March

2025

We have lots going on this month!

Two University Students Talking in the Library
Girl with a Pink Shirt Reading a Blue Book in the Fort

I am thrilled to announce that MPL’s own Palm View Branch Library has been selected to receive funding from the 2025 Family Place Libraries Project Grant. This year, Palm View Branch Library was awarded through a competitive application environment and is one of only ten public libraries in Texas to receive this grant. In addition to receiving funds to invest in a parenting collection and a play space with emerging literacy, pre-reading, learning manipulatives, two staff will receive intensive training in conducting parent-child workshops, which invite community partners and agencies to bring health information and best parenting practices to parents and caregivers in a friendly, informal setting. Palm View Branch Library joins the Main Library and Lark Branch Library as a distinguished Family Place Library. The public will be invited to our future grand opening of the play space. Congratulations to our South Branch!

You're Invited to the 5th Annual World Languages Festival!

All are invited to join us for the 5th Annual World Language Festival on Saturday, March 8th, starting at 10 am, for an exciting day of cultural exploration and celebration! Experience captivating performances, including Sounds of Africa with Elizabeth Kahura; Bharatanatyam Dance by Sumathi Suryaa Bhadriraaj of Akshaya Dance Academy; Traditional Irish Dance by Angelika Ruiz Gualberto of McAllen Irish Arts; and the Samulnori Percussion Ensemble led by Professor Mijin Oh-Villarreal from UTRGV.


Explore the Connecting Cultures Interactive Art while touring the gallery featuring the artwork of Oscar Alvarez and visiting with our community partners. Don’t miss Color in the World, an engaging collaborative art project in the Children's Department, where kids can contribute to a canvas that celebrates the spirit of community.


Immerse yourself in the rich diversity of music, dance, and language learning with unforgettable performances that celebrate cultures, languages, and traditions from around the world. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience and honor the vibrant cultural expressions that unite us all. This family-friendly event promises to be a day of fun and learning for all ages! For more information, visit https://mcallenlibrary.net/events/wlf/

Congratulations to Troy Klein!

MPL is proud to announce that Systems Specialist, Troy Klein, received an award as one of two Loaned Executive of the Year by United Way. He and others were honored in a special 2025 Awards Ceremony at Casa De Palmas Hotel, which spotlighted exceptional volunteers and dedicated supporters in South Texas. Congratulations, Troy, and thank you for your United Way service!

About Me:

I grew up in McAllen and attended Sharyland High School.  I attended the University of Texas at Austin and then received my J.D. from St. Mary's Law School.  I also received a Masters' in Political Science with a Certification in  Campaign Management.  I spent the next 30 years in Washington, DC and Pennsylvania working in the areas of politics and policy.  I moved back to McAllen in 2017 and got involved in local politics and policy.

What do you enjoy most about being on the Library Advisory Board?

I have always had a special feeling about libraries.  Growing up, I spent most afternoons at the old McAllen library on Main Street.  When my mom retired from teaching after 42 years at Sharyland High School, they named the school library after her.  So, I jumped at the chance to be on the Library Advisory Board when approached by Commissioner Cabeza de Vaca.  I have the chance to interact with some wonderful people including Kate Horan, the Library Director.


What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

"Don't give up on your principles" and "stay true to yourself"


What are 3 things that make you happy?

I am happiest when I am able to spend time with my six grandchildren.  Working on a campaign for either an issue or a candidate is another thing that makes me happy.  Finally, being on a  cruise where I can spend the whole time reading while watching the ocean makes me happy.

What is your favorite book genre? And why?

Fantasy! I'm a visual thinker, so reading fantasy books is like watching a movie in my head.


What book series would you like to live in?

I would like to live in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles. I love dragons so I want to go live with them.

What do you enjoy most about working at a library? 

I've always enjoyed going to the library as a kid so I'm happy that I get to work here and work with awesome people.


What game show do you think you could win?

The Price is Right Maybe? I'm not good at the trivia games.

Going On Now at MPL!

MPL Kids Program Highlights

Main Library

My First Book Club

Wed., Mar. 12

4:30PM

St. Patrick's Day Craft

Mon. Mar. 17

While Supplies Lasts

Women's History Month Word Search

Sat. Mar. 29

All Day

Lark Branch

Once Upon A 

Time at Lark

Mondays, Mar. 3,10 & 17

11:00AM

Creative Mornings

Wednesdays,

Mar. 5, 12, 19

11:00AM

Color Corner

Thu. Mar. 27

11:00AM

Palm View Branch

La hora de los cuentos

Bilingual Storytime

Every Tuesday

11:00AM

Homeschool Hangout

Karaoke with the Stars

Mon. Mar. 10

12:00PM

In-B-Tween Club:

Lego Hangout

Wed., Mar. 12

6:00PM


Click Here For More MPL Kids Programs!

MPL Teens Program Highlights

Main Library

Starbooks Cafe 

Book Club

Sun. Mar. 9

6:00PM

Book Launch

Party

Wed. Mar. 19

3:00PM

Teen

Volunteer Day

Sat. Mar. 29

2:00PM-5:00PM

Lark Branch

Paintings 

To Gogh

Mon. Mar. 10

6:00PM

Spooky Stories!

Mysterious Women

of History

Sat. Mar. 15

2:00PM

Printmaking!

Thu. Mar. 27

6:00PM

Palm View Branch

Makerspace: 

Buttons for Hestory!

Wed. Mar. 5

4:30PM

Destress Before 

STAAR Test

Sat. Mar. 8

4:30PM

Libflix

Wed. Mar. 19

4:30PM

Click Here For More MPL Teens Programs!

MPL Adult Program Highlights

Main Library

Women's Health Series:

Family Planning

Tue. Mar. 11

10:00AM

Nature Series with Rebecca Reyes

Sat. Mar. 22

11:00AM

Valley Roots Series:

Stories from the Shadows-Women in Migration

Thu. Mar. 27

7:00PM

Lark Branch

Knitting

Group

Every Tuesday

2:00PM

Lark

Book Club

Thu. Mar. 13

6:30PM

Magic

the Gathering

Sat. Mar. 22

2:00PM


Palm View Branch

Golden Gamers Club

Thu. Mar. 6

12:00PM

DHR Health Talk

Thu. Mar. 20

12:00PM

Page to Screen:

Little Women

Mon. Mar. 24

12:00PM

Click Here For More MPL Adults Programs!

Explore Women's History Month through our Reference Collection!

AV Record Gray Placeholder

Black Women Scientists

in the United States

By  Wini Warren

AV Record Gray Placeholder

American Women in Science:

A Biographical Dictionary

By Smith, Sande

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

10:00AM - 9:00PM

Friday - Saturday

10:00AM - 5:00PM

Sunday

1:00PM - 9:00PM

Palm View Branch 

3401 Jordan Rd. W.

McAllen, TX 78503

PH: 956.681.3110

Hours:

Monday - Thursday

10:00AM - 9:00PM

Friday - Saturday

10:00AM - 5:00PM

Sunday

1:00PM - 9:00PM

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