February

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

Now, more than ever, libraries need your support. Libraries focus on the future of our children through early childhood literacy and lifelong learning opportunities, support career readiness, and provide access to current and emerging technologies. We are true community centers that bring people from all walks of life together. That’s why our long-standing motto is, ā€œLibraries are for everyone.ā€ Libraries amplify access to information and resources that Texans just like you need to reach their full potential, and we provide essential services to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that everyone can fully participate in our digital world. On that note, did you know that MPL has an eBranch? Our eBranch offers digital content on a variety of platforms to bring you ebooks for children, teens, and adults, cloudLibrary NewsStand for online magazines, TumbleBook Library for children’s read-along books, and streaming movies and documentaries. In addition, your library card enables you to access curated articles from academic journals and databases, Tutor.com for live, online tutoring help in any school subject, SAT and ACT reviews, and Biblioboard – a visual exploration of how MPL has evolved over time. All this and more is available on our website, or by clicking on this link:bit.ly/digitalmpl. Come check us out and become an MPL ambassador by telling your friends and family what an amazing free resource we are. Today’s libraries are so much more than books!

FREE Bilingual Digital Literacy Courses at MPL

McAllen Public Library has received $10,000 from the Public Library Association (PLA) Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T. This grant will support free bilingual digital literacy courses, with American Sign Language available upon request. Classes will start the first week of February 2025 at both Main Library and Palm View Branch Library. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refresh your skills, the courses will cover key topics. Registration is required.


For more information, visit our website at https://mcallenlibrary.net/events/connecttotech.

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

Save the date for the 5th Annual World Language Festival on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 10AM to 12PM, a vibrant celebration of diverse cultures, traditions, and languages from around the world!

The event will feature a headline performance by Elizabeth Kahura performing Sound of Africa, along with traditional Irish dance by Angelika Ruiz Gualberto of McAllen Irish Arts, Sumathi Bhadriraaj with Akshaya Dance Academy, and Samulnori, a traditional Korean percussion performance performed by Professor Oh-Villarreal of UTRGV, which combines music with cultural storytelling. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to Explore the World Through Food with Dr. Andrea Valdez, CCMP of Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. Discover vibrant flavors, learn to create healthy and exciting recipes, and take a journey through different cultures—one dish at a time!

In addition to these incredible performances and activities, there will be engaging storytimes and interactive sessions that highlight the beauty of different communities. Whether you're discovering new languages, tasting international flavors, or immersing yourself in unique customs, the World Languages Festival promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate!


What is your favorite book genre? And why?

Sci-fi, because it transports me to a unique reality of another life.


What book series would you like to live in?

Dune

What are 3 things that make you happy?

Nature, good food, and friends/family


If you could have an animal sidekick, what would it be? Why?

Ferret, because they are loyal, know how to fight but can be very loving

Going On Now at MPL!

MPL Kids Program Highlights

Main Library

World Read Aloud Day Storytime

Wed., Feb. 5

6:00PM

Dear 

Valentine

Thur., Feb. 13

6:00PM

Homeschool

Hangout

Fri., Feb. 28

11:00AM

Lark Branch

Once Upon A 

Time at Lark

Mondays, Feb. 3,10 & 17

11:00AM

Creative Mornings

Wednesdays,

Feb., 5, 12, &19

11:00AM

LEAP Backpack

 Launch

Wed., Feb. 26

11:00AM

Palm View Branch

La hora de los cuentos

Bilingual Storytime

Every Tuesday

11:00AM

Homeschool Hangout

Trailblazer Jeopardy

Mon., Feb. 10

12:00PM

In-B-Tween Club:

Liblflix

Wed., Feb. 19

6:00PM


Click Here For More MPL Kids Programs!

MPL Teens Program Highlights

Main Library

TAC 

Meeting

Sat., Feb. 1

3:00PM

Dinero

Di$cussions

Sat., Feb. 8

11:00AM

Graphic

 Novel Club

Wed., Feb. 19

6:00PM

Lark Branch

Pipe Cleaner

 Flowers

Tue., Feb. 4

6:00PM

DIY Heart

PiƱatas!

Tue., Feb. 11

6:00PM

PrintHER

Future

Sat., Feb. 22

 2:00PM

Palm View Branch

Gamers Unplugged

Mon., Feb. 3

Wed., Feb. 19

4:30PM

Makerspace:

DIY Rings

Wed., Feb. 12

4:30PM

Makerspace:

History Shakers Collage

Mon., Feb. 17

4:30PM

Click Here For More MPL Teens Programs!

MPL Adult Program Highlights

Main Library

Connect To Tech

Cybersecurity

Wed., Feb. 5

3:00PM

Valley Roots: Civil Rights Movement in Texas

Thu., Feb. 13

7:00PM

Free Community Tax Service Assistance

Wed., Feb. 26

9:00AM-3:00PM

Lark Branch

Knitting

Group

Every Tuesday

2:00PM

Valentine's Day Cards

Wed., Feb. 12

6:00PM

Adult Sculpting

Sat., Feb. 15

2:00PM


Palm View Branch

Book Sharing Night:

World Read Aloud Day

Wed., Feb. 5

5:30PM

Sweet Treat

Thu., Feb. 13

12:00PM

Page To Screen

Mon., Feb. 24

11:30AM

Click Here For More MPL Adults Programs!

Discover Black History Month through our Reference Collection!

AV Record Gray Placeholder

Encyclopedia of African American History Volume 1-3

By Alexander, Leslie M. & Rucker, Walter C.

AV Record Gray Placeholder

Who's Who in

African-American History

By Smith, Sande

Library e-Resource of The Month

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

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