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Valley Roots Series

1981: Law Enforcement & Political Shift in South Texas
2026-09-24 19:00:00 2026-09-24 20:00:00 America/Chicago Valley Roots Series Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Meeting Room A

Thursday, September 24
7:00pm - 8:00pm

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Explore a defining chapter in McAllen’s history with Dr. Brent Campney and discover its lasting influence on the Rio Grande Valley.

Join Dr. Brent Campney and discover the story behind the 1981 McAllen Police Department brutality scandal. Learn how this pivotal moment helped unite Mexican Americans in South Texas and reshape political power across the Rio Grande Valley.

AGE GROUP: | Adults (18+) |

EVENT TYPE: | History |

TAGS: | |

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

The Meeting Center is comprised of indoor and outdoor spaces throughout McAllen Public Library (4001 N. 23rd St., McAllen, TX 78504) available for rental. It is a place where people and ideas meet and connect. As such, the Meeting Center is an ideal setting for your professional or social event.

Upcoming events

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Switch Sundays: Super Smash Bros
Sun, Sep 20, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Children's Program Room
Fans of Super Smash Bros are invited to battle, craft, and enjoy some snacks during this video game hour! *For tweens 8-12 years old
FTBT: Learn to Code with Scratch - FTBT: Learn to Code with Scratch
Sun, Sep 20, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Teen Social Space
Learn how to use free software, format your designs, and recreate classics. Limited space available.
Cancelled
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 532-1736.
Mon, Sep 21, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. Appointments are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, between 9:30AM and 3:30PM.
Family Place Workshop at Palm View Branch - Hidalgo County - Health & Human Services Department
Mon, Sep 21, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Palm View Branch Library - Children's Area
Calling all parents and their little ones! Join us for a week-long of play, learning, and connection with other families.
Medicaid and CHIP Application Assistance - With Community Action Corporation of South Texas
Mon, Sep 21, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 1 (max 4 people)
Need help with Medicaid or CHIP? Community Action Corp. of South Texas offers walk-in or appointment assistance with applications and eligibility. Call 956-291-0789 for details.
Conversational ESL
Mon, Sep 21, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Computer Lab Classroom
Achieve your goals with our Conversational ESL classes! ¡Alcance sus metas con nuestras clases de ESL!
Family Place Workshop at Palm View Branch - PR Nutrition - Peggy Ramon - Rosales, MS, RD, LD
Tue, Sep 22, 9:00am - 10:00am
Palm View Branch Library - Children's Area
Calling all parents and their little ones! Join us for a week-long of play, learning, and connection with other families.
Toddler Time
Tue, Sep 22, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Lark Branch Library
Join us for Toddler Time! Where we provide interactive storytime, crafts, and playtime designed for toddlers & their caregivers!
Baby Storytime - infants 0-16 months
Tue, Sep 22, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Children's Program Room
Songs, stories, rhymes, social play for infants.
Growing & Nourishing Healthy Communities - with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Tue, Sep 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Meeting Room A
Grow smarter with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in this hands on gardening series designed for South Texas gardeners!
Make a Muñeca Maria - Make a Muñeca Maria
Tue, Sep 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Teen Social Space
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a cute cultural craft session where you can sew your own Mexican artisanal doll.
Unfolded Poetry Workshops
Tue, Sep 22, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - 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.
Cancelled
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 532-1736.
Wed, Sep 23, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. Appointments are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, between 9:30AM and 3:30PM.
Sensory Storytime
Wed, Sep 23, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Children's Program Room
Sensory exploration through stories, songs, and play for all kids and all abilities
Family Place Workshop at Palm View Branch - Easterseals RGV
Wed, Sep 23, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Palm View Branch Library - Children's Area
Calling all parents and their little ones! Join us for a week-long of play, learning, and connection with other families.
Short Story Circle
Wed, Sep 23, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lark Branch Library
Read, discuss, and explore a new short story each month while discovering themes, sharing ideas, and finding your next favorite read! 📚✨
Legendary Mexicana Mini Piñata Craft
Wed, Sep 23, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Lark Branch Library
We celebrate the incredible legacy of legendary Mexicana by creating a wonderful collaborative craft, while also enjoying their art and cultural impact.
Growing & Nourishing Healthy Communities - with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Wed, Sep 23, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Meeting Room A
Grow smarter with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in this hands on gardening series designed for South Texas gardeners!
One on One Tech Help - REGISTRATION REQUIRED, LIMIT ONE SESSION PER MONTH
Wed, Sep 23, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 1 (max 4 people)
Want to learn how to use Facebook? Format a resume in Word? Use a new app? We're here to help! For your safety, staff will not handle devices.
One on One Tech Help - REGISTRATION REQUIRED, LIMIT ONE SESSION PER MONTH
Wed, Sep 23, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 1 (max 4 people)
Want to learn how to use Facebook? Format a resume in Word? Use a new app? We're here to help! For your safety, staff will not handle devices.
Tech 101 - Mouse and Keyboard
Wed, Sep 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Palm View Branch Library - Palm View - Study Room A (Max 12 People)
Join our computer basics course covering essential topics in digital literacy and productivity apps.
Conversational ESL
Wed, Sep 23, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Computer Lab Classroom
Achieve your goals with our Conversational ESL classes! ¡Alcance sus metas con nuestras clases de ESL!
Family Place Workshop at the Palm View Branch - Aqua Tots Swim Schools
Thu, Sep 24, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Palm View Branch Library - Children's Area
Calling all parents and their little ones! Join us for a week-long of play, learning, and connection with other families.
Toddler Time - 16 months-4 years
Thu, Sep 24, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Children's Program Room
Join Toddler Time for interactive activities with your young ones like singing, storytelling, and rhymes.
Makerspace: STIBF Bookmark
Thu, Sep 24, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Palm View Branch Library - Palm View - Study Room B (Max 8 People)
Let your creativity tell a story!
Where it Clicks! - For Teens by Teens
Thu, Sep 24, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lark Branch Library
Explore the possibilities of AI through hands-on projects designed by teens, for teens. Learn, create, and innovate together.
Valley Roots Series - 1981: Law Enforcement & Political Shift in South Texas
Thu, Sep 24, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Meeting Room A
Explore a defining chapter in McAllen’s history with Dr. Brent Campney and discover its lasting influence on the Rio Grande Valley.
Mental Health Matters: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - with NAMI South Texas Rio Grande Valley
Fri, Sep 25, 10:00am - 11:00am
McAllen Public Library - Conference Room B
Join us for a Suicide Prevention Awareness Month presentation with NAMI South Texas Rio Grande Valley on hope, support, and prevention.
CRAFTY CORNER @ PALM VIEW BRANCH - CONCHAS AND CAFÉ CRAFT
Fri, Sep 25, 10:30am - 11:30am
Palm View Branch Library - Palm View - Study Room A (Max 12 People)
Attention all Crafters! Come to the learn tips and tricks on different crafting techniques. Beginners to intermediate crafters welcome.
This event is full
Homeschool Hangout - For ages 5-10 years
Fri, Sep 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Children's Program Room
Calling all homeschoolers! Join us for arts, crafts & games every other Friday!
Family Place Workshop at Palm View Branch - Early Literacy with MPL Kids
Sat, Sep 26, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Palm View Branch Library - Children's Area
Calling all parents and their little ones! Join us for a week-long of play, learning, and connection with other families.
Painting Workshop: Raíces on Canvas
Sat, Sep 26, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Lark Community Center - Exercise Room
Join us for an instructor led canvas painting workshop. Registration required, all materials provided Bring your creativity!
This event is full
Bookmark Contest Workshop - for ages 5-12
Sat, Sep 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Children's Program Room
Want to win the Bookmark Contest? This art workshop will help you perfect your piece before the deadline on Oct. 2nd!
TAC Meeting - TAC Meeting
Sat, Sep 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Rooms AB - Meeting Rooms AB
Join the Teen Advisory Committee to earn community service hours!
Little Cocina
Sun, Sep 27, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Meeting Room A
You will make your own southwestern snacks using simple ingredients and then you get to enjoy them.
FTBT: TinkerCAD Basics - FTBT: TinkerCAD Basics
Sun, Sep 27, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Teen Social Space
Make your own 3D print at our For Teens by Teens workshop! Limited space available.
Cancelled
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 532-1736.
Mon, Sep 28, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. Appointments are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, between 9:30AM and 3:30PM.
Medicaid and CHIP Application Assistance - With Community Action Corporation of South Texas
Mon, Sep 28, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 1 (max 4 people)
Need help with Medicaid or CHIP? Community Action Corp. of South Texas offers walk-in or appointment assistance with applications and eligibility. Call 956-291-0789 for details.
Family Storytime
Mon, Sep 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Children's Program Room
Families are invited for songs, stories and a take home craft.
Conversational ESL
Mon, Sep 28, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Computer Lab Classroom
Achieve your goals with our Conversational ESL classes! ¡Alcance sus metas con nuestras clases de ESL!
Bilingual Storytime - Palm View Branch - La hora de los cuentos con Ms. Maria.
Tue, Sep 29, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Palm View Branch Library - Children's Area
Share bilingual stories, songs, rhymes and activities.
Baby Storytime - infants 0-16 months
Tue, Sep 29, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Children's Program Room
Songs, stories, rhymes, social play for infants.
Growing & Nourishing Healthy Communities - with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Tue, Sep 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Meeting Room A
Grow smarter with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in this hands on gardening series designed for South Texas gardeners!
Teen Salsa 101 Class
Tue, Sep 29, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Palm View Community Center - Exercise Room
Get ready to move, learn, and have fun with Salsa 101!
MPL Gaming Club
Tue, Sep 29, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Meeting Room AB
Calling all Gamers!
Trinket Tuesday: Book Magnets - Trinket Tuesday: Book Magnets
Tue, Sep 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Teen Social Space
Turn your love of reading into a one-of-a-kind keepsake! In this fun, hands-on program, teens will create a custom magnet inspired by their favorite book.
Adult Tiny Canvas
Tue, Sep 29, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Lark Branch Library
Have fun painting on tiny canvases! 🫟🖼️
Cancelled
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 532-1736.
Wed, Sep 30, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. Appointments are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, between 9:30AM and 3:30PM.
Sensory Storytime
Wed, Sep 30, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Children's Program Room
Sensory exploration through stories, songs, and play for all kids and all abilities
One on One Tech Help - REGISTRATION REQUIRED, LIMIT ONE SESSION PER MONTH
Wed, Sep 30, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 1 (max 4 people)
Want to learn how to use Facebook? Format a resume in Word? Use a new app? We're here to help! For your safety, staff will not handle devices.
This event is full
One on One Tech Help - REGISTRATION REQUIRED, LIMIT ONE SESSION PER MONTH
Wed, Sep 30, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 1 (max 4 people)
Want to learn how to use Facebook? Format a resume in Word? Use a new app? We're here to help! For your safety, staff will not handle devices.
This event is full
Conversational ESL
Wed, Sep 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Computer Lab Classroom
Achieve your goals with our Conversational ESL classes! ¡Alcance sus metas con nuestras clases de ESL!
PV Book Club - Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Wed, Sep 30, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Palm View Branch Library - Palm View - Study Room A (Max 12 People)
Join the Palm View Book Club to discuss the book of the month with light refreshments and engaging conversation.
Resident Evil 30th Anniversary Celebration
Wed, Sep 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Meeting Room AB
September 30th, 1998. It's a day I'll never forget...
Switch Sundays: Luigi's Mansion
Sun, Oct 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Children's Program Room
Come play the game, craft your own spooky friend, and enjoy a snack..if you dare! For tweens ages 8-12 years
Cancelled
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 532-1736.
Mon, Oct 05, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. Appointments are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, between 9:30AM and 3:30PM.
Medicaid and CHIP Application Assistance - With Community Action Corporation of South Texas
Mon, Oct 05, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 1 (max 4 people)
Need help with Medicaid or CHIP? Community Action Corp. of South Texas offers walk-in or appointment assistance with applications and eligibility. Call 956-291-0789 for details.
Conversational ESL
Mon, Oct 05, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Computer Lab Classroom
Achieve your goals with our Conversational ESL classes! ¡Alcance sus metas con nuestras clases de ESL!
MPL Gaming Club
Tue, Oct 06, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Meeting Room AB
Calling all Gamers!
Cancelled
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 532-1736.
Wed, Oct 07, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. Appointments are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, between 9:30AM and 3:30PM.
Sensory Storytime
Wed, Oct 07, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Children's Program Room
Sensory exploration through stories, songs, and play for all kids and all abilities
One on One Tech Help - REGISTRATION REQUIRED, LIMIT ONE SESSION PER MONTH
Wed, Oct 07, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 2 (max 4 people)
Want to learn how to use Facebook? Format a resume in Word? Use a new app? We're here to help! For your safety, staff will not handle devices.
One on One Tech Help - REGISTRATION REQUIRED, LIMIT ONE SESSION PER MONTH
Wed, Oct 07, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 2 (max 4 people)
Want to learn how to use Facebook? Format a resume in Word? Use a new app? We're here to help! For your safety, staff will not handle devices.
In Memory of My Pet
Wed, Oct 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Children's Program Room
Add a picture to our pet altar and create one to take home during this hour of stories, crafting, and remembrance
Conversational ESL
Wed, Oct 07, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Computer Lab Classroom
Achieve your goals with our Conversational ESL classes! ¡Alcance sus metas con nuestras clases de ESL!
MPL Anime / Manga Club
Thu, Oct 08, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Auditorium
MPL is hosting a monthly event that brings adults together to meet other fans and discuss popular manga and anime titles! See you there!
Cancelled
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 532-1736.
Mon, Oct 12, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. Appointments are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, between 9:30AM and 3:30PM.
Medicaid and CHIP Application Assistance - With Community Action Corporation of South Texas
Mon, Oct 12, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 1 (max 4 people)
Need help with Medicaid or CHIP? Community Action Corp. of South Texas offers walk-in or appointment assistance with applications and eligibility. Call 956-291-0789 for details.
Conversational ESL
Mon, Oct 12, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Computer Lab Classroom
Achieve your goals with our Conversational ESL classes! ¡Alcance sus metas con nuestras clases de ESL!
Unfolded Poetry Workshops
Tue, Oct 13, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - 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.
Cancelled
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 532-1736.
Wed, Oct 14, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. Appointments are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, between 9:30AM and 3:30PM.
Sensory Storytime
Wed, Oct 14, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Children's Program Room
Sensory exploration through stories, songs, and play for all kids and all abilities
One on One Tech Help - REGISTRATION REQUIRED, LIMIT ONE SESSION PER MONTH
Wed, Oct 14, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 2 (max 4 people)
Want to learn how to use Facebook? Format a resume in Word? Use a new app? We're here to help! For your safety, staff will not handle devices.
One on One Tech Help - REGISTRATION REQUIRED, LIMIT ONE SESSION PER MONTH
Wed, Oct 14, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 2 (max 4 people)
Want to learn how to use Facebook? Format a resume in Word? Use a new app? We're here to help! For your safety, staff will not handle devices.
Conversational ESL
Wed, Oct 14, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Computer Lab Classroom
Achieve your goals with our Conversational ESL classes! ¡Alcance sus metas con nuestras clases de ESL!
Diverse Voices Book Club!
Thu, Oct 15, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Board Room
Join MPL's Diverse Voices Book Club! Discover great reads and share meaningful conversations with friendly faces in a welcoming space!
Cancelled
Assistance for Enrollment in Health Insurance with MHP Salud - By appointment only. Please call (956) 532-1736.
Mon, Oct 19, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms
Individual in-person appointments with an MHP Salud Navigator for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act health insurance. Appointments are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, between 9:30AM and 3:30PM.
Medicaid and CHIP Application Assistance - With Community Action Corporation of South Texas
Mon, Oct 19, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Library - Study Rooms - Study Room 1 (max 4 people)
Need help with Medicaid or CHIP? Community Action Corp. of South Texas offers walk-in or appointment assistance with applications and eligibility. Call 956-291-0789 for details.
MPL Gaming Club
Tue, Oct 20, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Meeting Center at McAllen Public Library - Meeting Room AB
Calling all Gamers!
See all events