MPL Connect
                                January 2024

Edited By: Sean Wrinkle, Claudia Villarreal-Quiroz and Arturo Benavides 

 Speaking Volumes – Director's Column – January 2024
 
Happy New Year to everyone! It’s the time of year when people make New Year’s resolutions, like exercising more, drinking less coffee, and reading more books. January can also be a time of winding down from the holidays and consequently finding ourselves in a reading slump. You know what I’m talking about -- you just can’t seem to find a book that’s the right fit. It happens to the best of readers! So, I’ve compiled a list of suggestions to help make the transition from slump to superb in the hopes that one or more of these will help.
  • Re-read a beloved book. There’s nothing like reconnecting with an old friend to rediscover joy!
  • Try reading outside of your usual genre. If fiction is your go-to, check out some sub-genres, such as romantasy – a portmanteau of romance + fantasy. Or go way outside of your comfort zone with a classic science fiction novel or a graphic novel.
  • No time to read? Try an audiobook while you cook, crochet, or drive. MPL has two ebook vendors, Overdrive and cloudLibrary. Both are free and downloadable using their apps and your library card. Ask staff for assistance. Once you get the hang of downloading digital books, you’ll be amazed at the array of available titles.
  • My personal rule is that if a book doesn’t grab me by the first couple of chapters, I’m onto another book. Super-Librarian Nancy Pearl advises readers to give any book about 50 pages before deciding to commit or give it up.
  • Consider reading magazines to flex your reading muscles until you’re ready to commit to a book. MPL has a variety of titles, both in-house and digitally through the cloudLibrary app.
  • Try a book of short stories or poetry. Just a few pages of reading can take you into the reading ether and calm your mind.
  • Speaking of poetry, there are many fictional books written in verse; that it, in poetic form. There are fewer words per page than standard prose and the narrative moves quickly through the pages.
  • Don’t be afraid to judge a book by its cover! Publishers spend a lot of resources designing just the right book cover art. Also read the blurbs on the back of a book to see if any of them resonate with you. You can check out a variety of books on our MPL displays.
  • Last, but certainly not least, ask one of MPL’s amazing librarians for recommendations. We are always ready to help you find that perfect title to fit your interest or mood.
 
Here’s hoping that 2024 brings you and your loved ones all the best in life and books. Keep reading!
 
 
Kate P. Horan, MLS
Library Director
 
 
 
The public was invited to take part in both of our Branches’ Grand Re-Opening events on December 6th for Palm View Branch Library and December 7th for Lark Branch Library. Library Advisory Board President, Dr. Joseph K. Ryan, and many special guests were on hand to offer remarks as we unveiled the revitalized spaces with vibrant new colors and designs, along with comfortable and functional new furniture for our patrons’ reading and study needs.
 
In his remarks, Dr. Ryan said, “Having been on the board for several years, I take immense pride not only in supporting but also in championing the incredible achievements of our library. It's truly a privilege to be part of this inspiring journey. As we approach the 23-year anniversary since the inaugural openings of the Lark Branch Library and Palm View Branch Library in 2001, we're thrilled to showcase the latest upgrades implemented in 2023.”
 
Thank you to Dr. Ryan, and to everyone who came out to celebrate with our Branches!
  
Palm View Branch Library
 
Lark Branch Library
 
Garza Elementary Student Singers
 
 
 
McAllen Public Library Outreach report 
 
On Friday December 1st, Teen Services Librarian Leslie Stickle and Children’s Services Supervisor Amanda Ramirez presented to the district librarians of Sharyland ISD. They highlighted annual and monthly programming for both the children's and teen department, as well as the abundant electronic resources available for our young patrons. In addition, they reviewed general McAllen Public Library services, such as how to get a library card and how to request a library tour and outreach for their school. All involved hope to continue to foster a partnership between public and school libraries, and cultivate a future full of lifelong readers and library patrons. 
  
 
 
Update to the Meeting Rooms Rentals 
 
Please be advised that starting January 1, 2024, there will be some changes to the Meeting Center rentals. Clients will be able to book rooms one week in advance, as opposed to the former 14 days in advance. Meeting Rooms A&B will be closed for rentals on Sundays to give custodial staff time to maintain those spaces to meet the highest standards of cleanliness.  All the remaining rental spaces will be available for rental on Sunday.
Current Hours of Operation 
 
Main Library
Monday - Thursday
9 AM - 9 PM
 
Friday - Saturday
9 AM - 6 PM
 
Sunday
1 PM - 9 PM
 
Lark & Palm View Branches
Monday - Thursday
10 AM - 9 PM
 
Friday - Saturday
10 AM - 5 PM
 
Sunday
1 PM - 9 PM 
  

Holiday Closings

McAllen Public Library will be closed on
Monday, January 1, 2024 
in observance of New Year's Day.


Children's Programs
 
For more information on children events, visit the MPLKids Facebook!
  
  
Program Highlight:
In-B-Tween Club (Palm View Branch)
January 18th at 6 PM 
  
Children's Programs
 Dia de los Tres Reyes Grab-n-Go Craft
while supplies last
  
Sunday Storytime
January 7th & 21st at 2 PM 
 
Toddler Storytime 
January 8th  & 22nd at 10 AM
 
Postpartum Support Circle
January 9th at 6:30 PM
 
Toddler Sensory Storytime featuring Capable Kids 
January 12th & 26th at 10 AM
 
Book-to-Screen Sunday
January 14th at 3 PM
 
Baby Playtime 
January 16th & 30th  at 1 PM 
 
Coloring Night 
January 31st at 6 PM
 
Nintendo Night 
January 18th at 5 PM
 
Once Upon A Time 
Storytime
(Lark Branch)
Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 11 AM 
 
Family Storytime 
(Lark Branch) 
Tuesdays at  6:30 PM
 
Kids Coloring Day
(Lark Branch)
January 3rd & 17th at 6 PM
 
Crafty Kids
(Lark Branch) 
January 10th & 24th at 6 PM
 
Family Night: Mario Kart 
(Lark Branch) 
January 15th at 6 PM
 
la Hora de los Cuentos 
(Palm View Branch)
Tuesdays at 11 AM
 
Toddler Time
(Palm View Branch)
Thursdays at 11 AM 
 
________________________________________________________________________________________

Teen Programs
 
For more information on teen events, visit MPLTeenFacebook!
 
 
Program Highlight:
Ringing in a Healthy New Year 
January 16th at 6 PM 
 
 Teens join Behavioral Health Solutions as we talk about setting goals, reducing stress, and developing healthier habits! Come by to learn and relax with fellow teens.
 
Teen Programs
 
 
Sit & Knit
January 4th at 2 PM
 
TAC Meeting 
January 6th & 20th at 3 PM
 
Domingo Bingo 
January 7th at 2 PM
 
Job Interview Skills 
January 11th at 6 PM 
 
Beat the Buzzer 
January 13th at 2 PM 
 
Teen Tech Camp 
January 24tth at 6 PM 
 
Tween Takeover 
January 28th at 6 PM
 
DIY Disco Ball 
(Lark Branch)
January 9th at 6 PM 
 
Friends Trivia 
(Mathew Perry Tribute) 
(Lark Branch) 
January 13th at 2 PM
 
Perler Bead Art
(Lark Branch)
January 16th at 6 PM
 
Pom-Pom Picture Frame
 (Lark Branch) 
January 23rd  at 6 PM
 
Color and Relax with Friends 
(Lark Branch) 
January 30th at 6 PM
 
Sketching Night 
(Palm View Branch) 
January 10th & 24 at 10 AM
 
Gamers Unplugged
(Palm View Branch) 
January 15th & 29th at 4:30 PM 
 
 Winter Manga Club 
(Palm View Branch)
January 16th at 4:30 PM 
 
 Level Up Club 
(Palm View Branch) 
January 22nd at 4:30 PM 
  

Adult Programs
 
For more information on adult events, visit the MPL Adults Facebook!
 
 
Program Highlight:  
Job Fair 
January 27th 
10 AM
 
McAllen Public Library in partnership with Workforce Solutions presents Job Fair.  Connect and network with over 40 employers.  Bring copies of your resume and be interview ready.
 
Adult Programs
 
Unfolded Poetry
January 2nd & 16th at 7 PM
 
New Year, New You: Let's Get Moving! Yoga
January 6th at 2 PM
 
MPL Gaming Club
January 9th & 23rd at 5:30 PM
 
Anime /Manga Club
January 11th at 7 PM
 
New Year, New You: Let's Get Moving! Chair Yoga
January 13th at 1 PM
 
Starting an Herb Garden
January 13th at 3 PM
 
Sunday Book Club
January 14th at 2 PM
 
Creative Crafts
January 17th at 6 PM
 
New Year, New You: Let's Get Moving! Salsa Dancing
January 20th at 2 PM
 
Enclosing the Fictions: Sorting Through the History and Distortions of the Holocaust
January 24th at 7 PM
 
Between the Pixels
January 25th at 7 PM
 
MPL Game Days
January 27th at 3 PM
 
Knitting Group 
(Lark Branch) 
Tuesdays at 2 PM 
 
Sketching Class 
(Lark Branch)
January 9th & 23rd at 6 PM
 
Virtual Painting Class 
(Lark Branch) 
January 19th at 2 PM
 
Painting Class
(Lark Branch) 
January 20th at 1:30 PM
 
3D printer orientation 
(Lark Branch)
January 20th at 2 PM
 
Adult Coloring 
(Lark Branch)
January 24th at 6 PM 
 
Basic Computer Class 
(Palm View Branch)
January 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st at 10 AM 
 
Classe de Computacion Basica 
(Palm View Branch) 
January 12th, 19th, & 26th  
 
Golden Gamers Day 
(Palm View Branch) 
January 17th at 10 AM
 
Painting with Ms. Susie 
(Palm View Branch)
January 29th at 12 PM
 


 
I"n Garmus’s debut novel, a frustrated chemist finds herself at the helm of a cooking show that
sparks a revolution. Welcome to the 1960s, where a woman’s arsenal of tools was often limited to
the kitchen—and where Elizabeth Zott is hellbent on overturning the status quo one meal at a time.”
—The New York Times
 
Registration is required.
Please call Lark Branch at 956-681-3100
 
 
 
 "Elegant, sinister, stylish and thrilling, The Maidens answers the weighty question, how do you go
about following one of the biggest thrillers of the past decade? You write something even better."
―Chris Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author of We Begin at the End 
 
Register online at https://mcallenlibrary.libnet.info/events 
 
Thousands of books at your fingertips.
Overdrive and Libby have got your reading handled.
 
Check out items from the comfort of your home. We have e-books, e-audiobooks, and reads for all ages and tastes, all available with a McAllen Public Library card.
 
Download the Libby app or visit mcallen.overdrive.com!
Thousands of e-books and e-audio books. 
Cloud Library
 
Check out items from the comfort of your home. We have e-books, e-audiobooks, and reads for all ages and tastes, all available with a McAllen Public Library card.

Login to the site here with your McAllen Public Library card!
Unlimited e-books selection for kids.
AR testing at home? Need books?
 
TumbleBooks is a service full of picture books, beginning readers, read alongs, and chapter books. The books are always available and have AR testing information included.
 
Login to the site here with your McAllen Public Library card!
Free online tutoring and more!
Free online tutoring and more. 

Tutor.com combines online tutoring, homework help, test preparation, and career support with a variety of self-study resources to provide a well-balanced and flexible educational environment.
 
Login to the site here with your McAllen Public Library card!
Collection of guides listed by topic. 
Library Subject Guides
 
A wide variety of guides organized by subject featuring library and internet resources on topics of cultural, historical, literary, and local interest. 
 
 
Access the page here!
Stream unlimited hit movies and series now!
 
 
 
Unlimited streaming shows and movies.
 
Get ready for endless entertainment with biblio+!
 
Discover more at https://ebook.yourcloudlibrary.com/library
Find us on Facebook!
Make the most of McAllen Public Library by following the Facebook pages that you're most interested in. All pages contain age-appropriate virtual content. It's one way MPL is keeping you connected!
  • For information about all library services and events: McAllen Public Library
  • For the parents of children birth up to 5th grade: MPL Kids
  • For teens from 6th grade through 12th grade and their parents: MPL Teens
  • For adults: MPL Adults
________________________________________________________________________________________
McAllen Public Library                                                        
4001 N. 23rd Street
McAllen, Texas 78504
Phone: (956) 681-3000E-mail: referencelibrarian@mcallen.netWebsite: www.mcallenlibrary.net

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