McAllen Public Library, or MPL, is the public library system serving McAllen, Texas, United States. The library system's mission statement, which was approved by the library board in November 2008, is: McAllen Public Library is a dynamic civic resource that promotes the open exchange of ideas through free access to information and connects a culturally diverse population with the global community. OverviewMcAllen Public Library serves the community of McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley through three branch libraries. The library system's collection includes audiobooks on CD, Blu-Rays, books, DVDs, eBooks, eMagazines, music CDs, and magazine and newspaper subscriptions. With a valid McAllen Public Library card, or a valid card from any participating library in the Hidalgo County Library System, patrons may borrow and request items.Other services provided by MPL include Ask a Librarian, interlibrary loan, obituary requests, services for patrons with disabilities, study rooms, test proctoring, and tours.In 2014, McAllen Public Library launched its eBranch. The eBranch is a collection of free digital resources, some requiring a valid MPL card, categorized into the following topics: eBooks, Audiobooks, Newsstand, Research, eLearning, College & Career, and en Español.The Library Board holds meetings that are open to the public and makes recommendations to the City Commission concerning operating policy of McAllen Public Library and long-range capital improvement planning.HistoryMcAllen Public Library's beginnings can be traced back to 1932, when the McAllen Study Club opened a one-room library at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. The new library was open on Saturdays and the first librarian was Miss Elinor Hambrick. In 1934, the library relocated to First Baptist Church before being relocated again in 1936 to the basement of the Archer Park Bandstand. In 1944, the library was granted municipal status and embarked on a fund drive for a new building.
