September

2026

We have lots going on this month!

MPL Connect E-Newsletter Title

Going On Now at MPL!

Hispanic Heritage Month Graphic

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at all McAllen Public Library (MPL) branch locations! Join us throughout the month of September and October for children’s activities, crafts, historical presentations, book displays, and more as we celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, stories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.


 There’s something for all ages, so visit your local MPL branch and celebrate with us!

Pet Week at the Library with dates

Stop by McAllen Public Library throughout the week for pet-themed storytimes, programs, activities, and plenty of furry fun for all ages. Whether you’re a cat person, dog person, or love them all, there’s something waiting for you! 


For Schedule of Events, Visit:

https://mcallenlibrary.net/stbf/schedules/pet-week

Read Around Town with dates

During STIBF Presents: Read Around Town Week, local children’s authors will bring their stories to McAllen Public Library and locations across McAllen for a week of special events leading up to Main Festival Day. Enjoy storytimes, book talks, author visits, and opportunities to meet Rio Grande Valley writers while discovering books created right here in our region.


For Schedule of Events, Visit:

https://mcallenlibrary.net/stbf/schedules/read-around-town

Word From The Director Header

October has always been a special month at McAllen Public Library, but this year, we are turning the page to something truly extraordinary. I am thrilled to announce a fresh new chapter for our beloved annual celebration: the South Texas International Book Festival (STIBF), presented by H-E-B Helping Here! That's right! We are now, in our 14th year, International! Becoming the STIBF reflects just how much this festival has grown while staying deeply rooted in the community of readers, writers, and families who have supported us from the very beginning. Under this year’s theme, “Pages to Possibilities,” we are expanding our international reach to bring new voices, cultures, and global perspectives right here to McAllen, while continuing to celebrate the joy of reading together.

2026 STIBF Official Logo

We have a packed month of exciting pre-festival programming leading up to the main event, and I want to personally invite you to join us for every step of the journey:

  • Pet Week at the Library (October 3–9): Drop by to celebrate our furry friends and meet Marty, the Library Cat!
  • An Evening with Author James Wade (October 8): Ticket holders will enjoy admission, light refreshments, and a copy of his latest novel, Narrow the Road.
  • Read Around Town Week (October 11–16): Don't miss our featured event on October 14, “Soñar en Grande: Lorena Ochoa Book Talk,” where the Mexican golf legend will discuss her inspirational memoir about her journey to becoming a world-renowned athlete.
  • Guatemalan Opera Workshop & Concert (October 17): Maestro Ricardo Morales will host a master class for select McAllen ISD music students, followed by a concert showcasing local student talent. (Free tickets will be available!)
  • Special Book Launches: Join us on October 20 for “By Design: Katie Pritchett Book Launch,” and mark your calendars for November 11 for “They Hold Grudges: Diana Rojas Book Launch.”

The Main Event: Festival Day Our main celebration takes place on Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Main Library (4001 N. 23rd St.). Festival Day is completely free and open to the public!


We are honored to host an incredible lineup of authors, including Reyna Grande (discussing Migrant Heart), Katherine Center (discussing The Shippers), Huda Fahmy, Saadia Faruqi, Varian Johnson, Ashley Robin Franklin, Chris Barton, Natalia Sylvester, and Shauna J. Grant. Throughout the day, you’ll find storytimes, live drawings, author talks, book giveaways, and meet-and-greets for readers of every age—from children and tweens to teens and adults.We will also announce the winners of our Youth Bookmark Design Contest, and families can pick up winning bookmarks and free books made possible through H-E-B’s Read 3 program and Literacy Texas.From VIP Book Clubs at our library branches to the Trick or Treat Trail on October 31, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy this season.


This festival is made possible thanks to the City of McAllen, H-E-B Helping Here, and our wonderful community sponsors and partners. 


To view the full schedule, reserve tickets for select events, or learn more, please visit www.southtexasbookfestival.com. I can’t wait to see you at the library as we explore new pages and possibilities together!


Photos of 2025 South Texas Book Festival
McAllen Public Library Staff Spotlight Header

Mary Abundis

Book Shelver | Lark Branch Library

What do you enjoy most about working at the library?

Being surrounded by books, being able to be the first to check any book I like!


What has surprised you most abourt working at the library?

I like the fact that even though my work is the same, I still get to do different things everyday.


What program or service at the library do you highly recommend?

I would recommend STBF because I think its great that local authors get to have a place to promote their books.

Martha Treviño

Book Shelver | Circulation Department

What moment at the library has stayed with your?

Helping at the trick or treat trail, seeing everybody that showed up.


What do you enjoy most about working at the library?

Meeting a lot of different people everyday.


What has surprised you most about working at the library?

The amount of help people need and the amount of help we can provide people.

MPL Kids Program Highlights

Main Library

Essential Skills 

For Tweens:

Self Defense

Saturday, Oct. 3

10:30AM

STIBF Presents:

In Memory of My Pet

Wednesday, Oct. 7

6:00PM

STIBF Presents:

Sensory Storytime ft.

Priscilla Bernal

Wednesday, Oct. 14

11:00AM

Lark Branch

STIBF Presents:

Wiggle & Woof Tails

Monday, Oct. 5

11:00AM

STIBF Presents:

Pet 1K

Friday, Oct. 9

6:00PM

STIBF Presents:

Rey A. Banda at 

Chic-Fil-A

Tuesday, Oct. 13

10:00AM

Palm View Branch

STIBF Presents:

Pet Walk At The Park

Saturday, Oct. 3

10:00AM

STIBF Presents:

Read Around Town with Author David Norec

Monday, Oct. 12

11:00AM

Stay & Create:

Halloween Finger Puppets

Wednesday, Oct. 21

6:00PM

Click Here For More MPL Kids Programs!

MPL Teens Program Highlights

Main Library

STIBF Presents:

Mini Pet Sculptures

Wednesday, IOct. 7

6:00PM

FTBT:

Terror-ific Lab 

Creatures

Saturdays, Oct. 10

2:00PM

STIBF Presents:

Teen Book Club

The Hills of Estrella Roja

Wednesday, Oct. 21

6:00PM

Lark Branch

Homeschool

Art Zone!

Wednesdays, Oct. 7 & 21

11:00AM

Where It Clicks!

Saturday, Oct. 17

2:00PM

Ofrenda 

Frames

Thursday, Oct. 29

6:00PM

Makerspace:

Spooky Perler 

Bead Charms

Thursday, Oct. 1

4:30PM

STIBF Presents:

Teen Nature Guardians:

Reptile Care Lab

Tuesday, Oct. 6

4:00PM

Level Up! Club

Thursday, Oct. 15 & 22

4:30OPM

Click Here For More MPL Teens Programs!

MPL Adult Program Highlights

Main Library

STIBF Presents:

Cat Café

Saturday, Oct. 10

10:00AM

STIBF Presents:

Sunday Book Club

Sunday, Oct. 11

2:00PM

Diverse Voices 

Book Club

Thursday, Oct. 15

6:30PM

Lark Branch

DIY Book

 Decorating

Tuesday, Oct. 13

6:00PM

Lark Book Club

Thursday, Oct. 15

6:30PM

Adult 

Tiny Canvas

Tuesday, Oct. 27

6:00PM

Palm View Branch

Growing & Nourishing Healthy Communities

Every Wednesday

2:00PM

Crochet Club

Saturday, Oct. 10

2:00PM

Crafty Corner:

3D Pumpkin Craft

Friday, Oct. 31

10:30AM

Click Here For More MPL Adults Programs!

Explore Our Reference Collection!

Anatomy 101 : from muscles and bones to organs and systems, your guide to how the human body works

Anatomy 101 : from muscles and bones to organs and systems, your guide to how the human body works

By Kevin Langford

Symbols of the occult : a directory of over 500 signs, symbols and icons

Symbols of the occult : a directory of over 500 signs, symbols and icons

By Eric Chaline

Explore Our Personal Finance Collection!

Invest your way : how to grow your wealth on your terms

Invest your way:

how to grow your wealth on your terms

By Marc LaMonica

The rich hermana : a first-gen guide to money, mindset, and wealth

The rich hermana :

a first-gen guide to money, mindset, and wealth

by Ixamar Palumbo

Library e-Resource of The Month

TexShare Database

Need reliable sources for your next research project?


Explore TexShare Databases, available FREE through McAllen Public Library! Get access to 7,000+ journals, 171,000+ ebooks, and millions of images, videos, and interactive resources to help you find the information you need.

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Visit All Our Locations!

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

9:00AM - 9:00PM

Friday - Saturday

9:00AM - 6:00PM

Sunday

CLOSED

Palm View Branch 

3401 Jordan Rd. W.

McAllen, TX 78503

PH: (956) 681-3110

Hours:

Monday - Thursday

9:00AM - 9:00PM

Friday - Saturday

9:00AM - 6:00PM

Sunday

CLOSED

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