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Valley Roots

The Untold Story of Women and Ranch Lands in the RGV
2025-08-14 19:00:00 2025-08-14 20:00:00 America/Chicago Valley Roots McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Auditorium

Thursday, August 14
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-08-14 19:00:00 2025-08-14 20:00:00 America/Chicago Valley Roots Explore the untold history of women landowners who shaped early ranching in Hidalgo County through Spanish and Mexican land grants. McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Auditorium

Explore the untold history of women landowners who shaped early ranching in Hidalgo County through Spanish and Mexican land grants.

Join us for a compelling Valley Roots presentation by Dr. Starling as he explores "Women and Ranch Ownership in the RGV, 1767–1860." Discover the overlooked legacy of early Hispanic women ranchers in the Rio Grande Valley. This presentation highlights the vital role of women as landowners and community builders through Spanish and Mexican land grants in Hidalgo County from 1749 and onward.

AGE GROUP: | Adults (18+) |

EVENT TYPE: | History |

TAGS: | |

McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center
Phone: 956-681-3000
Branch Manager
Kate P. Horan
Hours
Mon, Jul 14 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Jul 15 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Jul 16 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Jul 17 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Jul 18 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Jul 19 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Jul 20 1:00PM to 9:00PM
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About the library

Upcoming events

Tween Tuesday!
Tue, Jul 15, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Lark Branch Library - Study Room A (Max 12 People),Study Room B (Max 8 People)
Every Tuesday in June at Lark Branch: crafts and fun for tweens!
Lark Knitting Group - LOOM KNITTING & CROCHETING
Tue, Jul 15, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Lark Branch Library
Join us for loom knitting and crocheting
Teen Zumba
Tue, Jul 15, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room AB
Healthily dance your heart out.💃🕺
Unfolded Poetry Workshops
Tue, Jul 15, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Meeting Room AB
Join us for a series of poetry workshop designed to nurture your poetic spirit presented by Poet Laureate Victoria Lopez and our local community poets.
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Wed, Jul 16, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
Wacky Wednesday
Wed, Jul 16, 10:00am - 11:00am
Lark Branch Library
Join us at the Lark Branch Library for mornings filled with fun, jokes, riddles, and activities for children and families!
Sensory Storytime
Wed, Jul 16, 11:00am - 12:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Children's Program Room
Join us for an inclusive storytime full of interactive songs, stories, rhymes, and sensory exploration.
Spooky Stories!
Wed, Jul 16, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Lark Branch Library - Study Room A (Max 12 People)
Gather 'round as we share eerie tales, ghostly legends, and creepy campfire-style stories that will send shivers down your spine!
BOOK SHARING NIGHT - Family Book Sharing!
Wed, Jul 16, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
- Nook Area
Back by popular demand, it's Book Sharing time! Bring your gently used books and trade them for other, new to you books!
Thurs-Yay!
Thu, Jul 17, 10:00am - 11:00am
Lark Branch Library
Thursdays are filled with excitement and fun here at Lark! Featuring stories, crafts, and extra special events.
Toddler Time - 16 months-4 years
Thu, Jul 17, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Meeting Center - Meeting Room A & B
Join us for Songs, Storytime, Nursery Rhymes, social play, and activities. 16 months - 4 years old
An Afternoon Movie - Something Nostalgic
Thu, Jul 17, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Lark Branch Library - Room A
Join us for a fun movie
Oh Scrap!
Thu, Jul 17, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Teen Social Space
Stickers, collages, & chill vibes👩‍🎨
Diverse Voices Book Club
Thu, Jul 17, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Conference Room A
Join MPL's Diverse Voices Book Club! Enjoy a variety of literary works and meaningful discussion amongst peers!
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Fri, Jul 18, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
Tweens: Sweet Science!
Fri, Jul 18, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Lark Branch Library - Study Room A (Max 12 People)
Use simple ingredients and scientific principles to engineer your very own homemade ice cream! Satisfy your curiosity (and sweet tooth) with the coolest science experiment you'll do all season! 🍨🧪
ART FRIDAY - SUMMER READING CHALENGE
Fri, Jul 18, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
PALM VIEW BRANCH LIBRARY - CHILDRENS AREA
Join us in our department every Friday this SRC for color-pop fun, creative inspiration, and endless possibilities!
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Sat, Jul 19, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
Storytime with Princess Rose - ¿Cómo se llama? read aloud
Sat, Jul 19, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room AB - Meeting Room AB
Join young author Rose Mendez for storytime, a petting zoo with friendly animals, book signings, and fun activities for the whole family!
All Hand On Deck: - Card Game Night!
Sat, Jul 19, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Lark Branch Library
Whether you're into Hearts, Fluxx, or even TCGs like Pokémon and One Piece, there's a seat at the table for you. Learn something new, teach a favorite, or just enjoy good company over a friendly game.
Adult Sculpting - July
Sat, Jul 19, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Lark Community Center - Art Room
Come have fun with clay at Lark Branch Library's Adult Sculpting Program!
Hair 101: DIY Hair Mask
Sat, Jul 19, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Teen Social Space
Create your own hair mask from supplies at home!💇‍♀️💇‍♂️
Take & Make Crafts
Mon, Jul 21, All day
Lark Branch Library
Stop by the Lark Branch Library for our Take & Make craft kits for kids! Available at the circulation desk while supplies last.
Dash & Craft!
Mon, Jul 21, All day
Lark Branch Library
On the go? No problem!
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Mon, Jul 21, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
(Cruel) Summer Storytime
Mon, Jul 21, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Children's Program Room
The only thing "cruel" about this storytime is that it has to end! Little Swifties are invited to Shake it Off with these Taylor Swift inspired stories, activities, and songs.
Lark Knitting Group - LOOM KNITTING & CROCHETING
Tue, Jul 22, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Lark Branch Library
Join us for loom knitting and crocheting
MPL Gaming Club
Tue, Jul 22, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Meeting Room AB
Calling all adults to join us to play some board games, DnD and more!
Lark Sketching Class - STILL LIFE
Tue, Jul 22, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Lark Community Center - Art Room
Spend an evening relaxing and brushing up on your art skills
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Wed, Jul 23, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
Sensory Storytime
Wed, Jul 23, 11:00am - 12:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Children's Program Room
Join us for an inclusive storytime full of interactive songs, stories, rhymes, and sensory exploration.
Super Smash Summer Bash!
Wed, Jul 23, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Lark Branch Library
Families are invited to the Super Smash Summer Bash finale celebration at the Lark Branch Library! Wind down with epic rounds of Super Smash Bros. for teens and adults, and Mario Kart for the kids!
Family Game Day - BOARD GAMES AND PUZZLES
Wed, Jul 23, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Lark Branch Library
Try a new board game or play an old favorite...
Watch UR BAC: Alcohol & Drug Awareness
Wed, Jul 23, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room AB
Learn the effects of alcohol and drugs in a fun interactive simulation with Texas A&M. Play games, quizzes, and obstacle courses! 🎮🥽
Adult Coloring
Wed, Jul 23, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Lark Branch Library
Tired of coloring by yourself? Interested in getting together with other coloring enthusiast? If so, join us for an evening of coloring. You can bring your colored pencils if you like.
Toddler Time - 16 months-4 years
Thu, Jul 24, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Meeting Center - Meeting Room A & B
Join us for Songs, Storytime, Nursery Rhymes, social play, and activities. 16 months - 4 years old
Mischief Managed - A Magical Trivia & Craft Evening
Thu, Jul 24, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
McAllen Public Library - Meeting Room AB
Witches, wizards, and magical beings—join us for an enchanting evening of Harry Potter trivia and crafts!
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Fri, Jul 25, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
South Padre Island Birding Center - Gator Talk
Fri, Jul 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Auditorium
Join us for an educational Gator Talk with the South Padre Island Birding Center, and learn all about their Alligator Sanctuary, gator biology, and more!
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Sat, Jul 26, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
Craft and Chat
Sat, Jul 26, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Conference Room B
Join us this July for a chance to relax and get crafty through a series of different crafting activities, open to all skill levels and ages!
This event is full
Tween Takeover
Sat, Jul 26, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Children's Program Room
Calling all Tweens ages 8-12 years old. Join us on making Perler Bead Keychains! While Supplies last.
Summer Of Art Series
Sun, Jul 27, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Meeting Room AB
Join us for a fun afternoon of painting and artmaking! This seven part series encourages participants to engage with and explore different artistic techniques. Registration required.
This event is full
The Independents
Sun, Jul 27, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Children's Program Room
Activities and games to make you go eeek, oooh and aaah. Ages 6-10 only.
Take & Make Crafts
Mon, Jul 28, All day
Lark Branch Library
Stop by the Lark Branch Library for our Take & Make craft kits for kids! Available at the circulation desk while supplies last.
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Mon, Jul 28, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
Family Storytime
Mon, Jul 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Children's Program Room
Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes together with Ms. Sandra!
Lark Knittng Group - LOOM KNITTING & CROCHETING
Tue, Jul 29, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Lark Branch Library
Join us for loom knitting and crocheting
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Wed, Jul 30, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
Sensory Storytime
Wed, Jul 30, 11:00am - 12:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Children's Program Room
Join us for an inclusive storytime full of interactive songs, stories, rhymes, and sensory exploration.
Toddler Time - 16 months-4 years
Thu, Jul 31, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Children's Program Room
Join us for Songs, Storytime, Nursery Rhymes, social play, and activities. 16 months - 4 years old
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Fri, Aug 01, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Sat, Aug 02, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
Lark Painting Class - "PEACOCK"
Sat, Aug 02, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Lark Community Center - Celebration Hall
We will be painting a "Peacock"
Summer Of Art Series
Sun, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Meeting Room AB
Join us for a fun afternoon of painting and artmaking! This seven part series encourages participants to engage with and explore the world of art-making. Registration required.
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Mon, Aug 04, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
Lark Knitting Group - LOOM KNITTING & CROCHETING
Tue, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Lark Branch Library
Join us for loom knitting and crocheting
Unfolded Poetry Workshops
Tue, Aug 05, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Meeting Room AB
Join us for a series of poetry workshop designed to nurture your poetic spirit presented by Poet Laureate Victoria Lopez and our local community poets.
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Wed, Aug 06, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
MPL Anime / Manga Club
Thu, Aug 07, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Conference Room A,Conference Room B
MPL is hosting a monthly event that brings adults together to meet, watch, and discuss popular manga and anime titles! See you there!
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Fri, Aug 08, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Sat, Aug 09, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
craft and chat
Sat, Aug 09, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Conference Room B
Join us this August for a chance to relax and get crafty through a series of different crafting activities, open to all skill levels!
Sunday Book Club
Sun, Aug 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Board Room
Join us for our Sunday Book Club where we dive into great stories, share insights, and enjoy thoughtful conversations. Perfect for book lovers looking to connect!
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Mon, Aug 11, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
MPL Gaming Club
Tue, Aug 12, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Meeting Room AB
Calling all adults to join us to play some board games, DnD and more!
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125.
Wed, Aug 13, 9:00am - 6:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 5 (max 8 people)
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. By appointment only. Please call (956) 246-4125 to make an appointment.
Cancelled
Creative Work Sessions
Wed, Aug 13, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center
Join us for a productive hour of collaborative work sessions to foster creativity and share ideas with other writers featuring Poet Laureate Victoria Lopez.
Lark Book Club - ONE GOLDEN SUMMER
Thu, Aug 14, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Lark Branch Library
"There's nothing better than reading a Fortune book by a body of water," --Us Weekly
Valley Roots - The Untold Story of Women and Ranch Lands in the RGV
Thu, Aug 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
McAllen Main Library - Meeting Center - Auditorium
Explore the untold history of women landowners who shaped early ranching in Hidalgo County through Spanish and Mexican land grants.
See all events