April

2026

We have lots going on this month!

Two University Students Talking in the Library

Going On Now at MPL!

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

There is a unique kind of magic that happens when a child falls in love with a story. The walls of the room disappear, and suddenly, they are soaring through space, exploring enchanted forests, or solving a mystery. At McAllen Public Library, we want to capture that imagination and put it on canvas. I am delighted to invite our young creators to participate in Art Pathways, a youth art contest designed to celebrate the intersection of books and brushes.

The premise is simple: Read a book, pick your favorite moment, and paint it. To add a bit of local flair, we’re asking our artists to include a cameo from a familiar face—Marty the Library Cat! Whether he’s peeking out from behind a castle wall or lounging on a spaceship, we want to see Marty "sneaking" into your favorite tales.

We want to make sure every young artist has the tools they need to succeed. Starting April 7, the first 500 participants to register will receive a free Art Pathways kit, which includes:

An 8” x 10” canvas
A set of acrylic paints
A paintbrush and official contest guidelines

Note: This contest is open to artists ages 5–18. To ensure a fair playing field, we ask that all entries use acrylic paint only. Participants must have a valid McAllen Public Library card to enter.

Marty The Library Cat Holding a self-portrait

We are kicking things off in style! Please join us for a Kickoff Press Conference:

When: April 7th at 10:00 AM
Where: Main Library

In June, we will be crowning nine winners across three age categories. I cannot wait to see how our talented youth transform their favorite literary moments into visual masterpieces.

Yolanda Lira

Library Assistant | Palm View Branch Library

What moment at the library has stayed with you?

Helped a patron look for books on resumes & helped him on the computer to do his resume. Came back later to thank me because he got a job.

What do you enjoy most about working at the library?

The people. I like talking to different people from different cultures and backgrounds.

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

Programs like toddler Time, adult programs and family programs. I recommend all!

Sandra Carrizales

Public Services Librarian | Reference Dept.

What moment at the library has stayed with you?

Moderating for Julie Kagawa and Isabel Cañas at the South Texas Book Festival.

What has surprised you most about working at the library?

Being surrounded by other passionate, nerdy book lovers. I found my people!

Who is your favorite author? And why?

Madeline Miller- Incredible writer!

MPL Kids Program Highlights

Main Library

Homeschool Hangout

Friday, April 10 & 24

11:00AM

Earth Day Craft

Wednesday, April 22

All Day

Family Storytime

Monday, April 27

6:00PM

Lark Branch

Little World Readers

Thursday, April 2

12:00PM

Once Upon

an Earth Day

Wednesday, April 22

11:00AM

Plushie Night at Lark

Thursday, April 30

6:30PM

Palm View Branch

Toddler Time

Every Thursday

11:00AM

In-B-Tween Club:

Spine Poetry

Wednesday, April 15

6:00PM

Homeschool Hangout:

Library Scavenger Hunt

Tuesday, April 21

10:30AM

Click Here For More MPL Kids Programs!

MPL Teens Program Highlights

Main Library

Sensory Saturday

Saturday, April 11

2:00PM

Smart Money Moves

Wednesday, April 15

6:00PM

She Succeeds:

Level Up Your Career

Monday, April 20

6:00PM-8:00PM

Lark Branch

Homeschool Art Zone:

Wednesday, April 8 & 22

11:00AM

DIY Selfcare:

Perfume

Thurusday, April 16

6:00PM

Teeny Tiny

Terrariums

Thursday, April 23

6:00PM

Palm View Branch

Makerspace:

Magnetic Poetry

Tuesday, April 7

4:30PM

Crochet 101

Thursday, April 16

4:30PM

Makerspace:

Love Your Library Bookmarks

Tuesday, April 21

4:30PM

Click Here For More MPL Teens Programs!

MPL Adult Program Highlights

Main Library

Growing and Nourshing Healthy Communities

Every Wednesday

11:00AM

Money & Mortgages

with Vantage Bank

10:00AM

Valley Root Series:

The Untold Story of Women & Ranch lands in the RGV

Monday, April 20

7:00PM

Lark Branch

Knitting Group

Every Tuesday

2:00PM

Watercolor

with Emily

Saturday, April 16

6:00PM

Financial Literacy Workshop

Saturday, April 18

1:00PM

Palm View Branch

Health Talk:

Mosquitos & Diseases

Thursday, April 9

12:00PM

Crafty Corner:

Celebrate Your

Library Tote

Thursday, April 23

12:00PM

Painting with

Miss Danice

Thursday, April 23

12:00PM

Click Here For More MPL Adults Programs!

Explore Our Reference Collection!

Encyclopedia of marine science

By Ried C. Nichols

National Geographic family reference

atlas of the world

by National Geographic Society (U.S.)

Explore Our Personal Finance Collection!

Millionaire teacher: the nine rules of wealth you should have learned in school

By Andrew Hallam

Money for change : how to reduce waste, build wealth, and create a better future for all

by Kara Perez

Library e-Resource of The Month

Follow Us For All Our Events & Updates!

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