Municipal Library Directors Association recognizes Garland – Garland’s library has earned the state association’s Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award for demonstrating consistent excellence and for its contributions to services within the community.
Only 84 of the state’s 545 public libraries earned the recognition from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association. And it’s the 19th consecutive year in which Garland has received the honor.
Service areas considered for the award include workforce development services to the unemployed and underemployed; digital inclusion through online services, including those that teach computer skills; providing programs that offer cultural, topical and educational opportunities; literary support services; summer reading programs; innovative marketing; and ongoing training of staff.
Downtown Square, Streetscapes Project earns award – Garland’s Downtown Square and Streetscapes Project has won the Dallas Business Journal’s Best Real Estate Deals Award in the Community Impact category! 
The city’s project was one of 55 finalists up for 18 BRED Awards, which honor cities, developers, architects and other organizations across North Texas.
The square and 14 blocks of streetscapes were rebuilt over two years to create a stronger sense of connectivity and walkability. This downtown makeover was a massive undertaking, representing a full redesign of over 60,000 square feet. Construction used 45 tons of structural steel, five tons of concrete and 650 tons of stone. It added 1,300 square feet of new shade structures, over 290 new light fixtures, 400 feet of wall seating and 100 new chairs. The redesign also included extensive landscaping, with an impressive 68 new trees, over 280 large grasses and plants, and 5,000-plus flowers and small plants.
The square itself now features a swooping promenade, an expansive recreational lawn for daily use as well as special events including concerts, a children’s area with an urban water feature, a shade pavilion for smaller programs and a colorful new gateway feature.