Donnie Byrd's live interview with CW39 Houston discussing the Hispanic Heritage Month event. Check it out!
10/11/2024
Join us for a day of fun as we celebrate community and culture:
Literacy in the Bag Campaign Kickoff
Join us for our annual book drive and community outreach program aimed at fostering literacy in Houston’s children and adults. In collaboration with Texas Tamale Company, Literacy Now, and Space Cowboys, the Houston Public Library (HPL), is kicking off this year's Literacy in the Bag campaign to help stock Title 1 elementary and middle schools and create at-home libraries for students. We also welcome adult book donations, which will benefit the Friends of HPL.
Enjoy a family-friendly event featuring storytelling, 3D printing demonstrations, face painting, games, crafts, and much more! Donations will be accepted at 15 HPL locations from October 14th through January 3rd.
Location: Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library
Address: 3223 Wilcrest Dr. Houston, TX 77042
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Hispanic Archival Collection Tour
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and American Archives Month with us! Dive into the rich history and vibrant culture of our community on this exclusive tour of the Hispanic Collections Archive.
Led by one of HPL’s expert Hispanic Collections Archivists, you'll discover the highlights of our collections, gain insights into their significance, and learn about the stories they tell. This is a unique opportunity to appreciate the contributions and legacies that shape our shared history.
Location: Julia Ideson Building
Address: 550 McKinney St. Houston, TX 77002
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
All Hallows Reads Festival!
Get ready for some spook-tacular fun at our 4th Annual All Hallows Reads Festival! Bring the whole family for a day filled with games, crafts, and activities. Tweens and teens can enjoy a special silent listening party—costumes are encouraged! Plus, experience a special lion dance performance by the Unity Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe, along with a shadow puppet theater performance by the Tung-Hua Puppet Theater of Taiwan.
Location: Central Library, Jesse H. Jones Building
Address: 500 McKinney St. Houston, TX 77002
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Register Now!
10/02/2024
Effective November 1, 2024, Houston Public Library will resume charging customers to print documents.
Over the past year, the library's budget has absorbed the cost of offering free printing services. However, it is no longer sustainable to continue absorbing these expenses.
Charges for Printing:
Black and White: $0.15 per page
Color: $0.50 per page
Payment Information:
Only cashless payment options will be accepted.
All major credit and debit cards will be accepted.
There will be a minimum $1 charge and $5 credit card hold per transaction.
Houston Public Library recognizes the vital role our system plays in providing free and accessible resources to all residents. We remain dedicated to ensuring that the library serves as a vital resource for everyone in our community. To support this goal, we are actively working on solutions to improve access to printing services. This includes exploring options to address the challenges posed by minimum credit card hold requirements and identifying accommodations for unbanked and underbanked households.
We appreciate the community’s understanding and ongoing support as we make this necessary adjustment to our services.
09/19/2024
Pictured, left to right: Dr. Elizabeth Farfán-Santos and Leslie Contreras Schwartz.
HOUSTON, TX - Houston Public Library (HPL) is proud to present a vibrant series of events in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15. This year’s festivities will feature a wide range of cultural, literary, and educational activities that honor the rich history and contributions of the Hispanic community.
Hispanic Heritage Fiesta:
Join us for an exciting celebration of Hispanic culture, featuring live music, dance, traditional foods, and crafts. Families and individuals of all ages are welcome to participate and learn about the customs and traditions that shape the Hispanic community.
- Park Place Regional Library – Thursday, September 19th, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Robinson Neighborhood Library – Saturday, September 28th, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Flores Neighborhood Library – Saturday, October 5th, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Hillendahl Neighborhood Library – Thursday, October 10th, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
We are especially honored to welcome back Dr. Elizabeth Farfán-Santos, author of Undocumented Motherhood, as a special guest at the Flores Neighborhood Library fiesta and Leslie Contreras Schwartz, the 2019-2021 Houston Poet Laureate and acclaimed author, as a special guest at the Robinson Neighborhood Library fiesta.
Virtual Poetry Workshop and Author Visit:
In addition to her in-person appearance, Schwartz will lead two virtual programs in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. On Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., she will host a virtual poetry workshop that explores cultural heritage through original works of poetry.
Schwartz will also host a virtual discussion on her book, From the Womb of Sky and Earth, on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. The discussion will focus on themes of motherhood and will be livestreamed on HPL’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
Hurricane season is upon us, and Houston Public Library is here to help you stay prepared! Sign up for a MYLink library card this September, and you could win a generator, portable power station, or power bank. Gain access to valuable resources and stay informed as we approach the peak of hurricane season. Learn more about the giveaway and how to participate. Read Now!
08/22/2024
Houston Public Library’s limited-edition library cards have become a must-have item, with nearly 40,000 issued this year. Discover how these special designs are sparking community excitement and celebrating 120 years of service. Read Now!
08/21/2024
08/21/2024
Exciting news! Catch our very own LaTrisha Milton on CW39 discussing Family Place Libraries at Houston Public Library! 
Discover how we're creating welcoming spaces for families with young children, fostering early literacy, and building strong community connections. Don’t miss this insightful interview—Watch now!
HOUSTON - As the new school year approaches, Houston Public Library (HPL) is here to support parents, students, and educators throughout the month of August and beyond. HPL’s Back-to-School Guide offers a comprehensive collection of FREE resources designed to ensure a successful academic year. These tools include free online tutoring, homework support, downloadable and streaming media, books and e-books for all ages, and engaging educational events. Additionally, TECHLink technology centers provide state-of-the-art equipment and training to craft your next school project with access to 3D printers, 3D scanners, laser cutters, engravers and other multimedia tools.
Students can participate in storytimes, seasonal reading programs and book clubs to foster a love of reading and improve literacy skills. We also encourage schools to schedule class field trips to Central Library or the History Research Centers focused on African American history, Family History & Genealogy, and Houston & Texas History. Students and researchers can explore HPL’s vast Hispanic and Latino History collection available in our online digital archives.
“We are committed to supporting our community’s educational needs,” said Deputy Assistant Director for Library Materials Patrick Atkins. “Back-to-School month is an excellent opportunity for students, parents, and educators to explore the vast resources and programs we offer. We aim to make the transition back to school smooth and successful for everyone involved.”
Students and their families can easily sign up for library cards online or at any location, granting access to a wealth of educational materials. Students and teachers in Alief Independent School District, Houston Independent School District or Pasadena Independent School District are automatically enrolled in the LearningLink program which provides them with access to all the HPL resources students may need.
We are thrilled to announce that Shawn Kuehn, special events manager - SPACES, has been recognized in a recent article highlighting the new members of the University of Houston's Board of Visitors. This honor reflects not only his professional achievements but also his unwavering commitment to our community. This new role on the Board of Visitors is a natural extension of his dedication to fostering positive change.
The Board of Visitors serves as a vital link between the university and the community, providing insights and guidance to help shape the institution's future. Members are selected based on their leadership abilities, expertise, and commitment to higher education. Shawn will join a distinguished group of individuals who are dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for all students at UH.
Read full article: UH Welcomes New Members to the Board of Visitors - University of Houston