August

2026

We have lots going on this month!

MPL Connect E-Newsletter Title

Going On Now at MPL!

People interact with healthcare providers in a promotional graphic for the Community Health Fair.

Prioritize your health at the McAllen Public Library Community Health Fair! Join us on Saturday, August 1, from 10:00AM–1:00PM at Main Library for this free, walk-in event.


Enjoy free health screenings, connect with local healthcare and community organizations, donate blood with Vitalant, and explore wellness resources for the whole family. Plus, giveaways will be available while supplies last!

Promotional image of a Pop Up Book Sale with stacks of books and people reaching for books.

Find your next great read at the Pop Up Book Sale hosted by the McAllen Public Library Advocates on Saturday, August 8, from 9:00AM–2:00PM at the Main Library Bookstore!


Shop gently used fiction, nonfiction, children's books, romance, paperbacks, and libros en Español. Hardbacks are $1.00 and paperbacks are just $0.50.


Credit and debit cards only. Don't forget to bring your own bag!

Promotional graphic for the Youth Bookmark Contest featuring two adults and a smiling child posing together.

Share your story through art in the 2026 South Texas International Book Festival Youth Bookmark Contest! Youth ages 5–18 from Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron Counties are invited to create an original bookmark inspired by this year's theme, Pages to Possibilities.


The contest opens August 3 and entries are due by October 2. Learn more and download an official entry form at https://mcallenlibrary.net/stbf/get-involved/youth-contest

Word From The Director Header


Hello, Library Friends!


As the South Texas heat reaches its peak, we know everyone is looking for the best spots to beat the summer burn. If you’re searching for a cool retreat with endless choices, look no further than your local library! Whether you want to escape into a great book, pick up a new hobby, or bring the family out for an afternoon of fun, our AC is cranking and our calendars are packed.


Speaking of big news—we are thrilled to share that the South Texas International Book Festival is getting an exciting rebrand! We are busy working behind the scenes to refresh this beloved community celebration, and we can’t wait to share more details with you soon as we get closer to the event.


We are kicking the month with something for our talented young creatives. Our popular Youth Bookmark Contest officially opens on August 3! Keep an eye out on our Facebook pages and website and let your kids' imaginations run wild.


We also have an incredible lineup of events scheduled across our locations this month. Here are but some of a whole host of programs to keep you cool and foster delight:

  • Back to School STEM Camp for Teens (August 3–7): A hands-on, interactive week where local teens can build, experiment, and dive deep into science and technology right before the school year starts.
  • Squishy Trade at Lark Branch (August 4): Got a collection of squishies you’re looking to trade? Bring your duplicates and swap with fellow collectors for some afternoon fun!
  • Summer Vinyl Swap (August 9): Music lovers, this one is for you. Bring your record collection, trade with other local enthusiasts, and discover new sounds.
  • College Ready: Financial Aid 101 at Palm View Branch: Perfect for high schoolers and parents navigating the confusing world of college funding, grants, and scholarships.
  • 2nd Annual Back to School Bash at Palm View Branch (August 15): Mark your calendars! We’re celebrating the upcoming school year with give-aways, resources, and community fun you won't want to miss.
  • Cine Sin Cámara Family Interactive Workshop: Bring the whole family for an interactive, hands-on cinematic storytelling experience where you get to bring stories to life—no cameras required!

There is truly something for everyone happening at the library this August. Grab a bottle of water, step out of the heat, and come hang out with us, We can't wait to see you!

Gear Up: Back to School Bash at Palm View Branch Library, Saturday, August 15

Getting ready for the new school year isn’t just for the little ones—we are helping our older students look toward the future, too! Join us for a massive day of preparation, featuring:

  •  Local Community Partners

  •  Colleges & Vocational Schools on-site to answer questions

  • College Readiness workshops and tips

  • Financial Aid Information and hands-on application assistance

  • Exciting Giveaways!

A family receives crayons and library information from a community member at the Back To School Bash.
Four teens pose together holding backpacks, folders, and college prep guides at the Back to School Bash.
McAllen Public Library Staff Spotlight Header

Bianca Calderon

Library Assistant | Teen Department

What do you enjoy most about working at the library?

Getting to recommend books to our patrons.


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

I recommend the teen essential shelf to our teen community. It's a great resource.


What book series would you like to live in?

A Court of Thorn and Roses. Velaris is beautiful!

Rebecca Saenz

Public Services Librarian | Children's Dept.

What moment at the library has stayed with your?

After one of our storytimes, a mom approached us staff at the desk and wanted to share that her baby had taken her first steps during the program! It was so special!


What do you enjoy most about working at the library?

All the friends I have made during my time here - patrons and colleagues alike.


Who is your favorite author? and why?

I'll read anything by Ali Hazelwood at the moment. Her happily ever after are always so fun and sweet.

MPL Kids Program Highlights

Main Library

Essential Skills For Kids:

Mending Clothes

Saturday, Aug. 8

10:30AM-12:00PM

Storytime with Solstice Dance Conservatory

Wednesday, Aug. 12

6:00PM

Sensory 

Storytime

Wednesday, Aug. 26

11:00AM

Lark Branch

Squishy Trade!

Tuesday, Aug. 5

5:00PM

Tummy Time!

Friday, Aug. 21

11:00AM

Family Place Week!

Monday, Aug. 24 -

Friday Aug. 28

11:00AM

Palm View Branch

Toddler Play Date

Tuesday, Aug. 4 & 11

Thursday, Aug. 11 & 13

11:00AM

La Hora de 

los Cuentos

Tuesday, Aug. 18 & 25

11:00AM

Toddler Time

Thursday, Aug. 20 & 27

11:00AM

Click Here For More MPL Kids Programs!

MPL Teens Program Highlights

Main Library

Back to School

STEM Camp

Mon. Aug 3 - Fri. Aug. 7

1:00PM-5:00PM

AniManga Club:

Guess The Opening

Thursday, Aug. 20

6:00PM

Crafted Covers

Thursday, Aug. 27

6:00PM

Lark Branch

Teen Volunteer Day

Wednesday, Aug. 5

2:00PM

Where it Clicks!

Thursday, Aug. 6

Friday, Aug. 24

2:00PM

Tween-Ovators!

Thursday, Aug. 13

2:00PM

In-B-Tween Club:

Youth STEM Discovery

Saturday, Aug. 1 & 8

3:00PM

Level Up with

 Gume Laurel III

Thursday, Aug. 6

6:00PM

College Ready:

Financial Aid 101

Wednesday, Aug. 12

6:00PM

Click Here For More MPL Teens Programs!

MPL Adult Program Highlights

Main Library

Cine Sin 

Cámara

Thursday, Aug. 6

5:30PM

Sunday Bookclub

Sunday, Aug. 9

2:00PM

Valley Root Series:

Black Soldiers of 

South Texas

Monday, Aug. 24

7:00PM

Lark Branch

Lark Book Club

Thursday, Aug. 13

6:30PM

Painting Workshop

Saturday, Aug. 15

1:30PM

Sculpting with

 Air Dry Clay

Friday, Aug. 28

2:00PM

Palm View Branch

Painting with

 Ms. Danice

Wednesday, Aug. 19

6:00PM

Health Talk:

Vaccines Across

 a Lifetime

Thursday, Aug. 20

12:00PM

Palm View Book Club

Wednesday, Aug. 26

6:00PM

Click Here For More MPL Adults Programs!

Explore Our Reference Collection!

Encyclopedia of caves and karst science

Encyclopedia of caves and karst science

By John Gunn, editor

Encyclopedia of the Supreme Court of the United States

Encyclopedia of the Supreme Court

of the United States

David S. Tanenhaus, editor in chief

Explore Our Personal Finance Collection!

Budget, invest, spend

Budget, invest, spend : a practical guide to personal finance

By Michael Tailard

The index card

The index card : why personal finance doesn't have to be complicated

by Helaine Olen

Library e-Resource of The Month

Promotional image for tutor.com with young girl studying on laptop

Connect with live tutors for homework help, test prep, and writing assistance—all  FREE online! Get access to professional tutors every day with your McAllen Library Card. With support in more than 250 subjects, there's help for kids, teens, and young adults whenever they need it.


Click here to get access today with a McAllen Library Card!

Follow Us For All Our Events & Updates!

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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