The City of New Braunfels is announcing the selection of Cole Johnson as the Director of the New Braunfels Public Library.
Johnson’s selection comes following a nationwide search by the City, assisted by CPS HR Consulting, an executive recruitment firm in Austin, Texas. Johnson comes to New Braunfels from the City of Austin where he served as a Division Manager of Branch Services for the Austin Public Library, where he oversaw operations at 21 library branch locations.
Following the retirement of Gretchen Pruett, Johnson officially took over the role of New Braunfels Library Director on September 1st. He now oversees more than 30 City of New Braunfels employees who are providing library services and programs at two library branches and the Westside Community Center. He will also play a key role in opening a third library branch in the rapidly growing southeast region of New Braunfels. That $28.5-million, 23,000-square foot facility was approved by voters in the 2023 bond election and is currently in the design phase.
“I’m excited to join the New Braunfels Public Library and lead the way as we adapt to meet the needs of our rapidly growing community. Today’s libraries are vibrant centers of learning, discovery, and play. Much more than a repository of books, libraries are welcoming spaces for creativity, community connection, exploration, and lifelong learning,” said Johnson. “Our libraries are interactive spaces where patrons of all ages are encouraged to experiment with new technologies, engage in hands-on learning, and discover new passions. I invite everyone in New Braunfels to join us in this exciting new chapter of our library’s story.”
Johnson’s goal is to ensure that the New Braunfels Public Library rises to the challenge of meeting the complex informational, cultural, and educational needs of the community, and he brings with him 16 years of professional library experience, including designing spaces and planning programming that encourages discovery and creativity.
To learn more about Library staff, resources, and programs, visit www.newbraunfels.gov/library.