HPL News

Houston Public Library is excited to announce a series of events in celebration of Black History Month, offering the community an opportunity to engage with and honor the rich cultural legacy and contributions of Black Americans. From creative writing workshops to cultural performances and thought-provoking author talks, HPL invites all to participate in these free, enriching activities throughout February. 
Featured Events Include: 

•    Documentary Screening: Black Lives Matter in Latin America: This documentary focuses on Black activism in Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Cuba, showing the importance of challenging state-led violence against Black people.
Saturday, February 1 | African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus 

•    Author Talk with Dr. Wendy Okolo: Dr. Okolo shares her memoir Learn to Fly: On Becoming a Rocket Scientist.
Tuesday, February 4 | Central Library

•    Words of Defiance: How Black Newspapers Amplified Labor Justice and Social Change: Marquel Sennet discusses how black media shaped the African American labor movement during times of racial tension. 
Saturday, February 8 | African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus 

•    Get to Know an Architect: John S. Chase: Learn about this trailblazing Black architect that has over 200 sets of his drawings housed at our research center. 
Saturday, February 13 | Online Only

•    After Dark: The Labor of Love: Join therapist and relationship expert, Dr. Kyee Young, who will guide us through modern day love and a special viewing of the Reverend William Lawson Love Letters. 
Friday, February 14 | African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus

•    Cultural Connections: Celebration of our community's rich diversity with food, fun activities, and cultural performances for all ages. 
Saturday, February 15 | Johnson Neighborhood Library

These are just a few of the events happening throughout the month. Additional activities include storytelling sessions, film screenings, and community gatherings, all designed to foster appreciation and understanding of Black culture. 

•    African American Read-Ins (multiple dates) will take place across various libraries in Houston, including Stella Link, Blue Ridge, Smith, and Central Library. A celebration of Black literature with readings from influential Black authors.
 
•    Black Poetry Readings (Feb 10, 20, 22) and Relax & Write Workshops (Feb 8, 18), as well as an African American Archives Tour (Feb 22) held at the African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus. 

For event registration, visit houstonlibrary.org/events or follow HPL’s social media for updates and highlights.  

Houston Public Library (HPL) is preparing to launch a new state-of-the-art TECHLink at its Vinson Neighborhood Library location. The new technology center will replace Vinson's existing HPL Express area, which will be closed in preparation for construction at 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 25. During the construction period, some sections of the library will be inaccessible. However, most of the operations will remain open at Vinson, one of South Houston's busiest neighborhood libraries, located in the Hiram Clarke Multi-service Center at 3810 W. Fuqua St.

TECHLink Vinson, expected to open in the fall of 2025, will span 3,480 square feet and offer a range of functional and creative resources designed to support the next generation of innovators, designers, and entrepreneurs.

Key features will include:

• Video Recording Studio: HPL's largest TECHLink video studio, with chroma walls and advanced acoustic and equipment for professional-quality projects.
• Podcast Studio & Vlog Set: A high-tech space perfect for podcasting and vlogging.
• Music Recording Studio: Fully equipped with acoustic enhancements and a professional mixing table.
• Tiny Techs Zone: A dedicated area for kids featuring robotics and 3D printers.
• Makerspace Lab: Advanced tools like 3D printers, laser engravers, and high-resolution printers for hands-on creation.
• Editing Lab: The latest software for video editing, music production, digital art, and more.
• Training Lab: Virtual and in-person learning opportunities for creators of all levels.

“I always look forward to seeing our customers’ creative wheels turning and formulating plans once they recognize all of the technologies and equipment that they can freely access,” said Roland Lemonius, TECHLink Division Manager. “Being able to enhance their quality of life in this way along with our other library services is very rewarding.”

This new addition will be the fifth TECHLink center, furthering HPL’s commitment to empower the community through technology, innovation, and collaboration for all ages and skill levels. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to unleash your creativity! 

Want a sneak peek? Take a virtual 360 tour of TECHLink Dixon here.


 

HPL invites the community to a moderated conversation with local author and educator Jennifer Mathieu. Mathieu will discuss her new novel The Faculty Lounge, which unveils the real-life challenges and joys of educators in a Texas public high school. Attendees will hear a different side of school life, written from an insider's perspective, in this story of the power of human connection.

This event takes place on January 25, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Walker Neighborhood Library at 11630 Chimney Rock Rd., Houston, TX, 77035 and will also be livestreamed on HPL's Facebook and YouTube pages. Attendees are encouraged to register online. The event is part of HPL's Reading Local series, which highlights Houston-area authors by allowing them to share their work with the public. Local bookseller Brazos Bookstore will be onsite with books available for purchase and signing.

About Jennifer Mathieu
Jennifer Mathieu is the critically acclaimed author of seven novels for young adults including Moxie, which is now a major motion picture directed by Amy Poehler. The Faculty Lounge is her first novel for adults. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages. A former journalist, Mathieu is a graduate of Northwestern University and has been a teacher for nearly twenty years. She lives with her family in Houston.

HPL Division Manager Mercedes Clarke spoke to Debra Duncan on Great Day Houston yesterday about the Career Online High School Program. You can watch the interview here.

We are thrilled to share that CEET was prominently featured in a recent article by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC)! This recognition highlights the team’s dedication, innovation, and outstanding contributions to advancing educational technology and services within our community. Congratulations CEET for this well-deserved recognition! Read the full article.

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Dear friends: 

I am excited to share something that is close to my heart with you today. 

On this #GivingTuesday, I invite you to join me in supporting Houston Public Library (HPL), one of the largest and most dynamic library systems in the United States. HPL reflects the vibrant diversity and rich cultural heritage of our city. 

Houston Public Library is a public treasure that belongs to all of us. Each year, millions of Houstonians walk through our branches, TECHLink centers, and History Research Centers while millions more take advantage of our digital platforms. 

YOUR support makes possible so many opportunities to enrich our community. Here are just a few examples:

• 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

  Research shows that children who are exposed to reading early are better prepared for academic success. HPL is committed to helping children and their families with the resources needed to succeed.

• Camp STREAM

  Every summer, HPL hosts a technology-driven camp for hundreds of middle and high school students where they learn about coding, digital design, and engineering. 

• Business Resources

  Whether starting a business or launching a new career, HPL provides the resources to help individuals be successful and contribute to the local community.

  Thanks to YOUR generosity, HPL fosters a lifelong love of reading and learning, by strengthening communities and bringing people together.

  You can make a difference by giving a gift today.

  https://www.houstonlibraryfoundation.org/?form=donate

Thank you for supporting Houston Public Library. I hope to see you at one of our locations or events.

Sincerely,

Sandy Gaw

Director, Houston Public Library

The City of Houston is searching for its next poet laureate. In its 12th year, the Poet Laureate program has selected six poet laureates to represent Houston.
 
The program celebrates Houston's rich culture and diversity through the work of a Houston poet who serves as the city's ambassador for the literary arts. During a two-year appointment, the poet laureate makes several guest appearances at special events and completes a community outreach project. The poet laureate will receive an honorarium of $20,000 through the City Initiative grant program funded by a portion of the city's Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and serve from April 2025 through April 2027.

The role of the Houston Poet Laureate is to stimulate poetic impulse, foster appreciation of poetry in all its forms, and serve Houston residents and visitors with expressions of culture through words. Each Poet Laureate for the City creates a signature Community Outreach project. The current Poet Laureate, Aris Kian Brown, is creating "Space for Us: Afrofuturism and the Poetic Imagination," a multidisciplinary exhibition utilizing the Black historical archives, multilingual poetry, and community interviews to imagine and demand the future of a liberated Houston. Previous Poet Laureate projects include:
     • Space City Mixtape, a mixture of spoken word narratives of Houston residents set to music by Russel Gus (Emanuelee "Outspoken" Bean, 2021-2023)
     • Bayou City Broadsides, artistic displays of lines from poems of everyday Houstonians (Leslie Contreras Schwartz, 2019-2021) 
     • Emerge, 11 community performance poetry videos highlighting various Houston neighborhoods (Deborah "D.E.E.P." Mouton, 2017-2019)
     • Houston's Favorite Poems, a published anthology of residents' favorite poetry (Dr. Robin Davidson, 2015-2017)
     • Creation of the Houston Poet Laureate's social media platforms (Gwen Zepeda, 2015-2017)

The application deadline is midnight on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 11:59 PM CST. Submissions from poets, authors, writers, and spoken word artists are welcome.

The guidelines, term requirements, and application portal for the Houston Poet Laureate are available here.

The Houston Poet Laureate Selection Committee, a panel of poets, scholars, and literary experts diverse in age, ethnicity, and experience, will review eligible applications. Non-voting members of the Committee include Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs Director Necole Irvin and Justin Bogert of Houston Public Library. The Committee will interview finalists in early February, and the selection of Houston's next Poet Laureate will be announced in April in celebration of National Poetry Month.

The program is coordinated by the MOCA and HPL and funded through the Hotel Occupancy Tax, which is dedicated to the arts.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) has awarded the Houston Public Library (HPL) a $75,000 Special Projects Grant to expand its Career Online High School Program. The funding will provide scholarships to 40 new participants in FY25, enabling adults aged 21 and older to earn an accredited diploma online. Applicants must have completed at least the eighth grade and pass a prerequisite course with 70% or higher. To apply, potential students must take a brief survey to determine eligibility. The application deadline for scholarship funding is December 30, 2024.

This grant is part of over 40 awarded this year by TSLAC, funded through the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the Library Services and Technology Act. “TSLAC is pleased to recognize and support the important work of Texas libraries in delivering innovative information services that strengthen local literacy, workforce and digital opportunity efforts,” said TSLAC Director and Librarian Gloria Meraz.

"Students who want to complete their high school diploma shouldn't have to deal with the burden of extra costs. These funds will allow more students to achieve this milestone and gain other opportunities," said HPL Community Engagement Division Manager Mercedes Clarke.

For more information about this program, please contact HPL's Community Engagement and Education Team at 832-393-1737.

Houston Public Library (HPL) is excited to announce that Spring Independent School District (Spring ISD) has officially joined HPL’s LEARNINGLink Program. This partnership provides Spring ISD students with free access to educational resources, including e-books, research databases, and tutoring services, all aimed at supporting their academic success.

The LEARNINGLink Program connects students directly to valuable online resources, empowering them to excel both in and out of the classroom. With a simple login process using their School ID and library card information, Spring ISD students will be able to tap into age-appropriate materials available 24/7 with resources such as Brainfuse, Boundless, and Comics Plus:

•    Brainfuse: Subject-specific assistance with tutoring, practice tests, flashcards, and study guides, which teachers can use to reinforce learning and recommend to students preparing for exams. 
•    Boundless: Thousands of age-appropriate e-books and audiobooks, providing a wide range of materials for teachers to enhance their lessons, encourage independent reading, and even create curated reading lists tailored to your curriculum. 
•    Comics Plus: Comics encourage discussions about narrative structure, character development, and visual storytelling, promoting critical thinking and analytical skills among students.

Integrating LEARNINGLink into Spring ISD’s educational offerings will give over 40,000 students and faculty the opportunity to access additional tools they need to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.

As we welcome Spring ISD into the LEARNINGLink family, we’d like to take this opportunity to remind all participating school districts—Alief Independent School District, Houston Independent School District, and Pasadena Independent School District—to fully utilize this incredible resource. LEARNINGLink is designed to enhance educational experiences, and we encourage you to remind your students and faculty about the free valuable tools available to them.

To make the most of the LEARNINGLink Program, educators are encouraged to: 

•    Explore Resources: Encourage students to browse the extensive collection of e-books, research materials, and more. 
•    Try Kanopy Access* for Faculty: Complement curriculums with a diverse library of educational films, documentaries, and classic cinema. Videos with the Public Performance Rights (PPR) icon can be used in the classroom and must include the statement, "Made possible through Houston Public Library."  
•    Provide Support: Foster a collaborative environment for student success. 
•    Share Feedback: Share your experiences with the program to help HPL enhance and expand its offering.

HPL's Deputy Assistant Director of Library Materials, Patrick Atkins, expressed enthusiasm about Spring ISD’s participation. “Partnering with Spring ISD is a natural fit for Houston Public Library. We are committed to increasing access to educational resources for students and assisting educators through our program. We invite other districts to join us in making these valuable resources available to even more students.”

For more information about the LEARNINGLink program and how your school district can get involved, please visit https://houstonlibrary.org/learning-link. 

HOUSTON, TX - Excitement is building as the Houston Public Library (HPL) prepares to unveil its brand-new branch in the heart of the vibrant Montrose community! The library system is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new facility at 1001 California Street. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter in HPL’s commitment to providing innovative services, resources, and programs to the diverse residents of Montrose and beyond.

The new library will feature:
•    Advanced Technology: Enhanced access to computers, high-speed internet, and innovative learning tools to support all ages in today’s digital landscape.
•    Dedicated Youth Spaces: A floor designed for children and teens featuring a robust collection and interactive programs.
•    Adult Reading Space and Community Programs: A floor with reading areas and a flexible meeting room for educational programs and diverse community activities.
•    Outdoor Space/Terrace: An inviting area for open-air events, reading clubs, and cultural programs.
•    Art Installation: Permanent artwork by Houston-based, Filipino American artist “Kill Joy,” entitled Spirit of Montrose inspired by the neighborhood’s history.  

According to Council Member Abbie Kamin, “The neighborhood could not be more thrilled to have such a beautiful and welcoming space for all ages where innovation meets Montrose’s love for books. This opening comes on the heels of years of extensive community engagement and involvement by residents. On behalf of our District, I am so grateful to the Houston Public Library staff, and all those involved, for their partnership in realizing this very special day.”

"We can't wait to be a part of a mixed-use development, with food, shopping, and now a library!” added John Middleton, HPL's Chief Operating Officer. The grand opening is scheduled for December 14, 2024.

Current Plans for Transition
As part of this exciting transition, the Freed-Montrose Library at 4100 Montrose Blvd. will close on November 14, 2024. While the current library has been a cherished community hub, its aging infrastructure requires over $14 million in renovations to meet modern safety standards and to address patron technology needs.

City officials and library leaders have been working together to explore renovation options that will preserve the building’s historic charm while enhancing the services it provides. "I am optimistic about the possibilities as we strengthen our relationship with both the Montrose community and the University of St. Thomas," said Sandy Gaw, Library Director. "Our commitment is to ensure the best possible outcome for the community."