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 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.