HPL News

No matter your age or your interest, Houston Public Library (HPL) has a club for you! HPL clubs are a great reason to get out of the house, escape the Houston summertime doldrums, and meet new people.

Have you checked out HPL's many Book Clubs? Book Clubs range from lively discussions of specific titles, to celebrations of all things Manga. Book Clubs make it easy to connect with other readers no matter what kind of books you like. If movies, documentaries and TV spark your interest, there’s a Film Discussion Club for that!

When was the last time you dabbled in the visual arts with no expectations of talent or skill? If this sounds intriguing, give Bad Art Club a try. You might be surprised by how easy it is to be creative when there's no expectation of quality or good taste! All of our clubs welcome beginners, so don’t be afraid to come out and learn about chess, creative writing, LEGOs and more.

HPL's Teen Advisory Club (TAC) is for teens who want to improve libraries for young adults like themselves. TAC members share ideas, plan events, and strategize how HPL can be a more teen-friendly space. Members can earn community service credits for high school. If you're a teen (or you know a teen) who might want to join, you can find more information in our FAQs.

Like all HPL programs, these clubs are free, and registration is highly recommended, as space is limited. 

Houston families now have a powerful new resource for early childhood development, right in their neighborhood. The New Family Place Library, located inside the Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library, was recently highlighted on HTV, showcasing its transformative impact on early learning, parenting support, and community connection.

This unique space is designed to support early brain development and fundamental skills through interactive play, accessible learning tools, and programs that empower both children and caregivers.

The grand opening featured key community leaders, including Julie Finck, CEO of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, and Latrisha Milton, HPL's Youth and Family Services Manager. A heartfelt testimony was also shared by Bernardo Alvarez, a local parent, highlighting just how vital these resources are for families navigating the early stages of childhood development.

Named in honor of Houston’s first female astronaut, the Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library now carries forward a legacy of exploration—this time into the possibilities of monitored play, caregiver support, and early learning.

We invite you to visit and explore the Family Place Library, where curiosity, connection, and confidence take root.

🎉 Sign up today and start your reading journey!
👉 houstonlibrary.org/for-readers

📍Discover more, do more, and read more all summer long at HPL. #HPLSummerReads

You’re Invited: Tuxs & Chuxs – A Red Carpet Gala Celebrating Music & Libraries 

The Houston Public Library invites you to Tuxs & Chuxs, a red-carpet fundraising gala honoring the power of music, creativity, and the cultural legacy of public libraries.

Join us in celebration of Make Music Day with a vibrant evening featuring a photographic exhibition by acclaimed artist Bennie The Shooter and historic images from the HPL Archives.

Guests will enjoy a curated cocktail reception with complimentary bites and beverages, plus the 2025 Honoree Awards, recognizing trailblazers in arts and culture: Mathew Knowles, Attorney Ricky Anderson, Ernest Walker, Barry Coffing, Tony Thomas, Terri Thomas, Madd Hatta, and Garcie Chavez.

Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Julia Ideson Building, 550 McKinney St., Houston, TX 77002
Hosted by: L.O.U.D. Muzik & the Houston Public Library Foundation
Featuring appearances by community champions, library leaders, and special guests.

Step into the spotlight. Celebrate culture. Support your library.

In a recent feature by Houston Style Magazine, the Houston Public Library (HPL) takes center stage as more than just a place for books. On June 5, 2025, the Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library in Southwest Houston became the city’s newest Family Place Library, offering expert-led early childhood programs, parenting support, and community resources. Thanks to the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and PNC Foundation, this space empowers families to build strong beginnings, reinforcing Houston Public Library’s commitment to literacy, learning, and lifelong opportunity.

Read the full article on Houston Style Magazines website: A Place to Grow: Houston Public Library’s New Family Place is a Beacon for Early Learning and Literacy | Houston Style Magazine | Weekly Newspaper Publication Website 

For more information about Houston Public Library’s programs and services, visit:
🌐 www.houstonlibrary.org

Join the Adventure This Summer! 
The Houston Public Library Summer Reading Program is officially underway!

Read books, earn rewards, and explore exciting events for ALL AGES. Whether you're a curious kid, a teen on a mission, or a parent looking to keep your family engaged, there's something for everyone!

🎉 Sign up today and start your reading journey!
👉 houstonlibrary.org/for-readers

📍Discover more, do more, and read more. All summer long at HPL. #HPLSummerReads

Houston Public Library (HPL) is proud to join the global celebration of Make Music Day on Saturday, June 21, 2025, with a week-long celebration of interactive experiences and free, live music in partnership with L.O.U.D. Muzik (Let Our Unity Define Muzik). Held annually in over 1,000 cities around the world, Make Music Day is an open invitation for musicians of all levels and ages to share their sound with their entire community. This year, HPL and L.O.U.D. Muzik are bringing the rhythm to the city’s libraries with dynamic performances, beat-making workshops, jam sessions, and hands-on music production stations. “Music brings people together, and that’s exactly what public libraries are here to do,” said Sandy Gaw, Houston Public Library Director. “This partnership with L.O.U.D. Muzik reflects HPL’s ongoing commitment to promoting arts, culture, and lifelong learning for everyone through community-based programming.”

"Creating the Make Music Day Festival was about more than just celebrating sound – it was about making space. As the founder of L.O.U.D. Muzik, it’s my mission to ensure that the talent and culture of our city are not only heard, but respected and represented. Houston is rich with diversity, and it’s critical that our city events reflect the voices and stories of the communities that make it great," said Derrick McKinney, CEO and Founder of L.O.U.D. Muzik.

Participants will have multiple channels to learn the business of entertainment, with opportunities to: 
Learn how to CREATE your content at the TECHLink Studio Takeover.
This immersive and interactive event features tours, networking and a hands-on production experience for veteran and new musicians alike. 
         Wednesday, June 18 | Noon – 5 p.m. 
         Dr. Shannon Walker Library | 11630 Chimney Rock Rd.

Speak to EXPERTS at the L.O.U.D. Muzik Summit. 
Attend this day-long event to hear from A-listers, up-and-comers, artists, educators, and industry professionals. Panelists include Barry Coffing, David Kuti, TikTokMomma, Spoiled Latina, Aim Rashid and LaRonn Harris.
         Friday, June 20 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
         Julia Ideson Building | 550 McKinney St.

Celebrate Make Music Day in Houston. 
Turn up the volume for the global Make Music Day initiative with a full day of free performances, hands-on music experiences, vendors, and community celebration at our festival! 
         Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 
         Central Library Complex | 500 McKinney St.

About L.O.U.D. Muzik
L.O.U.D. Muzik is an independent entertainment powerhouse dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering cutting-edge talent to the world stage. Founded by Derrick McKinney, the label blends strategic marketing, artist empowerment, and cultural influence to create unforgettable music, experiences, and movements. From chart-topping singles to dynamic live events, L.O.U.D. Muzik is more than a label – it’s a lifestyle.

Houston Public Library (HPL) is hosting three remarkable exhibits in June.

I Am Texas, the Guiness World Record™ holder for largest published book, is on display at Central Library (500 McKinney St., 77002) starting Saturday, June 7. The date was chosen to honor the 100th birthday of former First Lady and literacy champion Barbara Bush; HPL plans to further honor the former First Lady with system-wide storytimes featuring her favorite books at all library locations on June 7.

1,000 young people in over 80 school districts across Texas contributed stories, poetry, and artwork to create I Am Texas, an ode to their home state from a child’s perspective. The iWrite Organization and The Bryan Museum, along with New York Times bestselling author and illustrator team, Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos, published I Am Texas with the help of official sponsor Phillips 66. The cover features illustrated versions of Texas heroes like Bessie Coleman, Juan Seguin, and Barbara Bush. The book stands seven feet tall and weighs 496 lbs. The giant book has traveled all over Texas since breaking the Guinness World Record™ in Houston in November 2022 and will be displayed at Central Library until November 14, 2025. The public is encouraged to take their pictures with I Am Texas and learn the behind-the-scenes process of its creation.

Al Otro Lado/The Other Side showcases the work of Raquel Natalicchio, a Houston-based visual journalist for the Houston Chronicle. Blending large-scale portraits, historical maps, and video interviews, this exhibit presents a visual dialogue between people and places. Natalicchio’s striking portraits of immigrants who now call Houston home are paired with historical maps from HPL’s archives, highlighting regions along the U.S.–Mexico border, Texas, and Houston. “This exhibit invites viewers to explore immigration through a thoughtful blend of portraiture, storytelling, and historical context. Rather than focusing on politics or policy, it centers on the lived experiences of individuals,” said Raquel Natalicchio. The exhibit opens Saturday, June 14 and will be on display in the The Dr. James and Betty Key Map Room in the Julia Ideson Building (550 McKinney St., 77002) through February 28, 2026.

The public is invited to a free Opening Reception for Al Otro Lado on Saturday, June 14 at noon in the Julia Ideson Building. Online registration is encouraged, as space is limited.

Opening June 30 in the Julia Ideson Building is The Great Restoration Adventure: Celebrating the Craftsmen of Notre-Dame de Paris. On April 15, 2019, the world watched in horror as fire engulfed the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, one of the most treasured structures of the last seven centuries and a cultural landmark of universal value. The ceremonial reopening of Notre-Dame on December 27, 2024, reinforced the importance of preserving and cherishing our global heritage for today, and for the future.

This exhibit celebrates the extraordinary skills of the craftsmen and artisans responsible for bringing the cathedral back to life. Because of their talents, Notre-Dame de Paris has been saved to inspire future generations. Exhibit partners include Archaeology Now, Villa Albertine - Consulat Général de France à Houston, Alliance Français à Houston, Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris, Maison Luquet, Ateliers Perrault, Handshouse Studio, Houston Area Blacksmith's Association, and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The exhibit is on display through August 2, 2025.

In celebration of former First Lady Barbara Bush’s 100th birthday and Family Literacy Day, Houston Public Library (HPL) invites families to join us for a joyful event of reading, learning, and togetherness at all library locations on Saturday, June 7, from 11:00 a.m. to noon.

To honor her lifelong dedication to literacy and her deep belief in the power of reading to strengthen families and communities, HPL will host themed storytimes and activities featuring some of her most cherished children’s books, including:

•    Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne 
•    The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen 
•    The classic folktale Jack and the Beanstalk
•    The Good Egg by Jory John and Pete Oswald 
•    Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney 
•    The beloved Babar series by Jean de Brunhoff

These classic, heartwarming tales reflect Barbara Bush’s love of storytelling and imagination. In addition to the storytime, families can enjoy crafts, games, and other engaging activities.

All featured books are available for checkout at Houston Public Library locations and online through our digital collections. 
Like all HPL events, these storytimes are free and open to the public. To find your nearest participating location, visit our events calendar. 

Houston Public Library (HPL) is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest Family Place Library™, a welcoming space designed especially for families with young children to play, learn, and grow together.

The Family Place Library™ is located inside the Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library, a branch already recognized for its award-winning architecture and innovative design that honors the legacy of Dr. Shannon Walker, Houston’s first female astronaut. Now, that inspirational space is expanding its mission to support the launch of a child’s lifelong learning journey.

“Parenting doesn’t come with a manual. With the generous support of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and PNC Foundation, we’re able to offer more than books and resources. We are building a community of support for caregivers during a child’s most critical years of development,” said Sandy Gaw, Director of Houston Public Library.

The Family Place™ model is a nationally recognized initiative that transforms libraries into vital centers for early learning and family engagement. The new space 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 ribbon-cutting celebration will take place Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at 11630 Chimney Rock Rd., Houston, TX, 77035. Families are invited to enjoy hands-on activities, light refreshments, and a first look at the vibrant new space.

"With Family Place Libraries across the HPL system, we aim to be anchors of support for families working hard to give their children a strong start. These programs help build lasting connections between families across our city," said Julie Finck, Ph.D., President & CEO, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation.

“At PNC, we believe that high-quality early learning experiences are essential to a child’s success in school and in life," said Julie Young Sudduth, Regional President, PNC Bank. "Supporting Family Place Libraries is one way we invest in local communities and help create equitable opportunities for every child to thrive."

This marks HPL’s 10th Family Place Library, a significant milestone in the library’s ongoing commitment to ensuring every Houston family has access to tools, knowledge, and support they need from the very beginning.
 

Houston Public Library (HPL) honors PRIDE Month with a vibrant lineup of signature events and community celebrations that uplift and reflect the voices, stories, and contributions of Houston’s LGBTQ+ community.

Anchored by inclusive and engaging activities for all ages, HPL’s PRIDE events span the city and center around connection and creativity.

Signature Events include: 

Pride-a-Palooza: Celebrate with storytimes, crafts, resources, and more in these family-friendly festivals. 
          Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
          Central Library 
          Monday, June 9, 2025 | 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
          Kendall Neighborhood Library
  
LGBTQ Genealogy and Family Trees: This talk, hosted by professional genealogist Stewart Blandon Traiman, will explore how genealogy can uncover hidden or forgotten LGBTQ ancestors through records like photographs, censuses, newspapers, and archives. 
          Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | 1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. 
          Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus & Online

Pride Fashion Shows: Join us as local talent takes the runway to showcase expressive and diverse fashion. 
          Thursday, June 12, 2025 | 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. 
          Park Place Regional Library 
          Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
          Henington-Alief Regional Library

Author Talk with Jonny Garza: Celebrate romance, Pride, and fútbol under the Texas sun in this engaging author talk exploring Tejane, Chicane, and queer identities. 
          Thursday, June 12, 2025 | 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
          Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library 

Gender, Law, and Memory: How LGBTQ+ Houston Moves Us All Forward: This thought-provoking event features Brian Riedel, Associate Director of Rice University's Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality. Riedel will explore how LGBTQ+ history shapes civic identity, equity, and collective memory. 
          Saturday, June 14, 2025 | 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. 
          Houston History Research Center
 
LGBTQ+ Story Hour for Adults: This monthly series continues with a special PRIDE edition, featuring powerful stories that reflect the rich diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. 
          Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. 
          Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library

All events are free and open to the public. For a full schedule, visit our events calendar.

The Houston Public Library is turning the page to another exciting summer of exploration, imagination, and discovery with the kickoff of its beloved Summer Reading Program. Families from across Houston gathered recently to celebrate the official launch, and no one was more excited than LaTrisha Milton, HPL’s Youth and Family Services Manager, who shared her insights into why this annual program continues to be a vital part of the city’s summer experience.

 Join the Adventure This Summer! 
The Houston Public Library Summer Reading Program is officially underway!

Read books, earn rewards, and explore exciting events for ALL AGES. Whether you're a curious kid, a teen on a mission, or a parent looking to keep your family engaged, there's something for everyone!

🎉 Sign up today and start your reading journey!
👉 houstonlibrary.org/for-readers

📍Discover more, do more, and read more — all summer long at HPL. #HPLSummerReads