Welcome Home: A New Chapter For The Library
Ask Allen's Experts: E-Bikes Vs. E-Motorcycles
Light Up The Night At Holly Jolly Celebration!
Upcoming Events: Fun Things To Do In Allen
staff can't wait to see you again! The project added space and renovated existing areas
Allen Public Library is returning to its familiar home at 300 N. Allen Drive. While a reopening date was not set by the time of publication, the facility remains on track to open by late fall.
Built in 2005, the library has long outgrown its original footprint as Allen’s population has grown by more than 45,000 residents. The $19.9 million expansion and renovation project adds 18,000 square feet of new space.
The project also expands space for books and materials, adding about 10,000 new items this year. Digital resources remain available online while staff prepare the updated facility for its grand reopening in late fall.
The expansion is primarily funded by General Obligation Bonds approved by Allen voters in 2016. » For more information, visit AllenLibrary.org
Preschool playroom
Dedicated teen room
Six study rooms
Laptops for in-library use
Rentable meeting rooms
Four self-checkout stations
Book-sorting machine
Enhanced book return
Ask Allen's Experts
This month's expert: Officer Sammy Rippamonti, City
of Allen Police Department
"My teen wants an e-bike for Christmas. Are they allowed in Allen?"
Yes, but parents should know the rules before buying or letting teens ride.
E-bikes have pedals and electric assist, reaching speeds of 20–28 mph. They’re allowed on bike lanes and trails, don’t require a license or insurance, but Class 3 riders must be at least 15 years old. Motors must stay under 750 watts.
E-motorcycles have no pedals, use a throttle, and can well exceed 30 mph, with some models reaching speeds of up to 50 mph. They require a motorcycle license, registration, and insurance, and must follow the same laws as gaspowered bikes.
Buyer beware! Check for fake pedals on e-motorcycles marketed as e-bikes. Discuss safe riding with teens, as Texas traffic laws apply to both. Fines can result from violations. Helmets and safety gear are strongly recommended.
Ask Allen’s Experts is your inside scoop from the people who know Allen best: our City staff! We’ll tap into the knowledge of the subject matter experts to bring you timely updates, helpful tips and answers to questions that matter most to Allen residents.
Leaves, grass clippings and other yard waste can cause issues when they reach storm drains. As yard waste decomposes, it releases chemicals into our waterways. This can harm fish and other aquatic life. These chemicals can also trigger toxic algae blooms that block sunlight and reduce oxygen levels in the water. Yard waste can also clog storm drains and piles of debris near curbs can also create hazards for drivers and cyclists.
Help preserve and maintain the City's stormwater drains by using these tips:
Bag your yard waste instead of leaving it on the street
Leave grass clippings on your lawn to act as natural fertilizer
Compost your yard waste when possible
Sweep or blow clippings back onto your lawn instead of into the street
» Learn more about Stormwater Management at AllenTX.gov/Stormwater
Thinking about a career change? The City of Allen might be the opportunity you've been waiting for. Here, work goes beyond a paycheck. It's an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community.
City of Allen employees stay an average of eight years, more than twice the national average, thanks to a culture that values growth, purpose and people. With training programs, tuition reimbursement and a strong focus on promoting from within, Allen invests in your future.
Whether you're interested in public safety, parks or administration, every role plays a part in building a vibrant, safe and welcoming community.
» View available jobs and apply today at AllenTX.gov/Careers
Allen’s most magical tradition returns! The Holly Jolly Celebration, presented by Credit Union of Texas, lights up Downtown Allen on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4-8 p.m.
This annual event features the Holly Jolly 5K and Fun Run, a festive drone show and the lighting of the City of Allen Christmas tree.
Families can also enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, holiday photos with Santa, market vendors and a ride on the Holly Jolly Trolley to Allen Heritage Village for even more seasonal fun. » For event information, visit LifeInAllen.org/HollyJolly
Instagram: @texasmattphotography
Thousands of hockey fans from across the U.S. and Canada will visit Allen in January for a chance to see some of the best players on ice!
Credit Union of Texas Event Center was selected to host the 2026 ECHL All-Star Classic on Monday, Jan. 19. The event will highlight Allen's outstanding hospitality, dining and shopping while bringing a boost to local businesses. Festivities kick off on Sunday, Jan. 18, with the All-Star Fan Fest featuring autograph sessions and meet and greets. Fans will even have a chance to see the Stanley Cup! » Tickets are on sale now at CUTXEventCenter.com
Allen makes it easy to shop local for the holidays—and when you keep your shopping close to home, your sales tax dollars stay here, too. Every purchase made in Allen helps fund the parks, trails, playgrounds and public spaces that make our community shine, while also supporting local jobs and boosting small businesses.
2% of every Shoppers spent more than Shoppers generated over stays in Allen Sales Tax Dollar In Taxable Sales Local Tax Receipts
$3B $61M
In fact, 2% of every sales tax dollar stays right here in Allen, helping fund the city services and amenities that make it one of the best places to live in North Texas. From November 2024 to October 2025, shoppers spent more than $3 billion in taxable sales, generating over $61 million in local tax receipts. This holiday season, shop local and make every purchase count. » Plan your upcoming holiday shopping experience at VisitAllenTexas.com/Shopping
The holiday season is near, and the City of Allen is keeping the spirit bright with its annual Christmas toy drives. Both the Allen Fire Department and Allen Police Department are continuing their tradition of giving back to the community through two toy drives.
Allen Fire Department
» Dates: Nov. 28 to Dec. 12
» New unwrapped toys can be dropped off at any of the six fire stations
» Benefitting: All Community Outreach (ACO)
» Dates: Nov. 1 to Nov. 30
» New unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Allen Police Headquarters Lobby (205 W. McDermott Drive)
» Benefitting: Toys for Texans
» Find more details about the events below and explore additional activities at AllenTX.gov/Events
SATURDAY, NOV. 15
Allen Heritage Village (450 St. Mary Drive) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Don’t miss the final Cottage Market of the season! Spend your morning at this openair, artisanal market at Allen Heritage Village, featuring curated and handmade items in a charming atmosphere. It’s your last chance to shop ahead of the holidays, and browsing is free to the public.
» Details: LifeInAllen.org/CottageMarket
Disney On Ice presents Mickey's Search Party
Credit Union of Texas Event Center (200 E. Stacy Road #1350)
Join Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends on adventures filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and unexpected stunts!
» More info: CUTXEventCenter.com
SUNDAY, DEC. 7
Annual Allen Rotary Christmas Parade
Downtown Allen, Texas (North Cedar Drive and St. Mary’s Drive) starting at 2 p.m.
Bring a cup of hot cocoa and join your neighbors in Downtown Allen to watch the annual Christmas parade!
» More info: AllenSunriseRotary.com
SATURDAY, DEC. 13
North Pole
SUNDAY, DEC. 14 NOV. 26, 28-29
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, DEC. 6-7
The Nutcracker presented by Allen Civic Ballet
Performing Arts Center at Allen High School (300 Rivercrest Boulevard)
Be dazzled by the annual performance of this classic ballet featuring guest artists Stephanie Rae Williams, Elias and Aneriz Re along with live music by the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra.
» More info: AllenCivicBallet.org
Joe Farmer Recreation Center (1201 E. Bethany Drive) from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Visit the North Pole to meet Santa and experience a festive wonderland. Participants can purchase gifts from Santa's toy shop, create holiday crafts, enjoy a delightful breakfast with Santa and capture the magic with a photo.
» More info: LifeInAllen.org
Credit Union of Texas Holidays on Ice Show
Credit Union of Texas Event Center (200 E. Stacy Road #1350) from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate the season with a special performance by Allen Academy skaters, featuring all of your favorite holiday songs! Help us fill the pantry for All Community Outreach (ACO) by bringing a nonperishable food donation.
» More info: LifeInAllen.org
