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For the past 15 years, the Safety Committee has been running successful "Positive" Safety Campaigns and encourage the organization to get involved in creating a safer workplace. Every year, 20 "Safe Workers of the Year" staff members are selected and recognized as "Caught Being Safe". There is also HPL’s safety mascot, Zippy, and a system-wide Safety Theme Competition where all teams can demonstrate creative safety campaigns through group pictures, PowerPoint presentations, short videos, or displays.

When the campaigns first started, HPL averaged 32 Workers' Compensation Claims (WCC) annually. Fast forward to today, that number has successfully reduced to just 8 claims a year. The annual goal is to reduce incident rates by 10% each year. This target has been consistently met or exceeded including in FY2023, with just 8 WCC claims. Nearing the final two months of FY2024, HPL is on track to meet the 7 WCC incidents target. “Thanks to the efforts of many, we have seen significant strides in reducing incident rates and workers' compensation claims, which ultimately helps everyone work in a safer environment,” Walter added.

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HPL Honored with Mayor’s 2025 HERO Safety Award

Houston Public Library's (HPL's) Safety Committee has been honored with the Mayor’s HERO Safety Award, recognizing the ongoing commitment to creating a safer and healthier work environment. As part of this recognition, team members attended a ceremony held during the HERO 15th Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, February 28, 2025. The Safety Committee is overseen by John Middleton, Chief Operating Officer, and led by Gwendolyne Walter, Safety Officer with the SPACES team. Together, they ensure that safety remains a top priority for all staff members. “This award highlights the hard work and dedication of our team over the past 15 years in transforming ideas, values, and practices that foster sustainable safety behaviors and operational improvements,” said Middleton.For the past 15 years, the Safety Committee has been running successful "Positive" Safety Campaigns and encourage the organization to get involved in creating a safer workplace. Every year, 20 "Safe Workers of the Year" staff members are selected and recognized as "Caught Being Safe". There is also HPL’s safety mascot, Zippy, and a system-wide Safety Theme Competition where all teams can demonstrate creative safety campaigns through group pictures, PowerPoint presentations, short videos, or displays.When the campaigns first started, HPL averaged 32 Workers' Compensation Claims (WCC) annually. Fast forward to today, that number has successfully reduced to just 8 claims a year. The annual goal is to reduce incident rates by 10% each year. This target has been consistently met or exceeded including in FY2023, with just 8 WCC claims. Nearing the final two months of FY2024, HPL is on track to meet the 7 WCC incidents target. “Thanks to the efforts of many, we have seen significant strides in reducing incident rates and workers' compensation claims, which ultimately helps everyone work in a safer environment,” Walter added....

Explore the Legacy of Julia Ideson: A Timeless Houston Landmark Celebrating Women's History Month

Tour the Julia Ideson BuildingAs one of the oldest buildings in downtown Houston, the Julia Ideson Building is a treasure trove of history and architectural beauty. In honor of Women's History Month, City of Houston’s HTV intern Vanessa Wilcox takes us inside this iconic building to explore its timeless charm and the remarkable story behind its name.The building is named after Julia Ideson, the first librarian of the Houston Public Library, who served from 1903 to 1945. Julia Ideson was a trailblazer in her field, helping to expand library services to the community, particularly advocating for library access for underserved groups. Her legacy lives on not only in the building that bears her name but in the lasting impact she had on Houston's cultural and educational landscape.During the tour, Vanessa hears from Shawn Kuehn, Special Events Manager at Houston Public Library, who shares insights into the history of the building, its stunning architecture, beautiful murals, and the critical role it has played in the community over the years.The tour, captured and edited by Vanessa Wilcox, showcases the rich history of both the Julia Ideson Building and the legacy of women like Julia Ideson, who continue to inspire future generations. This Women’s History Month, it’s a perfect time to walk in and take a tour. The building is open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. So, come and reflect on how far we’ve come and the trailblazing women who paved the way.Plan your visit today and experience the history and beauty of the Julia Ideson Building in person!Shot and Edited by Vanessa Wilcox...

HPL's Walker Neighborhood Library Wins Urban Land Institute Awards

Left-right: HPL Director Sandy Gaw, Chief Operating Officer John Middleton, Deputy Assistant Director of SPACES Stephen Chamberlain and Project Manager Raiset Ruban at the Awards Ceremony. Photo by Paul R. Davis.Houston Public Library's Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library has received two Development of Distinction Awards from the Houston District Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI). The new library branch won a Development of Distinction award in the Small-Scale Non-Profit category, as well as the People's Choice award which is determined by public vote; the 2025 People's Choice Award voting broke records.At the February 11 Awards Ceremony presented by the Wilson, Cribbs + Goren firm at Armadillo Palace, over 200 guests gathered to recognize developments and open spaces that provide an example of best practices in design, construction, and other qualities. Finalists were selected by a panel of Houston real estate experts, and projects were evaluated by a team of national experts."The 23,260 SF next-generation library is a community hub envisioned as a space for the modern community. What was once a forgotten post office site, the library is a vibrant art-filled public gathering space featuring a café, TECHLink with music, video and podcast recording spaces, flexible meeting areas, private study rooms and a variety of seating arrangements," said ULI Houston about the Walker Neighborhood Library.The design of the library encourages interaction with nature. Additionally, the site is designed to cut deep into the library, offering multiple spaces for patrons to experience nature in both function and scale. "Color inhabits these spaces, and sunlight takes a more apparent possession of the building," ULI Houston added about the project....

Houston Public Library Celebrates Final Week of Black History Month

As Black History Month 2025 comes to a close, Houston Public Library (HPL) is proud to announce the release of its curated African American Booklist, featuring new and notable titles for readers of all ages. This year’s booklist honors the national Black History Month theme, African Americans and Labor, recognizing the vital contributions African Americans have made in shaping the U.S. labor movement and their ongoing fight for workers’ rights.Carefully selected by HPL staff, the booklist includes a diverse range of books that explore the rich history of African Americans in the workforce, from labor activism to the continued pursuit of economic justice. The list is available for download and can be accessed in HPL’s Book Lists section under the “Reader’s Corner” tab on the website. Printed copies will also be available at all HPL locations in the coming weeks for those visiting in person.“As we enter the final week of Black History Month, we encourage the community to take an opportunity to dive into these powerful and inspiring books,” said Sandy Gaw, Director at Houston Public Library. “This curated collection provides readers with valuable insights into the African American experience and their significant role in labor movements.”In addition to the booklist, HPL invites everyone to join the final African American Read-In event, a community gathering celebrating African American literature.Event Details:Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.Location: McGovern-Stella Link Neighborhood LibraryThe event is free and open to the public, with registration encouraged. We invite you to stay engaged with us and look forward to exciting book recommendations and events in March as we celebrate Women’s History Month and the theme Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations....