Genealogy
The genealogy collection of McAllen Public Library is located on the first floor of the Main Library. The collection contains over 6,500 items and is a non-circulating resource ideal for personal research. Feel free to direct your genealogy-related questions to the reference desk of the Main Library:
(956) 688-3300
genref@mcallen.net
Genealogy Computer Station
There is a computer station next to the reference desk intended solely for online genealogical research. This station is ideal for accessing MPL's subscription to AncestryLibrary.com, a premier database of census, birth, death, and marriage records. To use this station, sign in at the reference desk with your ID or library card at any time during regular library hours.
Special Collections
The Main Library houses a series of special collections that supplement the core genealogy collection. These collections are located on the first floor, near the reference desk.
Directories
McAllen City Directory: 1936 - 1978, 1982, 2000
Rio Grande Valley Telephone Directory: 1969 - 2001
Cole Directory: 1961 - present
Local History Files
Contain newspaper clippings, brochures, and pictures as they relate to McAllen, Hidalgo County, and the Rio Grande Valley.
- Material is organized in vertical files according to subject. Each folder is labeled with a subject heading and indexed in a binder located at the reference desk. For a partial view of the subject headings contained within this binder: local history subjects.
Local Newspapers & Magazines
ETC Magazine: 1982 - 1983
Fiesta Magazine: 1972 - 1986
The Monitor (formerly Valley Evening Monitor): Microfilm from 1924 - present; PDF format from October 2003 - present
Monty's Monthly: 1920 - 1939
Town Crier: 1986 - present
Ruth Clark Scrapbook
A digitized collection of articles pertaining to McAllen and the Lower Rio Grande Valley in the first half of the twentieth century. Ruth Clark was secretary of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce in the 1930s and ‘40s.
- Online access to the scrapbook will be restored soon!
Yearbooks
Elementary
Middle School
- Brown: 1980-81
- Lamar: 1993
- Lincoln: 1971, 1983
- Morris: 1990, 2002
High School
- McAllen High School: 1937, 1942 - 1986, 1992, 1996, 2000
- Memorial High School: 1981 - 1992
- Nikki Rowe High School: 1993-2000
University
- UT-Pan American: 1948 - 1989
PLEASE NOTE: Although dates are listed for most items, chronological sequences are by no means complete. Gaps exist in all collections listed above, particularly the yearbooks. Patrons are encouraged to contact the reference desk of the Main Library to confirm a certain date or volume is available.