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October2025 |
We have lots going on this month! | |
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The South Texas Book Festival Is Here! |  |
Get ready to “Celebrate Our Roots & Stories” at the 12th Annual South Texas Book Festival, presented by H-E-B Helping Here, on Saturday, October 25 from 11AM-5PM at Main Library. Alongside author visits and signings with our exclusive bookseller, The Storybook Garden, families can enjoy a variety of programs, activities, and entertainment. Leading up to the big day, STBF Presents will bring Pet Week (Oct. 11–17), Read Around Town Week (Oct. 20–24), and the ticketed Un Cafecito with the Authors on Oct. 23. The celebration wraps up with our Trick or Treat Trail throughout our entire facility on October 31.
For full details, visit our website at www.SouthTexasBookFestival.com.
| Discover #STBF Presents |
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Saturday, October 11 - Friday, October 17
at McAllen Public Library Branches |
Get ready for Pet Week at the Library, a special event series presented by STBF! McAllen Public Library will host a variety of engaging events throughout the week, including storytime, crafts, and activities, along with appearances from special guests & community partners. Don’t miss out on celebrating Pet Week with Marty the Library Cat, MPL's mascot! See our full program line-up at www.SouthTexasBookFestival.com
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Monday, October 20 - Friday, October 24
at McAllen Public Library Branches |
During Read Around Town Week, we’ll be featuring a series of events with local children’s authors in the days leading up to Main Festival Day—spotlighting regional voices & celebrating the stories that shape our community. Sessions will include storytimes, book talks, and opportunities for kids and their families to connect with authors from the RGV. See our full program line-up at www.SouthTexasBookFestival.com
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Thursday, October 23 at 6:30PM - 8:00PM
at Main Library, Meeting RM AB |
STBF announces the 2025 Ticketed Session, Un Cafecito with the Authors. Enjoy an intimate evening with authors Diana Rojas, Francisco Cantú, and José Skinner as they discuss their works at the Library. Guests will enjoy freshly brewed coffee options from a full espresso bar and delicious pastries in a relaxed setting. Purchase tickets online: bit.ly/stbftickets |
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Friday, October 31 at 5:00PM - 7:00PM
at Main Library, Meeting RM AB |
Embark on a exciting adventure with our family-friendly Trick or Treat Trail weaving through our entire facility, where you’ll find delightful surprises at every corner! Admission is free, so bring along your family and friends for a booktacular Halloween experience at the Library! |
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I’m thrilled to extend a warm invitation to each of you for the 12th annual South Texas Book Festival, our region’s beloved multi‑day literary celebration here in McAllen on Saturday, October 25 from 11:00AM-5:00PM.
Over the past dozen years, we have watched this festival grow into a vibrant centerpiece of community and culture, and we’re honored that once again it has been recognized with a Pinnacle Award by the International Festival & Events Association (IFEA) for excellence in programming and community impact.
One of the things I most love about the Festival is that all regular events and author talks are free to attend, whether you’re stopping by for a children’s storytime, a panel discussion, a book signing, or getting a free book for youth. |
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There is one exception: Un Cafecito with the Authors, an intimate, ticketed coffee-and-conversation session with featured authors, unlimited espresso bar, and books signed by the authors, taking place Thursday, October 23rd from 6:00PM–8:00PM. If you’d like to join us for that special gathering, you’ll need to purchase a ticket in advance. You can find full festival details, the event schedule, and ticketing information on our official website: www.SouthTexasBookFestival.com
I also want to express our heartfelt thanks to all of our sponsors. Their generous support makes this festival possible, allowing us to bring authors, programming, and community engagement to life each year. We couldn’t do it without them.
We hope you’ll mark your calendar, bring your love of stories, and join us for a rich, welcoming, and joyful celebration of reading. See you at the Festival!
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Helping Teens With Everyday Essentials
| McAllen Public Library is accepting donations for our Teen Essential Shelves! Located in the Teen Areas at the Main, Lark, and Palm View branches, these repurposed shelves provide free access to hygiene products and local health resources for teens and their families. Donations support teens in our community with the essentials they need.
For more information, please contact the Teen Services Desk at (956) 681-3090.
Download Flyer Here |
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What do you enjoy most about being on the Library Advisory Board?
Learning about all the wonderful things our library is doing to help the community.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Coffee, Quilting, Floating in my pool.
Who has made a positive difference in your life recently?
Pastor Donny Villarreal
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What are some of your favorite podcasts?
Terri Savelle Foy
How did you choose your career?
My degree was in Social Work from Cornell University but when I graduated there were no jobs, so I taught Preschool which I loved but since I lived in San Jose, CA where it was super expensive my first husband & I became real estate agents so we’d be able to afford a home. I’ve now been a Real Estate Broker for 39 years & I love it. Currently I have a Property Management firm that allows us to help people who own investment property & people who need to rent. |
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Who is your favorite author? And why?
Stephen King, enjoy watching the book convert to movie and seeing the differences.
What book are you currently reading?
Motley Crue The Dirt, confessions of the world's most notorious rock band
Who has made a positive difference in your life recently?
Mark Hernandez, my best friend and coworker. Accepts me as who and what I am. Always there no matter what I need. |
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| MPL Kids Program Highlights |
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Main Library
| #STBF Presents: Pet Shop Pros
Wednesday, Oct. 15
6:00PM | |
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#STBF Presents: Teddy Bear Clinic
Thursday, Oct. 16 1:00PM | |
#STBF Presents: Read Around Town with Author Ann Anderson
Thursday, Oct. 23
1:00PM |
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Lark Branch |
Spooktacular! Saturday, Oct. 11 1:00PM-3:00PM |
| #STBF Presents: Howl-o-Ween Photos
Wednesday, Oct. 15 5:30PM | |
#STBF Presents: Read Around Town with Author Suzanne Shepard
Tuesday, Oct. 21
11:00AM |
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Palm View Branch
| #STBF Presents: Pet Walk at the Park
Tuesday, Oct. 14
10:00AM-12:00PM | | #STBF Presents:
Read Around Town with Author Naivi Rivera
Tuesday, Oct. 21 6:00PM | |
Family Craft:
Ghoul-icious Treats
Wednesday, Oct. 29
6:00PM | |
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MPL Teens Program Highlights
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Main Library
| #STBF Presents: Pet Portraits Tueday, Oct. 14
6:00PM | | #STBF Portraits
DIY Dog Treats
Thursday, Oct. 16 6:00PM | |
TeenTober Scavenger Hunt
Tuesday, Oct. 21
All Day |
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Lark Branch |
Spooky
Stories! Saturday, Oct. 4
2:00PM | | Spooktacular!
Saturday, Oct. 11 1:00PM-3:00PM | |
Calavera
Creators Tuesday, Oct. 28
6:00PM |
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Palm View Branch
| Sketch Night: STBF Bookmark
Thursday, Oct. 2
4:30PM | | #SBTF Presents:
Makerspace:
Paws-itively Charmed
Wednesday, Oct. 15
4:30PM | | Level Up Club
Thursday, Oct. 30 4:30PM | |
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MPL Adult Program Highlights
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Main Library
| #STBF Presents: Cat Café & Adoption
Saturday, Oct. 11
10:00AM | |
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Mexican American
Folk Medicine Wednesday, Oct. 22 6:30PM | |
Breast Cancer Awareness: Stronger Together
Thursday, Oct. 30
Ask About Time |
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Lark Branch |
Adult Tiny
Canvas Thursday, Oct. 16
6:00PM | | Adult Sculpting
Thursday, Oct. 23 6:00PM | |
Intro to AI Session 3 Wednesday, Oct. 29
1:00PM |
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Palm View Branch
| Pan y plática Thursday, Oct. 9 12:00PM |
| #STBF Presents: Crochet Club:
Pet Bandana
Monday, Oct. 13 12:00PM | |
Painting with Ms. Dominique Monday, Oct. 27
12:00PM |
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Explore Our Reference Collection!
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Icons of horror and the supernatural: an encyclopedia of our worst nightmares, | edited by S.T. Joshi |
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 | Encyclopedia of spirits and ghosts in world mythology
| by Theresa Bane |
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Explore Our Personal Finance Collection!
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Personal finance in plain English : definitions, examples, uses | By Michele Cagan |
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ADHD money : a finance book made for your neurodivergent brain | by Tina Mathams |
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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 9:00AM - 9:00PM
Friday - Saturday 9:00AM - 6:00PM Sunday
CLOSED |
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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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Content Editors:
Melissa Kobayashi & Sean Wrinkle |
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Layout & Design:
Melissa Kobayashi |
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