STIBF Presents: Local Author Showcase

Presented by

Saturday, September 19, 2026 │ 10:00AM–12:30PM
Main Library │ 4001 N. 23rd St., McAllen, TX 78504

Meet writers from across the Rio Grande Valley during STIBF Presents: Local Author Showcase. Hosted by McAllen Public Library and presented by H-E-B Helping Here, this special South Texas International Book Festival event brings readers and local authors together for a morning of conversations, books, and regional storytelling.

Hear participating authors talk about their writing journeys, publishing experiences, and the ways their work continues beyond the page. Guests will also have opportunities to meet the authors, learn more about their work, and purchase books. Admission is free.

Schedule of Events

Author Meet & Greet

10:00AM-12:30PM
Lobby Gallery Area

Meet the authors behind the books! Stop by the Lobby Gallery throughout the morning to chat with participating writers, learn more about their work, purchase books, and find your next local read.

The Writing Journey

10:15-10:45AM
Meeting Room AB

Every writer has a different path to the page. Anna Ayala, David Mendoza III, Doug Young, and Edward Garza share their experiences with finding inspiration, developing their craft, and navigating the highs and lows of the writing journey.

Publishing & Being a Local Author

11:00-11:30AM
Meeting Room AB

What happens after the writing is done? Erika Balderas-Perez, G.B. Cast, Jeannette Zallar, Jonathan Solis, and Ric Quintanilla talk publishing, getting their work into readers’ hands, and what it means to write and publish from the Rio Grande Valley.

Beyond the Book

11:45AM-12:15PM
Meeting Room AB

A story doesn’t always end on the last page. Koby J. Almazan, Liz Rodriguez, Lizzy Goldmoon, and Victor Benavides explore how their work reaches beyond their books through creativity, community connections, and new opportunities.