HPL News

Join us in celebrating Director Sandy Gaw's one year anniversary at Houston Public Library!

HOUSTON, TX - Houston Public Library (HPL) is excited to announce the grand opening of the final four locations of the Family Place Library™ thanks to financial support from Phillips 66 and the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Ladies for Literacy Guild. Family Place Library™ is a national, evidence-based model in which areas within public libraries are transformed into vibrant, nurturing atmospheres for children and families to learn, play and grow together, and library staff receive special credentials to offer access to robust workshops that empower parents with the tools and resources they need to support healthy brain development and early literacy skill-building.

"We are proud to continue our partnership with Phillips 66, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and its Ladies for Literacy Guild, to expand the programs, services, and resources available to families across our city," said Sandy Gaw, Library Director. "Family Place Libraries provide the building blocks of learning for children from birth to five years old. We’re creating a circle of care during the most critical years of a child’s development because no one should have to do this alone.”

The new spaces will offer free, high-quality programs such as:

• Parent-child play sessions led by early childhood specialists
• Storytimes and sensory play
• Resources on parenting, child development, and family health
• Connections to local services and experts

The upcoming ribbon cutting ceremonies will be at the following locations. All ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m.:

• Scenic Woods Regional Library on September 9
• McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library on September 11
• Kendall Neighborhood Library on September 16
• Carnegie Neighborhood Library on October 4

“Phillips 66 is proud to partner with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and the Houston Public Library to make an impact in the communities we serve through the establishment of Family Place Libraries,” said Courtney Meadows, Manager, Social Impact, Phillips 66. “Together we’re working to foster a love a reading among children and families for generations to come.”

“Our longstanding partnership with Houston Public Libraries has sparked a lifelong joy of reading for families in Houston,” said Julie Finck, Ph.D., President & CEO, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. “Engaged partners like Phillips 66 and our Ladies for Literacy Guild recognize the important role that parents play in supporting early literacy development and nurturing the whole child.”

"The Ladies for Literacy Guild is proud to support this inspiring initiative dedicated to early childhood literacy,” said Maureen Higdon, Ladies for Literacy Guild President. “We believe these vibrant spaces will not only foster a love of learning through engaging educational activities but also create cherished memories for children and their families."

About the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation 
The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation is a charitable organization formed by Neil and Maria Bush to carry forth First Lady Barbara Bush’s legacy in the literacy cause and to focus deeply on breaking the intergenerational cycle of low literacy in the Bush family’s hometown. Founded on Mrs. Bush’s belief, “If you help a person to read, then their opportunities in life will be endless,” the Barbara Bush Foundation’s mission is to improve lives through the power of literacy – the ability to read, write, speak clearly and think critically. The Foundation serves as the champion across the Greater Houston area for the literacy cause, raising awareness for the value and importance of literacy, mobilizing volunteers and resources to build critical capacity of community-based literacy providers, and investing in local literacy.

About Houston Public Library  
We are a dynamic public service organization serving one of the largest and most diverse areas in the nation – both in population and geography. Our comprehensive, customer-focused service delivery strategy supports the 2.3 million residents of the City of Houston.

Our system is comprised of 44 public service units, including six Regional Libraries – anchored by our flagship Central Library – 28 Neighborhood and Express Libraries, three History Research Centers, four TECHLink centers, a Satellite location at the Children’s Museum Houston, the Mobile Express outreach unit, and the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy. Together, we provide equitable access to resources, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities for all Houstonians.  
 

HOUSTON, TX - Houston Public Library (HPL) is excited to present the After School Wellness Fun series of activities to K-12 grade level students across Houston. The series was developed with generous support from OST CARES, an initiative of the Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST) that provides technical assistance and funding to enhance mental health support and awareness within Texas out of school time (OST).

After School Wellness Fun will provide children with mental and emotional support through fun, creative and calming activities at eight HPL locations: Carnegie, Heights, Pleasantville, Moody, Oak Forest, and Young Neighborhood Libraries; Park Place, and Stella Link Regional Libraries. The series begins September 16, 2025, and sessions are hosted Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., through May 2026.

Program highlights include: 
•    Relaxing yoga sessions 
•    Personalized self-care bag creations 
•    Visits from therapy dogs 
•    Beautiful henna designs 
•    Painting workshops 
•    Author visits 
•    ... and more hands-on wellness-focused programs 

“Practicing self-care and finding time for fun is important for our overall well-being, especially for our children,” said Sandy Gaw, Library Director. “Houston Public Library is happy to bring the After School Wellness Fun series to life at our locations and provide impactful resources to children and families in our communities.”

"We are proud to support Houston Public Library and more than 100 out of school time programs across Texas through OST CARES," said Jenna Courtney, TXPOST CEO. "This initiative recognizes the unique potential of community-based OST programs, like HPL, in implementing promotion and prevention strategies to better support the well-being of youth."

About The Texas Partnership for Out of School Time

The Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST) is a statewide intermediary whose mission is to convene, educate, and advocate to improve the quality and increase the availability of out of school time (OST) opportunities for Texas youth. TXPOST works in partnership with vital local and regional organizations that invest deeply in their own communities to offer professional development opportunities, drive continuous quality improvement, engage in system and capacity building work, advocate for the OST field, and promote sustainable access to high-quality OST programs for all Texas children.  

When most people think of library, the first image to come to mind is a row of books and a quiet place to read. But if you step into Houston Public Library, you'll quickly realize it's so much more. HPL is where stories come alive, creativity is sparked, and community connections are made. And the best part? ITS ALL FREE!

One of the biggest questions people ask is: “Are Houston Public Library events free?”  The answer is a reoccurring yes! From author talks and kids story times to hands - STEM workshops and cultural connections, every single event is open to the public at no cost. HPL has its mission to break down barriers so that learning is fun and always ensure the resources are at the community's disposal. 

Here are a few things you can do at your HPL:

In addition to checking out books, you can:

• Use free computers and WIFI
• Join art & crafts sessions
• Explore digital media labs
• Dive into history at one of our History Research Centers
• Get involved in literacy programs for all ages

Get involved today! If you haven't visited your local HPL in a while, this is your sign. Check out the upcoming programs and events, your bound to find something that piques your interest.

Explore the full calendar here: Houston public Library Events Calendar

Mark your calendar, bring a friend, and come see what HPL has waiting for you. 

HOUSTON, TX – The Dr. Shannon Walker Library–an inspiring example of architectural innovation and community-centered design–has been selected as the cover feature for Houston Design Week 2025. This prestigious honor recognizes the library’s bold architectural vision, commitment to sustainable design, and its profound cultural significance to the local community.

Named in honor of NASA astronaut and Houston native Dr. Shannon Walker, the library has quickly become a civic landmark since its opening. The library was designed through a collaborative effort involving the City of Houston’s General Services Department and Houston Public Library, local firm BRAVE/architecture, and engaged community leaders. The result is a space that blends cutting-edge design with a powerful narrative of place, identity, and cultural heritage.

Its selection as the visual symbol of Houston Design Week affirms the library’s role as a beacon of thoughtful, inclusive, and future-forward design.

“We are honored that the Dr. Shannon Walker Library has been chosen to represent this year’s Design Week,” said Sandy Gaw, Director of Houston Public Library. “This space was created to reflect the community’s history while inspiring the next generation. It’s deeply gratifying to see that vision recognized on such a significant platform.”

Houston Design Week 2025, presented by the AIAH Interior Architecture Committee, runs from August 18–22 and features 13 events including tours, lectures, panel discussions, and CEU opportunities. The week spotlights innovations in interior architecture and the evolving role of design in shaping public spaces and cultural identity.

A featured event, “Library of the Future: Architecture Tour of the Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library,” will be held on August 22, offering attendees an in-depth look at how the library exemplifies the integration of civic storytelling, sustainability, and community engagement in public architecture.

“The Dr. Shannon Walker Library is a model for how architecture can embody a community’s values and aspirations,” added Sandy Gaw. “Its recognition during Houston Design Week underscores the importance of design that’s both visionary and rooted in place.”

Tickets are required for all Houston Design Week events. Full schedule and registration details can be found at: Houston X Design Week - AIA Houston.

About Houston Design Week 
Houston Design Week is an annual celebration of design, architecture, and innovation. The event brings together architects, designers, students, and the public to explore how design shapes our communities and our future.

About Architecture Center Houston (ArCH) and AIA Houston
Architecture Center Houston (ArCH) and AIA Houston are committed to celebrating, educating, and advocating for architecture and design across the city. As a human-centric space, ArCH serves as a hub for professionals and the public alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for the built environment and its impact on everyday life.

The Houston Press's April Towery spoke to HPL's own Gaspar Guevara and Houston Endowment's Gislaine Williams about plans for the expansion of HPL's citizenship classes, made possible by Houston Endowment's generous grant. 

Read about it in Living the American Dream: Houston Public Library Offers Free Citizenship Classes.

HPL's own Ana Galvan was a guest recently on Univision's “Contigo en la Comunidad,” and shared information about free HPL resources for the public!

You can watch her interview here.  

Nuestro talento HPL! Ana Galván fue invitada al programa “Contigo en la Comunidad” de Univision, donde compartió recursos GRATUITOS que la Biblioteca Pública de Houston ofrece para toda la comunidad.

¡No te pierdas su entrevista aquí:  Recursos gratuitos de la Biblioteca Pública de Houston | Tu Ciudad Univision Houston Contigo | Univision

Such an amazing Summer Reading Program has come to a close at the Houston Public Library, and what a success it was! This year, families across Houston came together to explore, imagine, and discover through books, programs, and activities that sparked creativity and connection. We also want to thank the Black Caucus Round Table (TLA) for giving HPL and LaTrisha Milton, our Youth & Family Services Manager, a wonderful shoutout. 

A special spotlight goes to LaTrisha Milton, HPL’s Youth & Family Services Manager, who coordinated the entire program. Her leadership and dedication made this summer one to remember for readers of all ages.

Though the season is ending, the joy of reading continues year, round at HPL. Let’s keep turning pages and making memories!

This summer, Houston Public Library partnered with CYCLE Houston to make our Color Our World Summer Reading Program even more exciting! Young readers ages 7–9 had the chance to win brand-new bikes, generously donated by CYCLE, by completing reading challenges and attending library events.

CYCLE Houston, a local children’s literacy nonprofit, rewards academic achievement with bikes, motivating kids to work hard in school and build a lifelong love of reading. Together, we’re proving that when you open a book, you can go anywhere… even home on two wheels!

Website: cyclehouston.org

 Instagram: @cyclehouston

As families prepare for the year ahead, Houston Public Library continues to play a vital role in easing the transition back into school. 

An upcoming Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway, taking place on Saturday, August 9 at the Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library, is more than just a giveaway, it's a hub of support for students, parents, and educators alike. Attendees will receive backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last), and the opportunity to explore HPL's wealth of learning tools, from tutoring services and research help to homework assistance, and much more. 

Meanwhile, our spirit of readiness continues with the Back-to-School Bash hosted at Central Library. Families are invited to enjoy storytime sessions, crafts, games, and engaging activities designed to celebrate our community. Discover how easy it is to sign up for MYLink library card and make sure your child starts the school year equipped, supported, and connected. 

We're proud to be recognized in the Forward Times' Back-To-School Events Offer Relief for Cash-Strapped Families article!