Visitando una biblioteca principal en el Valle del Rio Grande Visiting a main library in the Rio Grande Valley (2 of 2) I had to spend about 1.5 days in McAllen, Texas, which is one of the bigger cities in the Rio Grande Valley, along with Brownsville and Harlingen. If you look at what you can do in McAllen, their main library, the largest one on one level in the United States, will be on that list. I asked myself how that could be ... and in McAllen. I had to take a look. The answer to that shows how it gets 5 stars from me, with one star for each word in the following phrase: "Walmart Becomes A Stupendous Library" I did not know that until I got here and asked if the library was built from scratch. I learned that it was not. A Walmart that was no longer operative was repurposed to become the city's main library and, in so doing, became the most spacious one-story library in the U.S. of A. Overlooking the aesthetics of McAllen's main library branch, which is hard to do, the library does everything very well. The collection is vast, with stacks in every direction. In between the stacks are pleasing seating areas and broad expanses of tables, all under excellent illumination. There is a very large children's room and some of its features are humorous and innovative. In fact, art installations throughout the library are clever and interesting. Upon walking in, there is a large tech center with computers and other available features. There's even a small cafe' from which I was able to get some tasty, small, and nicely priced desserts after having had dinner. Even the restrooms are spacious and kept in excellent condition. That everything looks new(er) goes without saying. While I didn't need as much service as I needed at Brownsville, where I handled the technical matters I needed to attend to, the staff was definitely pleasant. They answered my few questions and seem proud to be a part of this progressive library. The main McAllen library's repurposed exterior is also very pleasing to look at. Built into the outboard side of the covered auto canopy is a water feature that drips into a fountain. Additionally, there is an adjacent glass tower that changes colors, which is much more commanding when it's dark outside. The parking lot, with entrances off of a main artery, is capacious. If all this wasn't already making for a very good vibe, I had an experience that was a first and really funny, at least to me. As I was walking back to the car in the parking lot, an obviously local woman comes careening around a corner and rolls down her car window to frantically and excitedly ask me if the library was still open ... in Spanish! With a baseball cap on, I don't think she got a good look at me and, being in the Rio Grande Valley, she must have assumed that whomever she spoke with would speak Spanish. She got lucky. I took my collegiate Spanish courses very seriously (since they were usually comical and good fun) and responded with, "Creo que esta abierta por quince minutos mas." At this point, some Americanized cadence might have filtered through, she looked a little thrown off, and she then landed on a parking space. And, here, I had taken Spanish electives with the hopes of one day visiting Spain and Argentina. A few decades ago, speaking Spanish to someone if you were obviously not Hispanic could have been seen as patronizing, especially if the person doing it was one of those "dos cervezas por favor" types of idiots. Things keep changing and now I feel that more people in America welcome your speaking Spanish to them. This definitely appears to be the case in the Rio Grande Valley. I turned on the ignition to the car, howled with laughter at what just happened, and drove off. Most people, especially if younger, go to the library to get something done. Someone who doesn't have to get something done may go for the enrichment it provides. I can't imagine anyone needing to have their teeth pulled to go McAllen's main branch of their public library. Even just reading about it and the record the McAllen main branch holds, I didn't need to come here. I wanted to come here. And, if in this area, or even in and around South Padre Island, I will probably make a special trip to this unique library just because I want to. read more

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Amazing spot for the latest books and other resources! Really enjoyed their vast collection of material, from popular fiction to the latest nonfiction books. Also, the study rooms that you can book in advance were amazing! Online reservations and the check-in process were easy. Spent a string of days working here and the tasty Texas Pecan coffee from the Rise and Shine cafe at the front of the library was perfect. Librarians were incredibly helpful. read more

Who would've thought such an excellent library would be down in south Texas! There's a beautiful fountain out front, lots of parking, weekend farmers markets in the lot, cheap books for sale, and a cafe with pastries/coffee/tea before you even step foot into the actual library. There are also tons of conferences rooms, video chat booths, and study rooms strewn throughout the building. I love going here on the weekends, picking up books to read, and sometimes getting some work done at a table just to help me stay focused. I also enjoy renting kindle books and audiobooks through the Libby app. An awesome library and honestly one of my favorite libraries I've ever been to. read more

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7/1/2019 Abi and I read a book & relaxed. So enjoyable. 8/17/2018 Enjoy spending a couple of hours here-even a few sometimes. One issue today, and I hope today only, people are playing movies on their phones, spend time talking on their phones, cursing, and no one, I mean no one, tells them to not to do this. You are in a library where you are supposed to keep the noise level down and not cursing. Even the man's middle school age son was cursing in his regular discussion with his father. And they were discussing manners! Disgusting! It's sad that such a wonderful place is downgraded because of people with no manners. So sad. I hope the next time I visit the library, it is back to my wonderful experiences. Around 2pm they had a movie for the children to watch. Good place to take to child to for a good book because there a so many to choose from! read more

McAllen Public Library - Wonderful waterfall to sit by and chill. - Libraries Near Me - McAllen, Texas

Great library with a wide range of books. There are rooms to rent for studying or group meetings. They also host events for the local community from time to time. read more

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This library is amazing and super kid friendly. They have a small entrance for children- it is so cute! I love how it's all butterfly themed. The librarians are super sweet and helpful. I would definitely recommend this library for children, families, anyone honestly. It's quite big and they have so many fun activities going on. When we went their fountain was off but, it's usually on. Many photo opportunities at this library. read more

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Renewed my library card and all her questions and my answers were on a loud speaker in the library so everyone could hear my personal information and that is totally unacceptable. this is private information and should not be broadcast all over for everyone to hear. read more

I love this library!! McAllen has 3 (did you know?) but this is by far my favorite. Hailed as the largest one story library in the nation it's also extremely functional and modern. The toddler, kid, & teen programs are phenomenal. Most recently MPL held a 3D printing class for kids free of charge. Summer programs (including their reading program) are always fun and educational for kids. Adult reading programs and services are available too. Throughout the year beginner courses are held for basic computer skills. At times, there are writing camps for anyone with a love of writing or an eagerness to learn more. This Saturday they will host one of many book sales throughout the year. Great finds during these sales. Tip: GET THERE EARLY!! Free services also include genealogy resources and abc mouse for kids!! Lit kits for book clubs available & free dvd and blue ray rentals! read more

McAllen Public Library - Libraries Near Me - McAllen, Texas

One of the best libraries I've been to. They have a little coffee shop before you enter. Perfect for a little pick me up before a heavy study session. A large interactive children's library with toys and an activity area. Lots of books to choose from. They have lots of areas to have private study sessions. And different levels of books neatly organized by sections. Plus my favorite part is they have lots of community activities for adults and children. read more

Love the McAllen library. Always many new books on display. Quiet place to sit, relax and enjoy reading or studying. One of the best places in McAllen! Simple to request a book for hold online. Large selection to choose from. read more

Ugh, why wasn't this built before I left the valley?! This Walmart-turned-library has been featured internationally for it's incredible design and it deserves every accolade. I had the privilege of getting a personal, guided tour which showed off some of the awesome features hiding in this huge building. For instance, a giant auditorium that can be rented is hiding in this building! Ton of meeting rooms were also available for crazy cheap prices, so no one should be paying a hotel to host a conference in McAllen. The library itself is expansive, with a huge children's section and the most awesome young adult section I've ever seen in a library. Teens can go hang out in their own space with their own librarian and the doors can be closed behind them to isolate the noise! Tons of study rooms and ample seating make this a great spot to get some work done. Their quiet room is beautifully decorated and peaceful. Art is hiding everywhere, so enjoy the lovely surprises as you look around. And find snacks and cheap books at their in house coffee shop and book store. Heaven! read more

This library is my second home! I am here almost every day and I have to say its one of the best libraries I have been too. As a student, I am always looking for a quiet place to study. During the week they have good hours, closing until 9. The majority of the time, I spend it in the quiet room, which is in the center of the library all the way in the back of the library. This area is quiet!! Great area for studying! They're restrooms are always clean and the library is always kept in pristine condition! read more

Beautiful library! Big wide open space, plenty of comfy places to sit, private rooms for meetings & computer rooms. You can check out plenty of books at once & they even have DVD's to check out. The kids area is absolutely adorable & has a great selection. The reason I took a star is that the employees of the library do not enforce good etiquette when it comes to the behavior of the patrons. It's not really the libraries fault that rude people go there, but strict rules should be posted throughout the library. For the people attending this library, here are some simple rules to follow: 1. The library is not a freaking teen hang out spot!! I know you want to sound really smart by saying "Oh I go to the library every weekend", however, going there just to sit around with your friend and watch YouTube doesn't freaking count moron. 2. This is not a Starbucks so stop sitting around and blasting your iphone/ipad music through your headphones. 3 grown men were sitting at the back sofas and one was blasting his music and taking calls while his 2 friends were just sitting there staring at each other. Really? If that is what you are going to do at the library, go home! 3. The library is not your child's playroom or a playground, so stop letting them run around barefoot and scream. 4. Stop listening to itunes sample music on speaker! This is freaking common sense people. Unfortunately, I've encountered every single one these situations at the library. If you abide by these rules, congratulations! You are AWESOME! If you are guilty of these offenses, you know nothing about basic etiquette or social rules. Please do not ever return to the library until you have some common decency. That is all. read more

When I'm visiting my family, this is where I prefer to do my studying. I will say there is a good variety of materials, helpful staff and an interesting interior. But be prepared for it to be kind of noisy (ask for a study room, if they aren't all full.) Never leave your valuables unattended. And don't talk to the crazy man in the Bermuda shorts. (No, he doesn't really work there. I asked.) read more

This library is the best! It has everything you need. It's spacious, has a cafe, several quiet study areas, computers for adults and kids, a great kids area for reading as well as playing and a cafe. What more could you want? I am able to take my kids, they are entertained and I get to study on a couch that surrounds the play area. WIN WIN. read more

A wonderful place! They have a little bit of everything: books, movies, magazines, dictionaries, study rooms, a quiet room, meeting rooms, a kids area and a computer area + there is wifi throughout the building. The staff is always friendly and helpful and there is always a quiet corner to sit and read or work. Highly recommended read more

I could literally spend all day here. My son and I have started coming here every weekend or whenever I just want to get him or of the house! The kids section is perfect. There's a decent amount of toys and a variety. The age group playing is usually from 6 months - 5 years but that's perfect for us. A lot of parents bring their children to play here or read the books. Every time we go we spend almost two or more hours here, my son can honestly play forever here. I love it because he gets to interact with kids. The staff is always friendly and helpful if you have any questions. Besides the kids section, they have a large computer room where you can use the internet, write essays, print out things, etc. They have several rooms, large and small, that can be reserved for group studies. They also have a cafe! I haven't been to the cafe yet but I've heard great things about it. Oh yeah, they also have a tiny playground outside which consists of a slide and some other cool interactions the kids can play with. We love it here! read more