October

2025

We have lots going on this month!

Two University Students Talking in the Library

Going On Now at MPL!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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!


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

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

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.

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.

MPL Kids Program Highlights

Main Library

#STBF Presents:

Pet Shop Pros

Wednesday, Oct. 15

6:00PM

#STBF Presents:

Teddy Bear Clinic

Thursday, Oct. 16

1:00PM

#STBF Presents:

Read Around Town with Author Ann Anderson

Thursday, Oct. 23

1:00PM

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

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


Click Here For More MPL Kids Programs!

MPL Teens Program Highlights

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

Lark Branch

Spooky

Stories!

Saturday, Oct. 4

2:00PM

Spooktacular!

Saturday, Oct. 11

1:00PM-3:00PM

Calavera

Creators

Tuesday, Oct. 28

6:00PM

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

Click Here For More MPL Teens Programs!

MPL Adult Program Highlights

Main Library

#STBF Presents:

Cat Café & Adoption

Saturday, Oct. 11

10:00AM

Mexican American 

Folk Medicine

Wednesday, Oct. 22

6:30PM

Breast Cancer Awareness:

Stronger Together

Thursday, Oct. 30

Ask About Time

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


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

Click Here For More MPL Adults Programs!

Explore Our Reference Collection!

AV Record Gray Placeholder

Icons of horror and the supernatural: an encyclopedia of our worst nightmares,

edited by S.T. Joshi

AV Record Gray Placeholder

Encyclopedia of spirits and ghosts in world mythology

by Theresa Bane

Explore Our Personal Finance Collection!

AV Record Gray Placeholder

Personal finance in plain English : definitions, examples, uses

By Michele Cagan

AV Record Gray Placeholder

ADHD money : a finance book made for your neurodivergent brain

by Tina Mathams

Library e-Resource of The Month

Follow Us For All Our Events & Updates!

Fb Ig X

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