July 2024

We have lots going on this month!

Two University Students Talking in the Library
Girl with a Pink Shirt Reading a Blue Book in the Fort

This year was the first time all three locations participated in a coordinated series of Juneteenth programs. Our Palm View Branch’s Juneteenth Tote Bags program gained regional attention from the media (Juneteenth events teaching the Valley about the holiday (krgv.com). As part of Juneteenth, the Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers visited at the Main Library to share the history and stories of the six military regiments of the regular U.S. Army, known as the U.S. Colored Troops and nicknamed the Buffalo Soldiers. These brave African-Americans kept the peace after the Civil War. Our history books may not mention them, but we were fortunate to meet these veterans through their stand-in personas and view artifacts from the Civil War period. You can find out more about the Buffalo Soldiers’ legacy, here:  https://www.bcbsatx.com/history2.html


Our Interlibrary Loan services are back up and running on our new, improved platform! It’s simple and easy to use, On our ILL page, we provide a brief step-by-step guide to make a request of ILL items. Should you encounter any difficulties using the new platform, please contact us at interlibraryloan@mcallen.net or by calling (956) 681-3026.


There’s still time to join the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge! The Challenge ends on July 13th. This year, we have had record numbers of attendees at our many programs at all three locations. Check out all of July’s programs by visiting our website at https://mcallenlibrary.libnet.info/events. Planning to travel, but don’t want to get weighed down with vacation reads? Check out our e-branch digital books at https://mcallenlibrary.net/books-more/e-branch/ and select a title to borrow through Libby or cloudLibrary.


In closing, I wish to thank our partners at McAllen ISD Child Nutrition for providing lunches and snacks to youth under the age of 18 years over the summer. As of June 21, more than 1,060 youth benefitted from this free service at the Library. The last day will be August 1.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy July 4th


I was born in Tampico, Mexico. I graduated Valedictorian of my Medical School at the UNE Universidad Del Noreste in 1984 where I met my husband Ken. We are happily married and will be celebrating our 40th anniversary this August. We have 4 children Pamela, Peter, Kyle, and Brittany and 4 grandchildren.I enjoy watching movies, traveling, exercising, gardening, reading and overall spending time with my family and friends.

What do you enjoy most about being on the Library Advisory Board?

I enjoy working with like-minded people, which I consider is the first step to build camaraderie and become a strong team as Board Members and Advocates for our Library. I firmly believe that by providing quality programs and innovative ways to get our community involved, we are helping to strengthen the future generations to become good positive productive citizens.


What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

It's what my dad said when I asked him why some people suffer so much and he answered: "You are the Architect of your own destiny" I never forgot what he said, and now that advice/statement resonates profoundly with me.


What is your favorite book genre? And why?

At the moment, probably Romance. I'm a sucker for people being so in love with one another that it changes the narrative of the story.


What book are you currently reading?

If You'll Have Me by Eunnie

What do you enjoy most about working at a library?

My co-workers! I've met so many wonderful people through the library I would've never had the opportunity of meeting without it.


What are 3 things that make you happy?

Flowers, Sweet Treats, and Plushies

Happening Now at MPL!

MPL Kids Program Highlights

Main Library

Baby Storytime

Tuesdays, 

July 2nd, 16th & 30th

1:00PM

Reading Rodeo Storytime

Wed. July 10th

2:00PM

LIT4MOM

Thu. July 25th

9:30AM

Lark Branch

Fun with Dance

Wed. July 3rd

1:00PM

Guess Who?

Fire Department

Mon. July 8th 

1:00PM

Tea Party In Wonderland

Fri. July 19th

1:00PM

Palm View Branch

Adventure Day w/

Edinburg World

 Birding Center

We. July 3rd

2:00PM

Fun Monday:

Ren Fest Mania

Mon. July 8th

2:00PM

Bilingual Storytime w/

Easterseals RGV

Wed. July 10th

2:00PM


Click Here For More MPL Kids Programs!

MPL Teens Program Highlights

Main Library

Food Adventures: 

Boba Tea

Fri. July 5th

2:00PM

Tween Takover:

Pokémon Go!

Sun. July 14th

4:00PM

Teen Magic:

The Gathering

Tue. July 18th

2:00PM

Lark Branch

Paint Rage

Tue. July 2nd

6:00PM

ASL Workshop

For Beginners

Tue. July 23rd

 2:00PM

Dungeons & Dragons

Tue. July 30th

 2:00PM

Palm View Branch

Gamers Unplugged

Thu. July 11th

12PM - 5PM

Click Here For More MPL Teens Programs!

MPL Adult Program Highlights

Main Library

Unfolding Poetry Workshop

Tuesdays,

July 2nd & 16th

7:00PM

Creative Photography

Sat. July 2oth

2:00PM

Nature Series 

Wasping Around!

Sat. July  27th

2:00PM

Lark Branch

Knitting Group

Tuesdays,

July 2nd to 30th

2:15PM

Life Drawing

Tue. July 16th

2:00PM

Adult Magic

the Gathering

Sat. July 20th

2:00PM


Palm View Branch

Eating Smart, 

Being Active

Tuesdays,

July 2nd & 9th

10:30 AM

Financial Literacy

w/ Rio Bank

Mon. July 8th

11:30AM

Family Crafts

Tue. July 9th

12:00PM

Click Here For More MPL Adults Programs!

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McAllen Public Library

4001 N 23rd St,

McAllen, TX 78504

PH: 956.681.3000

Hours:

Monday - Thursday

9:00AM - 9:00PM

Friday - Saturday

9:00AM - 6:00PM

Sunday

1:00PM - 9:00PM

Lark Branch 

2601 Lark Ave,

McAllen, TX 78504

PH: 956.681.3100

Hours:

Monday - Thursday

10:00AM - 9:00PM

Friday - Saturday

10:00AM - 5:00PM

Sunday

1:00PM - 9:00PM

Palm View Branch 

3401 Jordan Rd W,

McAllen, TX 78503

PH: 956.681.3110

Hours:

Monday - Thursday

10:00AM - 9:00PM

Friday - Saturday

10:00AM - 5:00PM

Sunday

1:00PM - 9:00PM

Content Editors:

Melissa Kobayashi & Sean Wrinkle

Layout & Design:

Melissa Kobayashi

McAllen Public Library   
4001 N. 23rd Street
McAllen, Texas 78504
Phone: 956.681.3000
E-mail: referencelibrarian@mcallen.net