Thursday, December 08, 2011

Preview of the New McAllen Public Library

I had an opportunity to tour the new McAllen Public Library prior to the grand opening this weekend. They have done an incredible job. I'll share some details later, thought I'd share some photos for now. Back later to share details about the new library.

UPDATE:

The grand opening is this Saturday, December 10th. There will be free tours and giveaways. Lucky winners can walk away with an iPad, Nook, or Kindle; you definitely don't want to miss the grand opening. 

I definitely want to point out that there will be WiFi everywhere on the premises. You simply need to provide your email address for access. Other features include...well books, obviously, and e-books, computer common areas, meeting spaces, a cafe, a teen room, a 180 seat auditorium, and other features you expect from a library, like study rooms. 

The new library covers 123,000 square feet, making it the largest single-story library in the entire United States. The library was converted from an old Wal-Mart building. Despite it appearing to be a "ready structure", the project required a great deal of reengineering. As a testament to the skill of the designers, many of the improvements to harden the building are in plain sight; but not obvious. The new library is built to withstand hurricane winds; but there are no plans to make it a shelter. As it is, people will practically live there already. 

The library will officially open on Satuday December 10 at 10 a.m. Festivities will end at 6 p.m. Visit http://www.mcallenlibrary.net and http://www.facebook.com/mcallenlibrary for more information.

 

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