City of Kyle Community Engagement Librarian, Jesus Hernandez, was voted in as a Board Member At-Large for the 2026 Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS). ABOS is a national organization that supports libraries in extending services beyond traditional brick and mortar buildings and into the community through outreach and mobile services.
Since joining ABOS in 2024 and attending two annual conferences, Hernandez has applied many of these best practices to the library’s local outreach efforts in Kyle. Serving on the board—and leading a committee—allows the Kyle Public Library and the City of Kyle to contribute to national conversations on equitable access, community engagement, and service innovation, while continuing to strengthen how we serve our residents locally.
In his role as Community Engagement Librarian, Hernandez leads the Kyle Public Library’s outreach efforts, including driving and operating the Mobile Library and coordinating services beyond the library’s physical walls. He regularly brings library resources directly into neighborhoods through apartment visits, community events, and school and city programs. In addition to Mobile Library services, Hernandez represents the library through tabling and community engagement initiatives designed to reduce barriers and expand access for residents across Kyle.
Below, Hernandez reflects on what he has learned through ABOS, why outreach is central to library work, and what continues to inspire him in his role at Kyle Public Library.
What have you learned from ABOS conferences that you have been able to apply to outreach practices at KPL?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve gained from ABOS conferences is the importance of truly understanding the community you serve—who lives there, who uses the library, who doesn’t, and why. Outreach isn’t just about showing up; it’s about being intentional and informed. Through ABOS, I’ve learned from a national network of outreach professionals whose collective experience ranges from practical details, like selecting safe and effective service locations, to broader strategies such as identifying and nurturing meaningful community partnerships. That shared knowledge has strengthened how we plan, adapt, and deliver outreach at KPL in ways that reflect the real needs of our community.
Why do you think library outreach is important? How did you get into this field?
At my core, I’m a library lover. Libraries have always been a part of my life, and outreach feels like a natural extension of that passion. Outreach has always been part of library work—it’s simply the act of meeting people where they are. My familiarity with Kyle, combined with an understanding of its rapid growth and changing needs, made this role especially compelling. I see outreach as a way to ensure that as our city grows, access to information, services, and connection grows alongside it. I genuinely see a bit of myself in every library user, and that perspective continues to shape how I approach this work.
What is your favorite part about library outreach?
My favorite part of library outreach is being connected to the pulse of the city. Kyle is no longer a small town, but it isn’t a large metropolitan area either—we’re something uniquely in between. Being part of outreach means helping shape what our community identity looks like as we grow. The Mobile Library allows us to be present in that evolution, meeting people where they are and participating directly in the rhythms of daily community life. That sense of connection and shared growth is incredibly meaningful to me.
What encouraged you to apply for a board position?
Supportive leadership has played a major role in encouraging me to step into opportunities like this. Having leaders who believe in my work and encourage professional growth gave me the confidence to pursue a board position I might not have otherwise considered. Their support helped me recognize the value of my perspective and experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute at a broader level through ABOS.
As Hernandez steps into this national leadership role, his work continues to reflect a commitment to ensuring library services grow alongside the community they serve. Learn more about the Kyle Mobile Library at cityofkyle.gov/MobileLibrary.
