Connect with MPL, Curbside Delivery developed to keep connected to community
Texas Border Business
In response to the needs and requests of the great community served by its library system, McAllen Public Library today announced an expansion of its virtual services and the addition of a new curbside service called Connect with MPL. McAllen Public Library has created Connect with MPL to provide families who are spending their time working, learning, and playing from home the opportunity to stay connected with the library through a variety of virtual features for everyone in the family.
- Children can connect with their favorite librarians at virtual story-times.
- Enjoy online videos with authors, and staff-led online stories and activities for all ages.
- MPL staff will create videos each week to showcase free digital features like E-Book of the Day; Kanopy Film of the Day; DIY Crafts for Teens; E-Book Talk; the Fight Boredom Challenge; and more.
- The virtual features will be scheduled daily and can be viewed on the McAllen Public Library’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube accounts by searching @mcallenlibrary.
- Followers will also find links to other resources of interest on social media platforms.
“When the McAllen Public Library closed to the public, staff began talking about how we could innovate and virtualize many of our most popular in-person programs, like story-times and teen activities. That is how Connect with MPL was created,” Library Director Kate Horan said. “With this new service, we have made it easier for anyone with an MPL Library card to access our digital resources, like e-books, e-audiobooks and streaming movies for all ages, even if you owe fines.”
Additionally, MPL also announced a new service: Curbside Delivery. Place a hold on any item in the MPL catalog and get notified when it’s ready to be picked up. Simply drive up to one of the designated spots under the canopy of the McAllen Public Library, located at the corner of 4001 23rd St. and Nolana Avenue, and call the number on the sign. Staff will verify the name, patron card number, and make and model of the vehicle. Open the trunk before the staff arrives with bagged items. To practice social distancing, staff will not hand items directly to patrons but will place them in the trunk and gently close it.
MPL asks the public to hold onto all items they’ve borrowed. No fines will incur until after April 30. However, the book drops at all three MPL locations remain open until further notice.
McAllen Public Library encourages the community to stay connected while practicing social distancing to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the coming weeks.
McAllen Public Library will continue to provide updates on its social media platforms and website, www.mcallenlibrary.net.
“This national emergency has changed how we live, but it doesn’t change who we are,” concluded Horan.
