McAllen Public Library will welcome the community to its free, in-person ninth annual South Texas Book Festival Oct. 27-31 at the library on 4001 North 23rd Street. The festival features a diverse group of national, regional and local authors participating in readings and panel discussions. Also on the schedule are crafts, food trucks and other activities.
This year, the festival will include a special night just for the over 18 crowd with a Killer Verse: A Night of Dark Poetry on Oct. 27 from 7-9 p.m. at Roosevelt’s at 7 Bar & Grill, 821 North Main Street. The STBF kicks off at the Main Library on Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with various author readings and discussions. Oct. 31 also brings a special Halloween evening celebration just for children with a Trick-or-Treat Trail from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
According to MPL Director Kate Horan, the STBF is one way the McAllen Public Library engages families in the community. Youth activities include a kiddie train, all day hands-on activities and a free book giveaway. Every child and teen who attends the book festival will go home with a free book, thanks to H-E-B’s Read 3 Program and South Texas Literacy Coalition.
The international-award winning STBF ranks high among some of the most innovative events worldwide. McAllen Public Library recently won 20 Pinnacle Awards including the Grand Pinnacle for the South Texas Book Festival, for marketing, publicity and communication at the 65th Annual International Festivals and Events Association Convention and Awards Ceremony. It is also the recipient of the Branding Iron Award from the Texas Library Association.