The city of New Braunfels is moving forward with the next steps of the brand-new Southeast Library Branch.

Zooming in: The Southeast Library will be located south of the Guadalupe River and east of I-35, off Walnut Avenue, and will add a new branch to the city’s existing library system to serve a fast-growing area, said New Braunfels Library Director Cole Johnson.

The project will be funded by the city’s $28.56 million voter-approved 2023 bond, Proposition C. The 23,520-square-foot library building is planned to have a youth- and family-focused design, as previously reported by Community Impact.

Quote of note: Johnson said the library will act as a place for residents of all ages to connect and learn.

“We’re going to be serving the youth there, providing them all kinds of activities, access to collections, community connections and technology,” Johnson said. “I’m really excited about it.”

The local impact: City leaders said the Southeast Library reflects a continued investment in public spaces that support learning, connection and quality of life for New Braunfels residents.

A new restaurant has opened inside a historic building in downtown New Braunfels.

Latest update: Old City Hall Restaurant & Bar opened on Feb. 17. It is located inside the old New Braunfels City Hall building, which first opened 97 years ago, according to a news release from the business.

The restaurant is owned by the Wiggins Hospitality Group, which was formed in 2009. The company also owns McAdoo’s Seafood Company and La Cosecha Mexican Table, according to previous reporting from Community Impact.

On the menu: Old City Hall Restaurant & Bar serves upscale American diner and steakhouse fare, from specialty gourmet burgers to beef tartare.

The restaurant can seat up to 200 guests and has additional private dining spaces. Old City Hall Restaurant & Bar also has a full-service cocktail bar serving traditional beverages and more, the release states.

• 200 N. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels

As New Braunfels’ population continues to grow, so does enrollment for its most popular summer camp—Camp Minnehaha.

Camp Minnehaha is the city's general summer camp program for children 5-12 years old. The camp offers various activities for children, including sports and games as well as arts and crafts, according to the city's website. 

In a nutshell: Since 2019, enrollment for the camp has increased by 44%, New Braunfels city officials said. City officials said the camp growth can be attributed to the city’s population growth and increased demand for youth programming.

In 2020, enrollment was reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, enrollment increased after the city added the Landa Haus facility. In 2024, camp enrollment increased to 180 after the city began using Seele Elementary School as a location for camp activities, city officials said.

City officials also said they are continuing to focus on providing a “consistent” and “positive” camp experience for families while maintaining program quality as demand continues to increase.