WalMart Building Becomes Popular Public Library

In McAllen, Texas, WalMart Stores Inc. abandoned one of their big box stores. Rather than let it collect dust, the city transformed it into the U.S.'s largest public library.

1 minute read

July 2, 2012, 1:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur


Jess Zimmerman reports that the new library - which has won multiple awards for creative reuse - has reported a 23% rise in use since moving into the new building.

"Sure, some of those people probably wandered in looking for a gun and 200 diapers, and just took a while to figure out what was going on," jokes Zimmerman.

A video produced by the City of McAllen gives a tour of the building pre-opening:

Monday, July 2, 2012 in Grist

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