Rebecca Noah in front of the new arrivals shelf that greets visitors at the front door of the Herman Brown Free Library in Burnet. Noah was recently promoted from children’s librarian to assistant librarian. Staff photo by Suzanne Freeman
For 11 years, librarian Rebecca Noah has been called “Ms. Becky” by the kids who visit the Herman Brown Free Library in Burnet. Noah was promoted six months ago to assistant director, a job she loves, but she still misses the children’s program she ran.
“That’s the best job in the whole library,” she said. “You get just enough time to have fun, hang out with the kiddos, and just enough customer service. You get a little of everything.”
Noah got more than a promotion as a reward for her dedication to the job. She was voted Favorite Librarian in the Burnet area byThe Picayune Magazine readers and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune listeners in the 2025 Locals Love Us contest.
“I didn’t even know that was a thing!” Noah said when told she had been chosen.
It wasn’t—until this year. Although the Locals Love Us contest is 25 years old, 2025 is the first time Favorite Librarian has been a category.
“We’ve had librarians nominated in the Favorite Teacher category but decided this year that librarians needed their own recognition,” said Mandi Goldsmith, publisher of Victory Media, which owns The Picayune Magazine, KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune, 101 Fun Things to do in the Highland Lakes, and DailyTrib.com. “Librarians are at the center of a community’s culture. They manage an important ‘town square’ that opens up worlds of inspiration and learning to all ages.”
Noah humbly agrees.
“They are the hub of the community,” she said of libraries. “Books need to be available to everyone, although it’s not just books. The library offers a lot of extras needed by a large part of the community. We have magazines, newspapers, and computers. Overall, community access to information is available to everyone.”
The Burnet library has an “extra” community feel, Noah said. As an example, she pointed to the popular community jigsaw puzzle that takes center stage on the first floor. The puzzle changes often and draws people of all ages together to bond over a common project.
“People might think it’s just a puzzle, but it’s not just a puzzle,” she said with a knowing smile.
The library is also known for its extensive archives in the genealogy room. Another room hosts numerous community meetings, including for the Burnet County Historical Commission and the Burnet County Heritage Society.
When asked about her own contributions to the library, Noah instead spoke about her co-workers.
“Everyone who works here has a spirit and heart for service,” she said. “Everyone’s friendly and happy to greet people. We really strive to match everyone up with the resources they need. Everyone who works here goes above and beyond customer service.”
No matter what job she fills at the Herman Brown Free Library, Ms. Becky still has the best job, and our readers and listeners obviously know that!
