HPL News - Visit Us at Houston Public Library

Left - right: Dr. Ruth Simmons, Ph.D., Mrs. Leigh McCranie Smith, Dr. Peter Hotez, MD, Ph.D., Ms. Laura D. Bellows, Hon. William H. White.

HOUSTON, TX - Houston Public Library will honor five outstanding individuals as part of the inaugural Honorary Fellows program.

The program honors exceptional individuals whose work, leadership, and contributions reflect the library’s mission to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen the community through access to information and ideas.

The inaugural Fellows are:

Dr. Ruth Simmons, Ph.D.
Fellow in Humanities & Letters

Mrs. Leigh McCranie Smith
Fellow in Arts & Culture

Dr. Peter Hotez, MD, Ph.D.
Fellow in the Sciences

Ms. Laura D. Bellows
Fellow in Industry & Commerce

Hon. William H. White
Fellow in Law & Civic Life

HPL Director Sandy Gaw will host a celebratory dinner on January 22, 2026 to install the honorees at the Julia Ideson Building.

“We are excited to take part in the great tradition of the public library being a source of inspiration and lifelong learning for all Houstonians,” noted Director Gaw. “Recognizing these outstanding Houstonians as Fellows of the Houston Public Library brings into focus the fact that all areas of knowledge—law, business, science, the humanities and the arts—are all vital parts of the life of the Library.”

The Houston Public Library Foundation will be hosting a celebratory Robert Burns’ Supper for the installation of the Fellows. The evening will feature bagpipes, tartan, remarks by His Britannic Majesty’s Consul General in Houston, and an original poem by Reyes Ramirez, poet laureate of the City of Houston.

More details will be available at houstonlibraryfoundation.org.

About Houston Public Library

We are a dynamic public service organization serving one of the largest and most diverse areas in the nation – both in population and geography. Our comprehensive, customer-focused service delivery strategy supports the 2.3 million residents of the City of Houston.

Our system is comprised of 44 public service units, including six Regional Libraries – anchored by our flagship Central Library – 28 Neighborhood and Express Libraries, three History Research Centers, four TECHLink centers, a Satellite location at the Children’s Museum Houston, the Mobile Express outreach unit, and the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy. Together, we provide equitable access to resources, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities for all Houstonians.

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Houston Public Library Selects Five Inaugural Honorary Fellows

Left - right: Dr. Ruth Simmons, Ph.D., Mrs. Leigh McCranie Smith, Dr. Peter Hotez, MD, Ph.D., Ms. Laura D. Bellows, Hon. William H. White.HOUSTON, TX - Houston Public Library will honor five outstanding individuals as part of the inaugural Honorary Fellows program.The program honors exceptional individuals whose work, leadership, and contributions reflect the library’s mission to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen the community through access to information and ideas.The inaugural Fellows are:Dr. Ruth Simmons, Ph.D.Fellow in Humanities & LettersMrs. Leigh McCranie SmithFellow in Arts & CultureDr. Peter Hotez, MD, Ph.D.Fellow in the SciencesMs. Laura D. BellowsFellow in Industry & CommerceHon. William H. WhiteFellow in Law & Civic LifeHPL Director Sandy Gaw will host a celebratory dinner on January 22, 2026 to install the honorees at the Julia Ideson Building.“We are excited to take part in the great tradition of the public library being a source of inspiration and lifelong learning for all Houstonians,” noted Director Gaw. “Recognizing these outstanding Houstonians as Fellows of the Houston Public Library brings into focus the fact that all areas of knowledge—law, business, science, the humanities and the arts—are all vital parts of the life of the Library.”The Houston Public Library Foundation will be hosting a celebratory Robert Burns’ Supper for the installation of the Fellows. The evening will feature bagpipes, tartan, remarks by His Britannic Majesty’s Consul General in Houston, and an original poem by Reyes Ramirez, poet laureate of the City of Houston.More details will be available at houstonlibraryfoundation.org.About Houston Public LibraryWe are a dynamic public service organization serving one of the largest and most diverse areas in the nation – both in population and geography. Our comprehensive, customer-focused service delivery strategy supports the 2.3 million residents of the City of Houston.Our system is comprised of 44 public service units, including six Regional Libraries – anchored by our flagship Central Library – 28 Neighborhood and Express Libraries, three History Research Centers, four TECHLink centers, a Satellite location at the Children’s Museum Houston, the Mobile Express outreach unit, and the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy. Together, we provide equitable access to resources, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities for all Houstonians....

HPL Celebrates Culture & Community All November Long

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Houston Public Library Presents Two Powerful Author Talks this Fall

HOUSTON, TX - Houston Public Library (HPL) invites the community to two compelling author events this fall, spotlighting investigative journalism and cultural exploration through the lens of acclaimed writers Lise Olsen and Sergio Chapa. Step into the heart of a haunting mystery with investigative journalist Lise Olsen as she shares the story behind The Scientist and the Serial Killer: The Search for Houston’s Lost Boys. In this gripping true crime tale, Olsen introduces us to a relentless forensic expert whose decades-long mission helped give names to forgotten victims and shed light on a string of unsolved murders. Through vivid storytelling and deep reporting, Olsen takes you on a powerful journey filled with heartbreak and the unwavering pursuit of justice. It’s a story that stays with you. Author Talk with Lise Olsen Thursday, October 30 | 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Heights Neighborhood Library Come along for a fascinating journey with journalist Sergio Chapa as he shares stories from Frontera: A Journey across the US-Mexico Border, a book he co-authored with scholar Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera. In this lively talk, Chapa takes you beyond the headlines and stereotypes to show you the real border region where cultures mix, cities buzz with energy, and the food is as diverse as the people. It’s a fresh, eye-opening look at a place shaped by history, resilience, and deep traditions. You’ll leave with a whole new perspective. Author Talk with Sergio Chapa Saturday, November 8 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Central Library Both events are free and open to the public. Registration is recommended; see houstonlibrary.org for more details. Parking at the Central Library complex is free on Saturdays. About Houston Public Library We are a dynamic public service organization serving one of the largest and most diverse areas in the nation – both in population and geography. Our comprehensive, customer-focused service delivery strategy supports the 2.3 million residents of the City of Houston.Our system is comprised of 44 public service units, including six Regional Libraries – anchored by our flagship Central Library – 28 Neighborhood and Express Libraries, three History Research Centers, four TECHLink centers, a Satellite location at the Children’s Museum Houston, the Mobile Express outreach unit, and the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy. Together, we provide equitable access to resources, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities for all Houstonians. ...

Houston Public Library Selects Five Inaugural Honorary Fellows

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