About McAllen Public Library (MPL)
From its modest beginnings in borrowed space, McAllen Public Library (MPL) has grown to include three branches, of which the Main Library has made national news for its innovative design and repurposing. We expect the library will continue to build on its historic foundations and be a strong and valuable community resource to the people of McAllen and the rest of the Rio Grande Valley.
The Lark Branch Library in North McAllen and the Palm View Branch Library in South McAllen each play a vital role in serving their communities. They offer diverse programs and resources in a welcoming space, providing access to technology, educational tools, and cultural programming. Together, they exemplify MPL’s commitment to connecting and uplifting the community through innovative and accessible services.
Old Main
After 60 years in the downtown McAllen location at 601 N. Main St., the Old Main Library closed its doors on November 23, 2011. Ready for a new home, new look, and new direction, McAllen Public Library relocated to its current location at 4001 N. 23rd St.
New Main
The impressive New Main Library opened its doors on December 10, 2011 and is 123,000 sq ft. The library's collections hold over 340,000 items available for check out.
View the video below from arch20.com about the planning of New Main Library.
Library Branches
In addition to the Main Library, there are two branch libraries. The Lark Branch Library is the north branch located at 2601 Lark Avenue and the Palm View Branch Library is the south branch located at 3401 Jordan Avenue. Each is housed within the community center bearing the same name, Palm View and Lark.
The community centers are approximately 31,500 square feet each; the branch libraries each occupy approximately 11,000 square feet within the community centers.
The branches were built after a 1997 vote where McAllen citizens implemented a half-cent sales tax for economic development.
In November 2023, the community was invited to the Grand Reopening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of our newly upgraded library branches! We unveiled our revitalized spaces with vibrant new colors and designs, along with comfortable and functional new furniture for your reading and study needs.
Services for Patrons with Disabilities
MPL offers a range of services to ensure accessibility and inclusion for patrons with disabilities. Here are some of the key services available:
ACCESSIBLE PARKING: Several designated accessible parking spaces are available near the front entrance.
ADA COMPLIANT WATER FOUNTAINS: The library provides access to wall mounted water fountains that are ADA compliant for children and adults, designed to provide plenty of room for wheelchair access.
ELECTRIC MOBILITY SCOOTERS: With the Main Library being the largest single-story library in America, we’ve made sure to provide access to electric mobility scooters designed to help the elderly and disabled get around with ease. Patrons are able to check out a scooter at the Welcome Desk by providing an ID card.
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES: MPL offers a variety of materials designed to meet the needs of patrons with disabilities.
Large Print Books: A selection of books with large print is available for patrons with low vision.
Audiobooks & Digital Resources: Access to audiobooks, eBooks, and digital magazines through services like Libby and CloudLibrary. Details on our eBranch at https://mcallenlibrary.net/books-more/e-branch/.
Braille Materials: Braille resources can be requested through Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Visit our ILL page online at https://www.mcallenlibrary.net/books-more/interlibrary-loan.
VISUALLY ASSISTIVE DEVICES: MPL offers assistive devices for the visually impaired community, which includes the following equipment:
At a computer station located in the Computer Lab
- ZoomText (enlarges computer screen text) and JAWS (a software that reads information on your screen). This software can be used with Microsoft Office programs and our online catalog. The Computer Lab Desk provides assistance or headphones.
- Merlin (a desktop electronic magnifier which enlarges printed materials on a video screen).
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY: Main Library is wheelchair accessible, with automatic doors, ramps, and wide aisles for easy navigation.
Awards
In 2012, MPL was named a winner of the 2012 ALA / IIDA Award and has since received international media recognition, including features in LA Times, TIME Magazine and Texas Monthly. In 2016, it was named the Most Beautiful Library in Texas by the website Tech Insider.
In 2022, 2023, and 2024, McAllen Public Library earned the prestigious Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festival and Events Association (IFEA) for the South Texas Book Festival, a testament to its excellence in community engagement and programming. During those same years, the festival was also honored with the Best in Texas Award from the Texas Festival and Events Association (TFEA), solidifying its reputation as one of the state’s premier literary and cultural events.