Whether you’re a long-time patron or new to the library, staying informed about our latest happenings is easy.
One way to keep up-to-date is by visiting our website, where you can check the latest news and register for programs that require signing up. It’s a convenient way to see what’s coming up and ensure you don’t miss out on any exciting events.
Another great resource is our print newsletter, available at the library. This monthly publication includes a calendar of events and highlights new book titles. It’s perfect for those who prefer a tangible way to stay informed and enjoy flipping through pages to discover what’s new.
For those who like to receive updates directly to their email inbox, signing up for our weekly eBlast is an easily accessible option. This weekly update provides single-click access to programs and allows you to reserve new books. It’s also a great way to stay informed about the latest movies and book titles, ensuring you’re always in the loop with what’s happening at the library.
Stay connected and make the most of what the Southlake Library has to offer!
Access the library website calendar for upcoming programs:
Sign up at our website to get weekly updates.
For over two and a half years, Dylan Duque has been a vital part of the City of Southlake, bringing energy, dedication, and a passion for community engagement to the Economic Development and Tourism (EDT) Team. Initially serving as the Festivals and Events Coordinator, and now as the Economic Development and Tourism Specialist, he has worn many hats in the department – each of them focusing on making Southlake a place you love to live.
"A typical day for me could involve working on social media or website content for Visit Southlake and Select Southlake, attending ribbon cuttings hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, and collaborating with local businesses," Dylan said. “Every day is different, and I’m always learning new things.”
But Dylan isn’t just focused on the logistics of economic development; he’s driven by the opportunity to connect with people to contribute to the success of Southlake in meaningful ways. For him, every day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to help someone in the community.
“I’m passionate about having a positive impact on people’s lives—whether it’s being part of an event or meeting new business owners and residents. I want the person standing in front of me to know that I’m here to help,” he says.
His dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, Dylan was honored with the Employee Appreciation Director’s Award for Administration, recognizing his outstanding contributions. This well-deserved award is just one marker of success for an eventful year. In 2024 alone, Dylan and the EDT team have worked on a range of exciting projects, including the Solar Eclipse event, the Open Rewards program to support local businesses during slower sales periods, and a revamped New Biz List that highlights incoming businesses to Southlake.
As Southlake continues to grow, Dylan’s commitment to community engagement and economic development will undoubtedly continue to leave a lasting mark. His hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication to making Southlake a great place for both residents and visitors have made him an invaluable asset to the City.
You can view Dylan’s full 2024 Employee Appreciation Director’s Award in Administration below:
This week on SLK City Spotlight, Mayor Shawn McCaskill, Councilmember Frances Scharli, and Councilmember Randy Robbins talk with Coach Ken Goodman about the high school barbecue league, how the team works together, and their appearance on Magnolia Network’s BBQ HIGH.
Click the link below to see the Carroll Dragon BBQ Team in action:
The City of Southlake invites the community to join us in honoring and thanking our military veterans at a special Veterans Day celebration. The event will take place on Monday, November 11th at 9:00 a.m. on the front steps of Southlake Town Hall. Light refreshments will follow.
This gathering offers a meaningful opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to the men and women who have made the brave decision to defend our country and our freedoms. We encourage residents to come together to show their support and appreciation for our veterans.
We look forward to seeing you there as we honor those who have served!
Chief Casey’s opening remarks thanked the officers of the department for their “relentless dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts to serve and protect the community of Southlake.” She also thanked Chief Luna’s family stating “behind every successful officer, is a family who makes sacrifices and provides a strong support system, and they play an essential role in an officer’s overall success and well-being.”
Chief Luna is a U.S. Army veteran, and has 20 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, promoting to the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant and Captain. He has served as Police Captain in a variety of operational roles in the department since 2015, and he has served as the Commander for North Tarrant Regional SWAT for the past 8 years. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, he holds a Master Peace Officer Certification, and he is a recent graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session 291.
“Your promotion is a direct reflection of your exceptional skills, dedication, and commitment to upholding our department’s values,” Chief Casey said. “I am confident that you will embrace your new role and responsibilities with integrity, and you will inspire and empower those around you to excel to new heights.”
As the City’s first-ever Development Engineer, Sandy Endy has become a pivotal force in linking the Planning and Development, Building Inspections, and Public Works Departments. Her innovative approach and tireless work ethic have made her an invaluable asset to Southlake’s development efforts, earning her the 2024 Employee Appreciation Planning and Development Services Director’s Award.
Sandy joined the City four years ago, stepping into a role that had not existed before. Since then, she has meticulously navigated the complexities of her role and has established herself as an integral piece of the department. Her responsibilities include reviewing engineering plans for grading, utility, and paving to ensure compliance with city ordinances, while also addressing resident inquiries related to engineering.
“Sandy being the first development engineer for Southlake has truly blazed her own trail,” said Planning and Development Services Director Dennis Killough. “She has taken on some extremely difficult situations and handled each with great poise and confidence, finding workable solutions.”
Sandy’s unique role requires not just technical expertise but also exceptional interpersonal skills. Her ability to foster collaboration across various departments is crucial in maintaining the city’s reputation for excellence in urban planning. By effectively linking Planning, Building Inspections, and Public Works, Sandy ensures that each project is executed efficiently and adheres to Southlake’s rigorous standards.
“There are many things I love about my job,” Sandy explained. “I would say the biggest reason is the trust and respect I get from my supervisors and coworkers. I’m passionate about the fact that I get to work with great people and do something I enjoy every day.”
Her proactive approach extends beyond daily tasks. Recently, Sandy has been working on documenting standard operating procedures for her role, a step aimed at ensuring that her expertise is shared and that future team members can build upon the foundation she has laid.
“Sandy’s dedication to finding the right solutions rather than the easy ones, coupled with her follow-through, reflects her commitment to the city’s goals of integrity, excellence, and innovation,” Director Killough added. “We’ve found her indispensable in achieving our goals for high quality development.”
Sandy Endy’s work exemplifies how one individual’s commitment to teamwork and excellence can drive a city’s success. Her contributions have helped shape Southlake’s development in meaningful ways, ensuring that the city continues to grow while adhering to its high standards of quality and innovation.
You can watch Sandy’s full 2024 Employee Appreciation Planning and Development Services Director’s award video below:
As the fall season sets in, Southlake is ready to welcome two iconic cultural events — Oktoberfest and DiwaliFest. Hosted by the Southlake Chamber of Commerce and the Southlake Foundation respectively, these festivals promise to bring the community together through food, music, and celebration. Be sure to mark your calendars and don’t miss out on the fun!
Southlake Town Square will transform into a Bavarian wonderland from October 11th to 13th, as Oktoberfest celebrates its 23rd anniversary. This festive event kicks off on Friday at 4:00 p.m. and continues through Sunday evening. Visitors can indulge in authentic German cuisine, enjoy live music, and participate in activities such as the famous Wiener Dog Race & Costume Contest!
Admission to Oktoberfest Southlake is free, and this year the festival is cashless, accepting credit and debit cards for purchases including food, drinks, and kid zone wristbands.
You can find more information, including the schedule of events and hours of operation on the official Southlake Oktoberfest website.
A celebration of light, culture, and community awaits at DiwaliFest in Southlake Town Square on October 26th, 2024! This family-friendly event aims to showcase the rich traditions of India through music, dance, and culinary delights from various regions.
The festival is from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and features traditional Indian dances, entertainment, and an array of delicious foods. DiwaliFest offers cultural immersion for all ages, providing a glimpse into the vibrant heritage that enriches our community.
These two festivals are a perfect way to celebrate the fall season in Southlake. Whether you're enjoying Bavarian traditions at Oktoberfest or soaking in the festive atmosphere of DiwaliFest, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out—mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and join us for an exciting lineup of food, fun, and community spirit!
This nationwide event highlights the incredible resources and programs libraries offer to their communities, and Southlake is no exception. At the Southlake Public Library, explore an extensive collection of books for all ages. Whether you’re looking for the latest bestsellers or timeless classics, the Southlake Library has you covered. Plus, the digital library, featuring Libby and cloudLibrary, offers eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines ensuring you have access to a world of content right at your fingertips.
The library isn’t just about books; it’s a hub of activity for the entire family. For the little ones, the library offers engaging programs like Garbage Truck Story Time, where kids can get up close with a real garbage truck, and KizArt, where they can create their own masterpieces to take home. Adults can also join in the fun with a diverse range of classes, from cooking sessions to art workshops & more. You don’t need a library card to participate in our programs. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun! Past favorites include the mooncake cultural experience, candle making, and painting tote bags. These programs are designed to inspire creativity and provide a fun, educational experience for all participants.
Join the Celebration
Don’t miss out on the excitement this September. Visit the Southlake Public Library, sign up for a library card, and explore all the amazing resources and programs the library has to offer. Whether you’re a book lover, a digital media enthusiast, or someone looking for a fun activity, the Southlake Public Library is the place to be.
If you are interested in getting started, you can find more information at the website: Library Card | Southlake, TX - Official Website (cityofsouthlake.com)
The Programs Team wrapped up its annual Club Metro Camp earlier in August, which is a part of the Adapted Recreation program named Club Metro. For those unfamiliar, Club Metro is designed to provide enriching experiences for adults and teenagers with special needs. Club Metro Camp consists of three one-week sessions in June, July, and August.
Club Metro Camp offers diverse environments where participants can socialize and explore new experiences alongside their friends. The camp fosters an atmosphere of acceptance and support, ensuring that every individual has the tools they need to engage in activities tailored to their abilities. With a focus on inclusivity and personal growth, Club Metro Camp provides a welcoming space for everyone. The activities these Campers participated in were games, crafts, sports, and STEM activities.
One of the Camp’s highlights is its field trips, which offer campers opportunities for learning and enjoyment. The field trips are designed to provide educational experiences that go beyond the Camp. For example, at the Best Maid Pickle Emporium, campers learned more about pickle-making and sampled a variety of pickle flavors ranging from sweet to spicy. This field trip was an educational adventure everyone enjoyed.
Some other field trips the campers took part in were the Frontiers of Flight Museum, Evo, Tornado Terry’s, Medieval Times, Meow Wolf, Sea Life Aquarium, the Southlake Library, and more.
Out of these exciting educational field trips, there were a few fan favorites. Kailey Elrod said, “I liked the library because I read Harry Potter and the Dork Diaries.” Another camper, Greg Podjan, mentioned: “The flight museum was really cool because of all the planes.”
Overall, the camp was a success this past summer, and Club Metro Camp 2025 planning is well underway for some new fun and exciting activities! We can’t wait to see you next year!
Mark your calendar for Sunday, September 29, from 4:00-5:30 PM, and join the Southlake Arts Council and APEX Arts League for an afternoon of creativity and community at the Fall Art Exhibit and Reception. This year, we’re excited to showcase the captivating work of local artist Bethany Klein, whose pieces beautifully blend her love for animals, nature, and the surreal.
Bethany’s passion for art has been a lifelong journey, beginning in her childhood. Over the years, her artistic style has evolved from realism to more dreamlike surrealism, allowing her to tap into the imaginative wonder she remembers from her youth. Her work invites viewers to experience the natural world through a lens of creativity and whimsy.
This event is the perfect opportunity to meet Bethany in person, explore her latest creations, and immerse yourself in the enchanting world she portrays. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or simply looking for an inspiring way to spend a Sunday afternoon, this reception is one you won’t want to miss. Plus, light refreshments will be provided to enhance your experience.
Bethany’s work will be displayed in the Town Hall Lobby from September 20th until November 1st.
Come celebrate the beauty of the season and the talent of an extraordinary local artist—see you there!