HPL News

Check out HPL's Youth and Family Services Manager LaTrisha Milton in conversation with Debra Duncan on Great Day Houston about our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Challenge and the importance of early literacy!

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.  

No matter your age or interests, there's a club for you at the Houston Public Library! HPL clubs offer the perfect chance to beat the Houston heat, connect with others, and explore something new. Discover more about our clubs here: https://ow.ly/3gKu50WbVpg

The Houston Public Library is turning the page to another exciting summer of exploration, imagination, and discovery with the kickoff of its beloved Summer Reading Program. Families from across Houston gathered recently to celebrate the official launch, and no one was more excited than LaTrisha Milton, HPL’s Youth and Family Services Manager, who shared her insights into why this annual program continues to be a vital part of the city’s summer experience.

 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

Annual initiative encouraging children, teens, and families to explore stories, creativity, and culture through reading and events.

Houston – Houston Public Library (HPL) is excited to announce that registration is open for its annual Summer Reading Program (SRP)! This year’s theme, Color Our World, invites readers of all ages—kids, tweens, teens, and adults—to celebrate creativity, imagination, and the joy of reading.  

The program runs from June 1 to July 31, but now is the perfect time to sign up and get ready. Children under four years will track the number of books read, while all other participants will log their reading minutes throughout the summer.

In addition to reading, participants can earn rewards by attending a variety of HPL events, including author visits, performances, storytimes, live animal visits, art classes and more. Tweens and teens are encouraged to enter the Get Graphic: Comic Creation Contest launching July 1, where they can submit original comics featuring their own characters and stories.

“We are encouraging Houstonians to begin their summer adventure with books, creativity, and fun. This year, we’re aiming for a 10% increase in both participation and completion, as we continue to inspire a love of reading across our community,” said Sandy Gaw, Library Director.

Thanks to the generosity of CYCLE Houston, which has donated 34 bikes for the SRP grand prize winners (ages 7-9), the winner at each location will receive a bike.

“CYCLE is honored and excited to partner with Houston Public Libraries this summer to help encourage students to keep reading and avoid summer learning loss. We cannot wait to see the summer reading challenge winners' happy faces when they receive their bicycles! CYCLE is committed to improving literacy in Houston, specifically for second-grade students, as it is a crucial year for learning to read," said Rebecca Roberts, Executive Director of CYCLE.

To learn more about the program, please visit the website or any HPL location. For more details and to sign up, visit https://houstonlibrary.org/srp.

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.

About CYCLE

CYCLE is a children’s charity committed to improving literacy among children in grades K-3 in Title I schools of the Greater Houston area. The organization does this by rewarding students with brand-new bicycles after they achieve defined academic goals, teaching the important lesson that hard work and dedication really do pay off. CYCLE believes that this places children on the path to a brighter future.

Contact:
LaDonna Weems
Deputy Assistant Director, Communications
Office: 832.393.1476
LaDonna.Weems@houstontx.gov 

WHAT: Players from the United Football League's Houston Roughnecks will read from their favorite children’s books, share stories, and inspire young readers with a special family storytime. 

WHEN: Friday, May 2, 2025, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

WHERE: HPL's Smith Neighborhood Library; 3624 Scott St., 77004.

MORE INFORMATION: Attendees are strongly encouraged to register online on the HPL website, as space is limited. 

Houston Public Library invites families, readers, and book lovers of all ages to Step into Storybooks: A Journey into Literacy & Imagination—a free, interactive event designed to ignite a passion for reading and celebrate the magic of storytelling. 

Join us on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 2 PM - 4 PM at the Carnegie Neighborhood Library (1050 Quitman St, Houston, TX 77009), for an event featuring a range of engaging activities, beginning with an author talk by New York Times bestselling author Varsha Bajaj, who will share her journey and insights into writing for young readers. 

A highlight of the event will be a bilingual storytime led by Houston Public Library Director Sandy Gaw, showcasing her dedication to literacy, diversity, and community engagement. This unique storytime experience promises to delight readers of all ages and inspire a lifelong love of books. 

The event will conclude with a vibrant tabla performance by the Indian Music Society of Houston, offering attendees a rhythmic and cultural experience to remember. 

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. 
 

Big thanks to Tiffany Haddish and the She Ready Foundation for bringing a whirlwind of storytime fun to Heights Library with Layla, the Last Black Unicorn! 

If you missed it, check out the video on our YouTube channel!

Date: April 11, 2025

Houston Public Library (HPL) invites the community to join a daylong celebration of free, family-friendly events this Saturday at branch locations citywide! From a star-studded storytime to enriching workshops and engaging online activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Headlining the day is comedian, actress, and author Tiffany Haddish, who will be joining us for “A Special Storytime with Tiffany Haddish,” reading from her inspiring children’s book Layla the Last Black Unicorn.

Other exciting highlights include:
•    StoryBook Easter – Celebrate the season with stories, crafts, and Easter fun for little ones.
•    No Vitals? No Problem! – Building a Family through Circumstantial Evidence – A fascinating family history talk with renowned genealogist Judy Russell (a.k.a. The Legal Genealogist).
•    AARP Free Tax Help – Last-minute tax prep assistance from certified professionals.
•    STEM Workshop – Hands-on learning for curious minds.
•    Get Fit Exercise Class – Move your body and boost your health.
•    Stretch Your Dollar – Smart money tips to make your budget go further.
•    Board Games for All Ages – Unplug and play with friends and family.
•    Clutch Coding for Kids – Fun, beginner-friendly tech skills for the next generation of coders.
•    Preserve Your Memories: Digital Conversion Workshop – Learn how to digitize old photos, videos, and keepsakes

And so much more happening at neighborhood libraries across Houston!
Visit HPL’s events calendar for a full schedule and participating branch locations.

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, 2025
Time:  6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: McGovern-Stella Link Neighborhood Library

The 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.