May

2026

We have lots going on this month!

Two University Students Talking in the Library

Going On Now at MPL!

Girl with a Pink Shirt Reading a Blue Book in the Fort

I am so excited to invite you to a true highlight of our year: MPL’s annual World Cultures Festival on Sunday, May 17. This celebration is more than just an event; it’s a beautiful opportunity for us to come together as neighbors, share our stories, and weave even stronger bonds within our community.

What’s in Store?

Main Stage Magic: Get ready for a day full of energy! We’ll have a rotating lineup of vibrant cultural performances and storytelling that will delight the whole family.
Community Connection: Visit our dedicated space for local non-profits and community groups. It’s a wonderful spot to discover new resources, try your hand at a new language, or get creative with cultural art activities.
Generational Learning: Before the main festival kicks off, we are honored to host a Traditional Barriletes Kite Workshop in partnership with the Consulado de Guatemala. This is a special, hands-on activity designed to spark conversation and connection between our younger and older generations.

Join the Celebration

Our goal is simple: to create a space where every culture is honored and every neighbor feels a warm sense of belonging. We would love for you to join us in celebrating the unique perspectives that make our community such a wonderful place to call home.

Want to learn more or register for the kite workshop? Please visit our website for all the details at www.mcallenlibrary.net. I can’t wait to see you there!

Fresh Blooms and Better Views: Spring Updates at Main!

Spring has officially sprung, and the Main Library is sporting a fresh new look! We’ve been busy working on a variety of exterior upgrades to make your next visit even more inviting. Here is what’s new:

A Grand Entrance

The Fountain: Our iconic main fountain has been fully refurbished and made its seasonal debut.
A Warm Welcome: Have you seen our new boulder? It now greets visitors at the central doors with a cheery ¡Bienvenidos!

Stroll & Explore

The Mall Area: We’ve brightened the walkway with lush new plantings, complemented by a crisp layout of decomposed granite and white marble.
The Tiny Forest: Our urban forest is thriving! Stop by often to watch it grow and use the new plant identifiers installed last month to learn about our local greenery.
The Dewey Trail: Enjoy a scenic stroll along the trail, which now features brand-new fencing for a more secure and polished experience. Stop along the way to read about the Dewey Decimal System and exercise with Marty the Library Cat!

We truly hope you enjoy rediscovering these unique outdoor spaces that make McAllen Public Library such a special part of our community.

Dina Anid Caballero

Library Clerk | Circulation Department

What do you enjoy most about working at the library?

Working with great people. Helping out patrons

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

Outreach and giving library services to other at different places.

What book series would you like to live in?

Lord of the Rings! See myself retired and living in Rivendell.

Arturo Benavides

Public Services Librarian | Reference Dept.

What moment at the library has stayed with you?

The time I moderated an author panel fron an author from our own community.

What has surprised you most about working at the library?

It's so much more than a place you check out books! it's a place filled with so many activities for everyone.

Who is your favorite author? And why?

Andy Weir

MPL Kids Program Highlights

Main Library

Cinco de Mayo Craft

Saturday, May 2

All Day

Mother's Day Cafe

Sunday, May 10

2:00PM

Aqua-Tots Presents:

Water Safety

Saturday, May 23

11:00AM

Lark Branch

Once Upon a

Cindo De Mayo

Tuesday, May 5

11:00AM

DIY Mother's Day Cards

Wednesday, May 6

6:00PM

Family

Storytime

Thursday, May 14

6:00PM

Palm View Branch

In-B-Tween Club:

Muffins with Mom

Wednesday, May 6

6:00PM

La Hora de los Cuentos

Bilingual Storytime

Every Tuesday

11:00AM

Toddler Time

Every Thursday

11:00AM

Click Here For More MPL Kids Programs!

MPL Teens Program Highlights

Main Library

Sensory Saturday

Saturday, April 11

2:00PM

Smart Money Moves

Wednesday, April 15

6:00PM

She Succeeds:

Level Up Your Career

Monday, April 20

6:00PM-8:00PM

Lark Branch

Let's Play

MPU Loteria!

Friday, May 1

4:00PM

Paper to Petals

Thurusday, May 7

6:00PM

Scent-Sational

Creations

Thursday, May 28

6:00PM

Palm View Branch

Crochet 101

Thursday, May 7

4:30PM

Ramen & Trivia

Tuesday, May 19

4:30PM

Level Up! Club

Thursday, May 28

4:30PM

Click Here For More MPL Teens Programs!

MPL Adult Program Highlights

Main Library

Growing and Nourshing Healthy Communities

Every Wednesday

11:00AM

Money & Mortgages

with Vantage Bank

10:00AM

Valley Root Series:

The Untold Story of Women & Ranch lands in the RGV

Monday, April 20

7:00PM

Lark Branch

Knitting Group

Every Tuesday

2:00PM

Adult

Painting Class

Saturday, May 9

6:00PM

Lark

Book Club

Thursday, May 14

6:30PM

Palm View Branch

Tech 101: Gmail Basics

Friday, May 8

at 12:00PM

Tuesday, May 12

at 6:00PM

Painting with Danice

Thursday, May 21

12:00PM

Palm View Book Club

Wednesday, May 27

6:00PM

Click Here For More MPL Adults Programs!

Explore Our Reference Collection!

Paying for College

By Kalman A. Chany

First-time landlord : your guide to renting

out a single-family home

by Ilona M. Bray

Explore Our Personal Finance Collection!

Ask questions, save money, make more : how to take control of your financial life

By Matt Schulz

Happy money, happy life : a multidimensional approach to health, wealth, and financial freedom

by Jason Vitug

Library e-Resource of The Month

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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

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Melissa Kobayashi & Sean Wrinkle

Layout & Design:

Melissa Kobayashi