By Brittany Anderson
KYLE — Paul Phelan, Kyle’s well-loved Director of Library Services, announced his departure during the Kyle City Council meeting on July 19.
Paul Phelan, left, with acting city manager Jerry Hendrix during the July 19 city council meeting. Phelan is leaving to pursue another passion in San Antonio after six years of service as Kyle’s library director.
Phelan has been in the position since February 2016. Prior to coming to Kyle, he served as the library director in Greenville from 2005 to 2014 and Corsicana from 2014 to 2016.
“I think the best and most notable thing Paul has done is [bring] all of the new programs that have come to the library,” said Jerry Hendrix, acting city manager. “We tasked Paul with creating the library of the future, and I think every day the future gets closer and closer and closer. … I always refer to him as the coolest library director in Texas.”
Phelan’s next adventure will be teaching inner-city youth at the Estrada Achievement Center in San Antonio.
“I know the discussions we’ve had about the new library, and I think that’s going to be probably the coolest library that’s ever been built, and I really do believe that. I think that’s going to be a great journey,” Phelan said. “For me, as much as I’m sad to leave that behind and my staff and a city that I’ve enjoyed, I started out this life as a teacher, and that’s what I’ll be doing. … I’ll be getting back to that and maybe giving something back to the community, hopefully. I know this library will be in good hands with our great staff.”
