Johnson brings 16 years of library management experience, most recently serving as division manager of branch services at the Austin Public Library, where he oversaw 21 branch locations.
Johnson started on Sept. 1 and will lead efforts to open a third library branch in southeast New Braunfels. The new facility, supported by a $28.5 million bond approved by voters, is currently in the design phase, according to a Sept. 5 news release from the city.
Community Impact interviewed Johnson about his vision for the New Braunfels Public Library and its upcoming projects. The following has been lightly edited for style and clarity.
What are your top priorities for the New Braunfels Public Library, especially with the new southeast branch in development?
It’s a really good time to come on board because the southeast branch is set to open around 2027, and the design portion is still in progress. I will have real input into how the space operates. It’ll be roughly the size of our main library, about 23,000 square feet. I plan to implement modern library design principles, focusing on community spaces and study rooms for co-working. We’ll also be within walking distance of six schools, so we’re ramping up services for teens, including STEM programming. We’re starting a teen advisory board to hear what they want. I have a lot of experience in reimagining spaces, so I’m excited about this opportunity.
How do you plan to engage with the growing New Braunfels community to ensure the library meets their needs?
We’re well-positioned to engage the community, especially with our location recognizing where growth is happening. I’d like to conduct surveys and hold town hall meetings to get their input. We’ll use our expertise from working with the community to make sure our space reflects how they will use it. We hear a lot about wanting more shared working spaces and specific programming for kids and adults, so we’ll implement those ideas.
How will your experience in Austin influence your approach to managing New Braunfels?
In New Braunfels, I can really engage with my staff and mentor them more directly. ... Here, I’m excited about our daily check-ins and weekly team meetings. I want to ensure my staff feels supported because they are the ambassadors to the community.
How can residents get more involved in the future prospects of the library's programs and services?
We’re very responsive to community input. The initial conversations at the desk often lead to new initiatives. If someone has an idea for a program, we’re open to it. I’m also easy to reach at the main library, and I’m open to hearing community feedback.
There have been recent discussions about book challenges and potential removals. How will the New Braunfels Public Library approach these requests?
We have a Request for Reconsideration form in place. Our collection development policy guides us, and we rely on the expertise of our professional librarians. We purchase materials based on reviews, but we sometimes don’t see the books until they’re published. The library is for everyone in New Braunfels, and if someone doesn’t see a book that reflects their perspective, they can fill out a request for purchase form.
What would you like the residents and visitors of the New Braunfels library to know going forward?
It’s an exciting time for the New Braunfels Public Library. You’ll see a beautiful new southeast branch that reflects best practices in library design. We’re retooling our programming department and launching new initiatives. We also have a wealth of digital resources, including ebooks and audiobooks. We’re dedicated to meeting the changing demands of the community.
