Library Services Department
Helpful Links
Contact us
Amy Marquez, Library Services Director, MLS
Email: amy.marquez@psjaisd.us
Phone: (956) 354-2041
Fax: (956) 354-3038
Address: 804 E US 83, Pharr, 78589
Catherine Mancillas, Library Innovation Strategist, MLS
Email: catherine.mancillas@psjaisd.us
Phone: (956) 354-2041
Fax: (956) 354-3038
Address: 804 E US 83, Pharr, 78589
About PSJA Library Services
VISION
The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD Library Services Department promotes global literacy by fostering a learning environment that encourages collaboration, inquiry, and excellence.
MISSION
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Library Services promotes literacy, curiosity, and inquiry within our school community. Our libraries serve as dynamic learning hubs that provide support to students and educators alike. Our librarians are trained professionals who have attained certifications and certificates in their fields. In collaboration with teachers, librarians curate print and digital collections and assist students in discovering resources that promote academic achievement, college readiness, and career success. Our Library Services team helps every learner explore, think critically, and grow through innovation, collaboration, and passion for learning.
GOALS
- Promote Literacy and Lifelong Reading: Encourage a culture of reading among students and staff by providing access to a diverse collection of high-quality print and digital resources.
- Support Dual Language Learning: Foster critical thinking and independent learning by helping students analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources in a dual language environment.
- Promote Global Awareness: Integrate the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into learning experiences to encourage global understanding, responsible citizenship, and community engagement.
- Prepare Students for College and Career Success: Develop students’ research skills, critical thinking, and information literacy to support success in higher education and future careers.
- Collaborate to Enhance Student Achievement: Partner with teachers and staff to align library resources and services with district curriculum and instructional goals, strengthening a culture of inquiry and learning.
- Teach Digital Citizenship: Guide students in responsibly using digital information, respecting intellectual property, making informed online choices, and building a positive digital identity.
Meet Our Library Services Department Team
Campus Libraries
Summer Reading Starts Now!
This summer, PSJA students are invited to READ TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!
Read your favorite books, track your reading minutes in Beanstack, and challenge yourself to reach new reading goals. The more you read, the more opportunities you'll have to earn exciting awards and recognition!
Adventure awaits—open a book and let the journey begin!
Kick Off Your Summer Reading Adventure & Earn Rewards!
Looking for ways to make reading even more exciting this summer? Check out these amazing Summer Reading Programs where kids can earn:
📚 FREE books
🍕 FREE pizza (yes, Pizza Hut!)
🎟️ Prizes, play points, game tickets, and more!
Some of the top summer reading programs for 2026 include:
⭐ Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
⭐ Pizza Hut BOOK IT!
⭐ Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards
⭐ Panda Express Reading Program
⭐ Local library summer reading programs and more!
Students can participate in multiple programs while also joining our Beanstack Summer Reading Challenge!
📅 Summer Reading Challenge: May 23 – August 7
Beanstack is a digital platform that encourages students to build strong reading habits through reading challenges, digital badges, and leaderboards. Whether you're reading picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, e-books, or online articles—every minute counts!
✅ Log your reading minutes in Beanstack
✅ Earn rewards and recognition
✅ Complete reading challenges
✅ Build a lifelong love of reading
The more you read, the more opportunities you'll have to earn rewards all summer long!
PSJA Power Readers Program with Beanstack
In Beanstack, we are building strong readers, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners. Because when we read, we grow. Keep reading, PSJA!
How does it work?
Students log the minutes they read in Beanstack.
They can go to Clever and click on the Beanstack app to get started.
How does recognition work?
At the end of the school year the top 3 students in each grade level at each campus will be recognized with a trophy from the PSJA Library Department.
PSJA ISD Readers, You Did It!
Our district set a goal of 25 million reading minutes in Beanstack this school year. Thanks to the dedication of our students, teachers, librarians, and administrators, we didn't just reach our goal—we exceeded it by an incredible amount!
73,151,990 Total Reading Minutes Logged!
This achievement is a true reflection of the literacy culture being built across our district and the power of working together to support student success.
A heartfelt thank you to our principals, teachers, and outstanding librarians for making reading a priority and helping students develop strong reading habits every day.
Library Materials for Public Review
In accordance with Section 33.026(a)(2) of SB 13, the titles listed below are proposed for acquisition by the school library and are open for public review for a period of at least 30 days prior to board action.
View proposed titles:
Spring 2026
- The proposed library materials are viewable beginning on (April 6, 2026)
- Public comments regarding these titles could be submitted (April 6th 2026 - May 5th 2026)
Public Comment for Spring can be made here.
Fall 2025
PSJA ISD School Board Approved Proposed Lists
- The proposed library materials were viewable beginning on (September 5, 2025)
- Public comments regarding these titles could be submitted (Sep 5th - Oct 4th)
Public Comment for Fall is closed.
Parent Library Access
In compliance with Texas Senate Bill 13, you may request access to your child’s library activity using Follett Destiny.
As an authorized user, you’ll be able to:
- View your child’s current and past checkouts
- Browse the full school library catalog
- Submit restrictions on specific titles
Librarian Materials Review Committee
Battle Of The Books Jr.
Congratulations to our Top Winners!
1st Place: Guerra Elementary – Librarian Minerva Lazo
2nd Place: Santos Livas Elementary – Librarian Nora Rios
3rd Place: Graciela Garcia Elementary – Librarian Sheila Sinapuelas
Regional Battle of the Books
Regional Jr. Battle of the Books (1st–2nd) 2nd Place – Guerra Elementary | Librarian: Minerva Lazo
Regional Elementary (3rd–5th) – Santos Livas Elementary | Librarian: Nora Rios
Regional Middle School (6th–8th) 4th Place – Raul Yzaguirre MS | Librarian: Narda Lugo
Regional High School (9th–12th) 3rd Place – PSJA T-STEM ECHS | Librarian: Rosana Gutierrez
I Love My Library
In celebration of Library Lovers Month, students across our district participated in the I Love My Library / Amo a mi biblioteca contest! Students were invited to draw what they love most about their library and write about why their school library is important to them. This special contest allowed students to reflect on the powerful role libraries play in their lives. School libraries are more than just places with books — they foster creativity, curiosity, literacy, innovation, and belonging. They provide equitable access to information and technology while creating safe, welcoming spaces where every student can learn and grow.
We are proud to share that all winning artwork has been compiled into a special Book Creator ebook — be sure to check it out!
