Typically, when WalMart leaves your town, things aren’t looking so good. However, when officials in McAllen, Texas were faced with this scenario, they did something great. Instead of leaving the colossal building vacant while looking for an imaginary business to fill the space, they turned the structure into the world’s largest single floor library with a built-in farmer’s market. The space, which is the size of two and a half football fields, has been outfitted for a modern feel with a cafe, a used bookstore, an auditorium, and self-checkout stations. However, its real claim to fame is the year-round, on location farmer’s market. There’s even a pizza place that uses ingredients from the farmer’s market in their pies. Decision makers in McAllen were faced with a huge problem. Usually the relocation of a WalMart signifies a downturn in the surrounding area’s economy, resulting in widespread government cutbacks. This is a creative solution to what could have been a real pitfall for residents of the bustling city. Local libraries perpetuate feelings of community and the farmer’s market both stimulates the local economy and keeps traffic to the newly built library constant. Every problem has a solution; you just have to think creatively to find it. Take a cue from McAllen, Texas.