Read Around Town

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All McAllen Public Library Locations
Monday, October 20 - Friday, October 24

During STBF Presents: Read Around Town Week, we’ll be featuring a series of events with local children’s authors in the days leading up to the Main Festival Day—spotlighting regional voices and celebrating the stories that shape our community. These special sessions will include storytimes, book talks, and opportunities for kids and their families to connect with authors from the Rio Grande Valley.

For Kids
Read Around Town with Melissa Diaz
Monday, October 20 at 11AM
Main Library

Author Melissa Diaz shares “My Love For You is Everywhere,” a heartfelt picture book inspired by her experiences as the child of a blended family, a stepparent, and an educator. Through her story, Diaz shines a light on co-parenting and the challenges it brings to little hearts.

View an Invite from the Author:
https://youtu.be/NDlqIu1qh_M?si=R_IX54YN-Pz61cWf

For Families
Read Around Town with Patty York Raymond
Monday, October 20 at 6PM
Raising Cane’s in McAllen (10th & Trenton)

We’re heading over to Raising Cane’s for a special storytime with Patty York Raymond! She’ll be sharing “There Was a Tenacious Teacher Who Scarfed Down a Sticker,” a laugh-out-loud bilingual picture book full of rhyme, rhythm, and wild imagination. With every page, this tenacious teacher devours classroom supplies, inspires her students, and sparks giggles for kids and grown-ups alike.

For Kids
Read Around Town with Suzanne Sheppard
Tuesday, October 21 at 11AM
Lark Branch Library

Author Suzanne Sheppard brings two cosmic adventures to life with “Rocket the Space Giraffe” and “Wish Upon a Star.” Follow Rocket and her best friend Cosmo the lemur as they blast off to the moon, skate Saturn’s rings, and discover that dreams really can come true. Inspired by the real Rocket at the Gladys Porter Zoo, these rhyming picture books blend playful imagination with real-life animal facts, sparking wonder for readers of all ages.

For Kids
Read Around Town with Juan Reynoso
Tuesday, October 21 at 1PM
Main Library

Author Juan Reynoso shares his heartfelt picture books “Babble Babble” and “I Love You.” With poetic words and vibrant watercolor illustrations, his stories celebrate growth, love, and family — making them perfect read-alouds for little ones and the people who love them.

For Kids
Read Around Town with Naivi Vera
Tuesday, October 21 at 6PM
Palm View Branch Library

Author Naivi Vera brings a special storytime with “El maravilloso mundo de Susy, la hormiguita aventurera” — a Spanish-English bilingual children’s book where a little ant’s adventures teach lessons of bravery and teamwork.

View an Invite from the Author:
https://youtu.be/YqhHmsCPer4?si=5HMnWWI-q84-y9rC

For Kids
Read Around Town with Eliza Garza
Wednesday, October 22 at 6PM
Main Library

Author Eliza Garza shares “My Friend Sabrina,” a touching story that reminds us sunshine isn’t just in the sky, it’s in the love we share. This heartfelt book helps children navigate grief, celebrate legacy, and recognize the light they carry in their own hearts.

For Kids
Read Around Town with Ann Anderson
Thursday, October 23 at 1PM
Main Library

Author Ann Anderson shares “The Pumpkin Seed,” a heartwarming fall story about perseverance and the power of belief. Follow young Robbie as he dreams of growing the biggest pumpkin for his town’s festival, learning along the way that anything is possible.

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