McAllen Libraries and College Makerspace Offer Artist Resources in Rio Grande Valley
McAllen's public libraries and South Texas College provide artists with tools and spaces across the Rio Grande Valley. The Central branch of McAllen Public Library, converted from a former Walmart, spans over 120,000 square feet and includes a cafe, study rooms, a Texas history section, and a staff-managed 3D printing lab. The Lark Branch integrates a recreation center with a basketball court. South Texas College's Pecan Campus Makerspace, currently for students and staff, plans public access within a year and offers PRUSA PLA printers, resin printers, a ShopBot CNC router, a laser engraver, a recording studio, and VR headsets. These resources serve as regional anchors for a dispersed population.
Key facts
- McAllen Public Library Central branch converted from a former Walmart exceeds 120,000 square feet.
- Central branch features a cafe, study rooms, and a Texas history section.
- MPLab offers staff-managed 3D printing; patrons submit digital files.
- Lark Branch includes a basketball court for rent at $20 per hour.
- South Texas College Pecan Campus Makerspace currently restricted to students, faculty, staff.
- Makerspace plans public access within a year via learning commons program.
- Makerspace equipment includes PRUSA PLA printers, resin printers, ShopBot CNC router, laser engraver.
- Recording studio and VR headsets available at the makerspace.
Entities
Institutions
- McAllen Public Library
- South Texas College
- Frisco Public Library
Locations
- McAllen
- Texas
- United States
- Rio Grande Valley
- Harlingen
- Brownsville
- McAllen Public Library Central Branch
- 600 West Main Street, McAllen, Texas
- Lark Branch
- 2601 Lark Avenue, McAllen, Texas
- South Texas College Pecan Campus
- 3201 West Pecan Boulevard, McAllen, Texas