November

2026

We have lots going on this month!

MPL Connect E-Newsletter Title

Going On Now at MPL!

Graphic for National Native American Heritage Month

Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month at the library! Explore a variety of books, programs, and hands-on activities that highlight Native American history, culture, traditions, art, and contributions.


Discover new stories, learn about the rich heritage of Native American communities, and find meaningful ways to celebrate through library resources and activities for all ages.

Graphic for Food for Fines

Make a difference this holiday season by donating canned goods to help local families! Now through Sunday, December 6, bring your donations to any McAllen Public Library location and receive $3 off your existing overdue fines for each item donated. Have no fines? You can still give back and help put food on the table for families in need!


Every can counts! All donations will go directly to the Food Bank RGV to help our neighbors enjoy a happier, hunger-free holiday. Bring your canned goods to MPL and help make a difference today!

Graphic for Pop Up Book Sale

Discover an excellent selection of gently used books featuring bestselling authors, select non-fiction, children’s, romance, paperbacks, y libros en Español. 


Sale sponsored by the McAllen Public Library Volunteer Advocates.

Credit Cards & Debit Cards Only. No previews, all sales final.


Date: Saturday, November 7

Time: 9:00AM - 2:00PM

Location Main Library

Graphic for Diana Rojas Event

This special book launch is also an opportunity to celebrate Rojas' newest release and learn more about the writing behind a story that asks how far people will go to preserve family harmony when the truth threatens to disrupt it.


Date: Wednesday, November 11

Time: 7:00PM

Location: Main Library

Word From The Director Header


As the air turns crisp and the weather grows cooler, there is truly nothing better than wrapping up in a warm blanket and cozying up with a favorite author. Autumn naturally invites us to slow down, settle in, and get lost in a great story. Whether you love the feel of a physical book in your hands or prefer the convenience of reading on a screen, your library has everything you need to make the most of this season.

For those who enjoy reading on the go or late at night without turning on a lamp, we offer fantastic digital options through our free Libby and cloudLibrary apps. With just your library card, you can easily log in to access thousands of popular fiction, non-fiction, Spanish-language titles, and engaging books for children and teens. If you prefer listening while walking, exercising, knitting, or commuting, both apps also feature an extensive collection of bestseller and backlist e-audiobooks.


There has never been a better time to explore everything our digital collection has to offer. Download the Libby and cloudLibrary apps to your device today, log in with your library card, and start building your ultimate Fall reading list!

Smiling man with headphones on with Libby and Cloudlibrary Logos

In addition to cozy seasonal reads, Fall brings another wonderful tradition to McAllen Public Library: our annual Food for Fines program. Running from Sunday, November 1 through Sunday, December 6, this program gives us a double opportunity to celebrate—bringing patrons back into the library while lifting up families in need across our community.

Through Food for Fines, each donated item clears $3 off your outstanding fines. We accept donations at all three MPL locations. To ensure safety and utility, donated items must be sealed, non-perishable, unexpired, non-glass, and preferably multi-serving options. Stop by any of our branches this season to clear your record, support a worthy cause, and discover your next great autumn read!

A thank you graphic to South Texas International Book Festival Sponsors
McAllen Public Library Staff Spotlight Header

Teresa Villarreal

Library Assistant | Lark Branch Library

What do you enjoy most about working at the library?

I enjoy the programming aspect! I love to see patrons enjoying themselves and seeing hard work paid off.


What has surprised you most abourt working at the library?

The amount of people who still come in to use our resources. it's a wonderful surprise.


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

The eBooks! I love that encourages reading in a more convenient manner.

Dominique Flores

Public Services Librarian | Palm View Branch

What moment at the library has stayed with you?

At the conclusion of one of ESL class cohort each student took the time to say a few words of gratitude.


What do you enjoy most about working at the library?

Seeing familiar faces come to our programs every month, from storytimes to our adult crochet club. It warms my heart.


What has surprised you most about working at the library?

How much planning goes into creating programs. I am constantly learning.

MPL Kids Program Highlights

Main Library

Essential Skills 

For Tweens:

Grow Your Own Food

Saturday, Nov. 7

10:30AM

Snack with

 My Veteran

Saturday, Nov. 14

11:00AM

Thanksgiving

Treats

Sunday, Nov. 15

2:00PM

Lark Branch

Chomp

& Create

Thursday, Nov. 5

6:00PM

Healthy 

Tummies

Friday, Nov. 20

11:00AM

Thankful 

Turkey

Monday, Nov. 12

2:00PM

Palm View Branch

Stay & Create:

Little Beaded Corn

Wednesday, Nov. 4

6:00PM

Toddler Time

Wednesdays, Nov. 5-19

11:00AM

Homeschool Hangout:

Autumn Adventures

Friday, Nov. 20

2:00PM

Click Here For More MPL Kids Programs!

MPL Teens Program Highlights

Main Library

Entrepreneur 

Workshop

Saturday, Nov. 7

2:00PM

Advanced Coding 

with Scratch

Sunday, Nov. 8

2:00PM

TAC Meeting

Saturday, Nov. 21

2:00PM

Lark Branch

Homeschool 

Art Zone!

Wednesdays, Nov. 4 & 18

11:00AM

Where It Clicks!

Saturday, Nov. 7

2:00PM

Fall into 

Tie-Dye!

Thursday, Nov. 10

6:00PM

Makerspace:

Fall Clay Magnets

Thursday, Nov. 5

4:30PM

Makerspace:

Petroglyph 

Rock Painting

Saturday, Nov. 14

2:00PM

Gamers

Unplugged

Saturday, Nov. 28

2:00PM

Click Here For More MPL Teens Programs!

MPL Adult Program Highlights

Main Library

STIBF Presents:

They Hold Grudges:

Diana Rojas Book Launch

Wednesday, Nov. 11

7:00PM

Valley Roots Series

Lipan Apache

History & Heritage

5:30PM

Razzle & Bedazzle

Sunday, Nov. 15

5:30PM

Lark Branch

Painting Workshop

Teracotta Planters

Saturday, Nov. 7

1:30PM

Mosaic 

Tile Coasters

Friday, Nov. 13

1:30PM

Diamond 

Art Bookmarks

Tuesday, Nov. 17

2:00PM

Palm View Branch

Growing & Nourishing Healthy Communities

Wednesdays, Nov. 4 & 18

2:00PM

Doc Talk:

Managing Your Diabetes

Friday, Nov. 6

10:30AM

Fall Prevention &

Awareness for Seniors

Thursday. Nov. 19

1:00PM

Click Here For More MPL Adults Programs!

Explore Our Reference Collection!

Book cover for Indigenous firsts : a history of Native American achievements and events

Indigenous firsts : a history of Native American achievements and events

By Yvonne Wakim Dennis

Cover of Native American myth & legend : an A-Z of people and places

Native American myth & legend : an A-Z of people and places

By Mike Dixon-Kennedy

Explore Our Personal Finance Collection!

Cover of Breaking free from broke : the ultimate guide to more money and less stress

Breaking free from broke : the ultimate guide to more money and less stress

By George Kamel

Cover of Friends that invest : your guide to financial independence through shares and stocks

Friends that invest : your guide to financial independence through shares and stocks

by Simran Kaur

Library e-Resource of The Month

Graphic for CloudLibrary App

Your Next Movie Night Starts Here!


Enjoy movie night anytime, anywhere! Stream movies, documentaries, and TV shows for free with CloudLibrary using your library card. No subscriptions or ads, just great entertainment at your fingertips! Select Hidalgo County Library System as your library to get started.

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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