Formation of McAllen Book Festival

McAllen Book Festival was established in 2014 as a celebration of culture and imagination by linking readers of all ages with authors, performers, and publishers, and fulfilling the mission of McAllen Public Library as a place where people and ideas meet and connect.

In August 2018, we re-branded our annual book festival and we now have a new name, a new logo, and a wider appeal. McAllen Book Festival is now the South Texas Book Festival.

Rebranding to South Texas Book Festival

Combining literacy promotion, regional and national authors, and children’s entertainment in a festive atmosphere, McAllen Public Library promotes a lifelong habit of reading for pleasure and fun.

Families from all over South Texas – and from our sister cities across the border – attend our festival, and the name change more accurately describes our expanded reach. Along with the excitement of the name change came a new and recognizable STBF logo.

STBF Expands in 2020

After the 2019 STBF, MPL analyzed feedback from the community after conducting in-person and online event surveys. As a result of the evaluations, STBF kicked off its seventh year with an exciting addition! For the first time, STBF went virtual and included literary sessions for adults. 

MPL Celebrates a Decade of STBF!

In 2023, McAllen Public Library announced the 10th Annual South Texas Book Festival, a milestone event celebrating the rich literary heritage of the Rio Grande Valley while engaging readers of all ages in a diverse array of activities. The festival’s anniversary logo showcases Marty, the endearing mascot cat of MPL, eager to extend a paw of invitation to our community for this extraordinary celebration!