HPL News

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! 

The Texas Library and Archives Foundation is pleased to announce the Martha Wong Scholarship and the Mark Smith–Gloria Meraz Scholarship. Through these awards, they encourage Texans to pursue a degree from a Texas library/information science graduate program or school librarian certification program. These scholarships have been generously funded by Dr. Martha Wong, Chair of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. 

The two awards, each a $2,000 grant, must be used to help support an individual with costs associated in attaining a degree from a library/information science program or school library certification program. Monies may be used for tuition or required textbooks.

Applications must be submitted to the Foundation via Submittable by 12:00 midnight (Central) on September 15, 2025. Applicants will be notified by October 15, 2025. Questions may be addressed to txlafinfo@tsl.texas.gov.

We're excited to share that the Houston Public Library has received a $400.000 grant from Houston Endowment to expand our Journey to Citizenship program! “I am thrilled that our organization will have the chance to expand the crucial program and continue to improve the quality of life for the customers we serve,” said library Director Sandy Gaw. And so much, is yet to come, more free classes, that now offered in-person, online and hybrid. Additional instructions and enhanced learning materials to meet everyone's criteria, and new and improved citizenship kits available for checkout with your MYLink card. Each seven-week course helps participants prepare for the naturalization exam, covering U.S civics, history, and much more. 

Check out the report from The Leader. 

Join the Journey, before the classes end! Click Here