Magic Valley P.E.O. Retirement Group met at the home of Julianne Carlson on Tuesday, March 25, for one of their last meetings of the season. The group brought items for donating to Aurora House Foundation in Weslaco.
The group first learned about Aurora House Foundation, and their mission, two years ago during a presentation by a staff member.
By Warren Davis
In the heart of Hidalgo County, the Palmview Municipal Library is showing what’s possible when vision meets dedication even with a small team and limited space. Opened just a year ago, on March 23, 2024, the library has already become a hub for learning, connection, and growth in this rapidly evolving Texas town.
A Library Years in the Making
Residents of Palmview had dreamed of a library for years. Before 2024, library programming was squeezed into a refurbished trailer, with events taking place in the dining area. “I’ve seen 50 or 60 people packed into that trailer during popular events,” said Library Director Jaime Tijerina. “We had no outdoor space, and every event had to fit into a small dining room. It wasn’t ideal but we made it work.”
That all changed when the city offered up a former Boys & Girls Club building, giving the library a more spacious home. Now, with two full-time and one part-time staff members, Palmview Municipal Library is doing the kind of community-centered work that rivals libraries many times its size.
One of the library’s most impactful initiatives is a new community garden, made possible through a partnership with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Better Living for Texans program. As part of a two-month program on healthy living, adults were taught how to grow vegetables and then given their own garden plots to maintain.
The plan doesn’t stop there. “We want to add more beds for the kids,” said Jaime. “We’re teaching them about pollinators, butterfly gardens, and Parks and Rec has even approached us about future collaborations.” The garden isn’t just about nutrition; it’s cultivating stronger ties between neighbors and sparking interest in sustainability.
Lifelong Learning for Every Patron
Inside, the library is just as lively. With support from Region One, Palmview hosts free ESL classes and is working to offer GED preparation in the near future. Their citizenship program, developed and taught in-house, has already celebrated eight new citizens, each supported with personalized guidance on paperwork, test prep, and more. It is free for all patrons.
Raquel, the library clerk who leads the sessions, takes a holistic approach.
“It’s not just memorizing the answers. We give people the context so the knowledge sticks.”
And that’s not all. Palmview’s programming lineup includes sewing workshops, balloon decorating, STEAM nature kits, and even mobile maker spaces with LEGOs. Through a Hometown Grant from T-Mobile, the library also offers 10 Chromebooks for checkout, bridging the digital divide for residents without home internet.
Workforce Readiness, One Resume at a Time
Palmview is also stepping into workforce development, partnering with Workforce Solutions and the city’s economic development group to offer job readiness support. From resume-building and mock interviews to HR workshops for small business owners, the library is helping community members find their footing in a changing job market.
With visitors coming from nearby Mission, La Joya, and beyond, the library serves a population far exceeding its city limits.
“We’ve had people come in just to use the internet for job interviews,” said Jaime. “That’s how essential this space is.”
What’s Next?
While Palmview Municipal Library has come a long way, Jaime is already thinking ahead.
“This building wasn’t made to be a library. I’d love to have a space that’s designed for what we do, with study rooms, more programming areas, and eventually things like RFID check-in.”
They’re also looking to expand the garden, add more nature backpacks, and bring in a 3D printer to strengthen STEAM offerings.
In just one year, Palmview Municipal Library has become more than a place for books, it’s a launchpad for opportunity, wellness, and belonging. With dedicated staff, strong community partnerships, and a whole lot of heart, this small Texas library is making a mighty impact.
Palmview Municipal Library is located at 603 Palmview Commercial Drive. For more information, call (956) 432-0316. Find out more about the library at https://cityofpalmview.gov/departments/library/.
Originally published August 5, 2025, on the Texas State Library Archives Commission (TSLAC) Websites Library Developments Blog (www.tsl.texas.gov). Photos courtesy of TSLAC.
Every fall, pumpkins steal the spotlight with multiple purposes: as decorations, for soups and in pies. But here’s a fun fact backed by science: this seasonal favorite is actually a fruit.
Joe Masabni, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service vegetable specialist and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences, said pumpkins are scientifically classified as fruits because of how they grow. Anything that starts from a flower is classified botanically as a fruit.
The Mission Historical Museum invites the community to celebrate tradition, heritage and remembrance at its Dia de lost Muertos Folklife Festival on Saturday, October 25, from 2 to 6 p.m. at 900 E. Doherty Ave.
This vibrant festival will feature live music and entertainment, food and craft vendors, cultural performances and traditional displays, and the community altar honoring loved ones.
The Dia de los Muertos Folklife Festival is more than an event – it’s a celebration of life, remembrance, and community. Guests are encouraged to take part in the traditions, enjoy the performances, and join Mission in honoring the beautiful culture that unites us.
The City of Edinburg Parks and Recreation Department is excited to welcome the community to its Super Mario-themed Fall Festival on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costumes as they join city staff for the spooktacular event!
The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Edinburg Municipal Park, located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Road. The festivities aim to provide a safe and fun alternative to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, allowing attendees of all ages to enjoy a thrilling evening ahead of the spookiest day of the year.
The Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas invites you to their 54th Annual Dakee Si (Fall Gathering) Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas Powwow on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 9:30p.m. at the Alton Recreation Center, 349 Dawes Ave. in Alton. Dancing and presentations will be held throughout the day. The event is free.
McAllen Public Library invites the community to Celebrate Our Roots & Stories at the 12th Annual South Texas Book Festival, happening Saturday, October 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Main Library (4001 N 23rd St., McAllen). Presented by H-E-B Helping Here, this free festival brings together authors, families, and readers of all ages for a full day of book talks, story times, book sales, meet and greets, music, food, games, and activities.
Read more: McAllen Public Library presents Annual South Texas Book Festival
