HPL News - Visit Us at Houston Public 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

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HPL in the Spotlight: Houston Style Magazine Celebrates the Libraries as a Place to Grow

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.orgJoin 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...

Turn Up the Volume for Make Music Day at HPL

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. MuzikL.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 Launches Must-See Exhibits in June

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....

Celebrating Barbara Bush’s 100th birthday with family fun

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 BrunhoffThese 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. ...

HPL in the Spotlight: Houston Style Magazine Celebrates the Libraries as a Place to Grow

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