, Groves Branch Manager, will receive the award at the 2025 TLA Annual Conference this April in Dallas on behalf of Charley Whalen, Kaye Aguilar, Yadriel Dehoyos, Carly McGrath, David Franks, and the entire library team for their support and hard work.