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April 2024 | We have lots going on this month!
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Experts say that if you want to be smarter, just read a book. A 2013 study by Emory University (https://bit.ly/esciencearticle) showed that reading not only forged new pathways in the brain, but that the new pathways remained, suggesting that stories not only change us figuratively, but biologically also. How can we read more? In a sense, increasing your reading time may parallel increasing your exercise time. It can help to make a plan based on what you want to read and how much time you can devote to it. A reading plan doesn’t necessarily tie you to a schedule, but it may include a goal or pledge to keep you motivated.You might start with reading for 15-20 minutes on your lunch break, or instead of watching TV.
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Another great idea is to read your grown-up book while your children read their books for 15 minutes before you read to them – a silent reading party! Many people like to sign up for a reading challenge at Goodreads by downloading the free app, or by using the reading challenge each year on Sugarpop (https://bit.ly/popsugarreadingchallenges). Not only can you track the number of books you are reading or have read on Goodreads, but you can also sign up for a chance to win free books. MPL offers physical books and e-books from popular celebrity book clubs, such as the ones from Jenna Bush, Oprah, Shondaland, and Reese Witherspoon. You can search for the e-book titles on the Libby app or cloudLibrary app. Have fun and keep reading!
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Teens can experience the revamped comfort of our Teen Department with fresh cushion upholstery updates. After 14 years of bustling activity and teen engagement, the cushions reflected years of wear and interactions around the staff desk where teens connect with our friendly library staff. We've now replaced cushions with brand new ones, creating a cozier and more inviting atmosphere. Our updated cushions ensure many more years of connection and enjoyable experiences. Whether teens stop by to chat with library staff, have study sessions, or play video games, they are welcome to swing by and relax in our teen-friendly space!
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Families are invited to join McAllen Public Library’s
award-winning Día de los Niños!
Día de los Niños, Día de los libros, also known as Children’s day/Book day, is a celebration of culture, literature, and community. This year’s lineup will highlight the talent of McAllen’s Nikki Rowe High School Mariachi Azteca, as they kick off the event with a vibrant performance. Families can expect author presentations by Monica Velasquez and Gaby Tijerina, as well as crafts, snacks, a teen arcade, and community partners! Children and teens will also have the opportunity to receive a FREE book while supplies last. |
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For more information about the event, please contact the Children’s Department at 956.681.3010
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4th Annual World Languages Festival
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The fourth annual World Language Festival was a success with over 2500 attendees highlighting our diverse communities, cultures, world languages, and cultural heritage. With performances from Master Storyteller, Kim Lehman to Akshaya Dance Academy, Thigpen-Zavala Folkloric Dance Group, K-POP, Samulnori Performances and much more, it was a celebration music, storytelling and honored traditions. In our ongoing mission to celebrate world languages and foster vibrant communities, we provide a platform for representation of all nations around the world.
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Another Fantastic South Texas Book Festival Year!
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Library Advisory Board!
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Ofelia
Averack Board Member
Linda
Castillo Board Member |
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Alison A. Brovold
Board Member
Andrew
Perez Board Member
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Laurel T. McLeaish
Board Member
Nathaniel R.
De La Cruz Board Member |
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Kate
Horan Library Director
Lauro
Tijerina Board Member |
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Dr. Joseph
K. Ryan Board President
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I was born and raised in Mercedes, Texas and attended Mercedes High School. I graduated from Smith College with a major in Government, and went on to Texas Tech University School of Law. I’ve been a practicing attorney since 2004, working as a criminal prosecutor for Hidalgo County for ten years and the remainder in private practice.
I met my husband in law school and we have three smart and funny kids. We also have a dog named Sally and a cat named Millie. |
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What are 3 things that make you happy?
Three things that make me happy are a good book, exercise, and a good cup of coffee!
What do you enjoy most about being the Library Advisory Board Member?
I love being on the library board because it feels so good to think I’m making a little difference in our community. My library in Mercedes was on my way home from school and it was such a respite from my daily life and a gateway to learning so many new things. I know McAllen Public Library does that for many people in our community. I also love that my kids see what an important institution public libraries are-that they are worth dedicating our time and effort to.
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What is your favorite book genre? And why?
Non-fiction - I especially love reading about the rich history of the Rio Grande Valley from the lived perspectives and experiences of local authors. I also really enjoy flipping through the vibrant pages of children's fiction books.
What do you enjoy most about working at a library? Nothing beats seeing the excitement on a patron’s face when they find an item from our delicately curated collection they get to take home.
If you could have an animal sidekick, what would it be? Why? I would love to hang out with the loyal Dante, the ancient Aztec dog of the gods (Xoloitzcuintli) from the movie "Coco." It would be nice to travel to the “land of the remembered” and reconnect with departed loved ones even if it is just once a year.
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Happening Now at MPL!
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| MPL Kids Program Highlights |
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Main Library
| Solar Eclipse Picnic at Orchid Park Mon. April 8th
1:00PM | |
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Library Week
Scanvenger Hunt Mon. April 8th - 10th All Day | |
STEAM Sunday Sun. April 21st 2:00PM |
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Lark Branch |
Little Einsteins Science Club Mon. Apr. 1st & 15th 6:00PM |
| National Library Week Craft
Mon. Apr. 8th - 10th 11:00AM | | Creative Mornings
Wed. Apr. 3rd, 17th & 24th 11:00AM |
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Palm View Branch
| Bilingual Storytime Every Tuesday 11:00AM |
| In-B-Tween Club: Zine Making
Thu., April 4th 6:00PM | |
Stay & Create: Flower Poems Thu., April 18th
6:00PM |
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MPL Teens Program Highlights
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Main Library
| TAC Meeting Sat. April 6th & 13th 3:00PM |
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Taylor's Version Sun. April 14th 2:00PM | |
STC Presents: Pizza & Poetry Expo Thu., April 25th
6:00PM | |
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Lark Branch |
LUCKY! Reader Scratcher Mon., Apr. 8th - 30th All Day |
| Create a Board Game Sat. April 13th
2:00PM | | Backwards Karaoke
Thu., April 25th 6:00PM |
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Palm View Branch
| Level Up! Mon. Apr. 1st & 15th 4:30PM |
| Gamers Unplugged Mon. Apr. 8th & 22nd 4:30PM | |
Sketching Night Wed., April 24th 4:30PM |
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MPL Adult Program Highlights
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Main Library
| Unfolded Poetry Workshop Tue., Apr. 9th & 23rd 7:00PM | |
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Your Pathway To Homeownership Sat., Apr. 13th
10:00AM & 2:00PM | | Noche de Pláticas
Wed., Apr. 24th 7:00PM |
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Lark Branch |
Life Drawing Tue., Apr. 9th 6:30PM |
| Resume Building Thu., Apr. 18th
6:30PM | | Intro to Excel
Wed., Apr. 24th 7:00PM |
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Palm View Branch
| Library Week Bookmark Wed., April 11th 11:30AM |
| Liver Health w/ McAllen Research Medical Center Wed., April 17th
12:00PM | | Noche de Poesia
Wed., April 23rd 6:00PM |
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Library e-Resource of The Month
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| | Follow Us For All Our Events & Updates! |
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| Visit All Our Locations! |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Content Editors:
Melissa Kobayashi & Sean Wrinkle |
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Layout & Design:
Melissa Kobayashi |
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