McAllen Public Library in McAllen, Texas, USA-When the city of McAllen acquired an old retail property, they brought on Minneapolis-based architects Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd. to convert the space into a massive new public library that looks nothing like the Wal-Mart it once was. The largest single-story public library in the United States, the new McAllen Public Library now includes a massive children's area with one of the largest teen areas in the state, an art gallery, a 200-seat auditorium, and—because you can't scrub off the Wal-Mart entirely—a food court-esque snack bar. Photo: Kristy Cho Photo 13 of 15 in Super Unique Libraries Around the World by Sarah Park

Super Unique Libraries Around the World

13 of 15

McAllen Public Library in McAllen, Texas, USA-When the city of McAllen acquired an old retail property, they brought on Minneapolis-based architects Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd. to convert the space into a massive new public library that looks nothing like the Wal-Mart it once was. The largest single-story public library in the United States, the new McAllen Public Library now includes a massive children's area with one of the largest teen areas in the state, an art gallery, a 200-seat auditorium, and—because you can't scrub off the Wal-Mart entirely—a food court-esque snack bar. Photo: Kristy Cho