HPL News

HOUSTON - Houston Public Library (HPL) is preparing for Halloween by offering a wide array of spooky programs for all ages: everything from festivals to book sales, costume contests, musical performances and more. Highlights include:

Spook-tacular Fall Fun: Family-friendly Halloween parties featuring crafting, games and prizes, and other activities taking place at ten different HPL locations from Monday, October 27 through Friday, October 31. Costumes are encouraged, with some locations holding costume contests.

• Check the HPL Events Calendar to find a Spook-Tacular Fall festival near you. 

Arsenic and Old Books: a deep dive into the darker history of archives and rare books, exploring the gross, weird and sometimes deadly materials found in the archives. This presentation is perfect for teens and adults.

• Saturday, October 25, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.; Julia Ideson Building, Meldrum Room

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a vibrant and meaningful family-friendly event honoring the rich cultural traditions of Mexico and Latin America, where families gather to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed. Attendees are encouraged to bring a photo or memento to add to the community ofrenda (altar) to honor and remember departed loved ones. This event will include crafts and a storytime. 

• Tuesday, October 28, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Flores Neighborhood Library

Halloween Boo Book Bash is packed with spooky stories, hands-on crafts, and tasty treats for kids and families. Costumes are encouraged, but the only thing you really need to bring is your love of books and Halloween fun.

• Thursday, October 30, 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.; McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library

All Hallows Read festivals bring a blend of games, crafts, live music, and more. Dress up in your favorite costume and join in a day of fun and excitement.

• Thursday, October 30, 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Looscan Neighborhood Library
• Thursday, October 30, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; McGovern-Stella Link Regional Library

Carya String Quartet presents Inspirations: All Hallow’s Eve Traditions Around the World highlights the traditions surrounding October 1st through November 2nd, including Halloween, Día de Los Muertos, All Saints Day, and popular culture. This interactive concert is fun and educational for all ages. 

• Saturday, November 1, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Central Library

Please note that parking is free at the Central Library Complex 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, TX - Houston Public Library (HPL) celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 (September 15 - October 15) with programming that reflects the sheer diversity of Hispanic and Latin American culture, here at home and around the globe. A robust series of events, scheduled from mid-September to mid-October 2025, culminates in the Hispanic Heritage Music Festival focusing on music and culture from nine different Latin American countries.  

HPL is partnering with L.O.U.D. Muzik once again for another unforgettable music festival on Saturday, October 11 at Central Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event honors the cultures of Belize, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua through music, dance, and community. Don't miss a special performance by Cristina Amaro, the beloved Tejano tribute artist, bringing throwback vibes and fan-favorite hits.

Other events include: 

Houston Poet Laureate and author Reyes Ramirez discusses his published works with poet Võ Đức Quang in a moderated Author Talk. Reyes’ poetry and short stories explore class, race, living among conflicting histories, and the intrinsically linked idea of structural inequality. 

     Author Talk with Reyes Ramirez 
     Saturday, October 11 | 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. 
     Stanaker Neighborhood Library 

Youth and families are invited to an engaging author talk and conversation with Jasminne Mendez, acclaimed Dominican American poet, playwright, and author. A recipient of the prestigious Pura Belpré Honor Award, Mendez has written several celebrated books for both children and teens. 

     Author Visit: Jasminne Mendez 
     Thursday, September 18 | 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
     Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library 

All ages can enjoy a family-friendly Cultural Connections fiesta featuring a variety of activities, entertainment, and food for all ages. 

     Celebrate Cultural Connections: Hispanic Heritage Month  
     Tuesday, September 23 | 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. 
     Moody Neighborhood Library 

HPL’s After School Wellness Fun program offers two special events for K-12 students, Canciones De Mi Corazon. In these interactive sessions, students explore traditions, values, and music of various Hispanic countries, and learn a song together.  

     Canciones De Mi Corazon 
     Tuesday, September 23 | 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. 
     Park Place Regional Library 

     Canciones De Mi Corazon 
     Tuesday, October 7 | 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. 
     McGovern-Stella Link Regional Library 

All ages and families are invited to enjoy music, bright costumes, amazing moves and stories at Dance and Discover: Cultural Dances from Latin America. Dancer Lily Soriano will teach attendees traditional dances in this fun, interactive program. 

     Dance and Discover 
     Wednesday, September 24 | 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. 
     Hillendahl Neighborhood Library 

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, TX - Houston Public Library (HPL) is excited to announce the grand opening of the final four locations of the Family Place Library™ thanks to financial support from Phillips 66 and the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Ladies for Literacy Guild. Family Place Library™ is a national, evidence-based model in which areas within public libraries are transformed into vibrant, nurturing atmospheres for children and families to learn, play and grow together, and library staff receive special credentials to offer access to robust workshops that empower parents with the tools and resources they need to support healthy brain development and early literacy skill-building.

"We are proud to continue our partnership with Phillips 66, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and its Ladies for Literacy Guild, to expand the programs, services, and resources available to families across our city," said Sandy Gaw, Library Director. "Family Place Libraries provide the building blocks of learning for children from birth to five years old. We’re creating a circle of care during the most critical years of a child’s development because no one should have to do this alone.”

The new spaces will offer free, high-quality programs such as:

• Parent-child play sessions led by early childhood specialists
• Storytimes and sensory play
• Resources on parenting, child development, and family health
• Connections to local services and experts

The upcoming ribbon cutting ceremonies will be at the following locations. All ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m.:

• Scenic Woods Regional Library on September 9
• McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library on September 11
• Kendall Neighborhood Library on September 16
• Carnegie Neighborhood Library on October 4

“Phillips 66 is proud to partner with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and the Houston Public Library to make an impact in the communities we serve through the establishment of Family Place Libraries,” said Courtney Meadows, Manager, Social Impact, Phillips 66. “Together we’re working to foster a love a reading among children and families for generations to come.”

“Our longstanding partnership with Houston Public Libraries has sparked a lifelong joy of reading for families in Houston,” said Julie Finck, Ph.D., President & CEO, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. “Engaged partners like Phillips 66 and our Ladies for Literacy Guild recognize the important role that parents play in supporting early literacy development and nurturing the whole child.”

"The Ladies for Literacy Guild is proud to support this inspiring initiative dedicated to early childhood literacy,” said Maureen Higdon, Ladies for Literacy Guild President. “We believe these vibrant spaces will not only foster a love of learning through engaging educational activities but also create cherished memories for children and their families."

About the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation 
The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation is a charitable organization formed by Neil and Maria Bush to carry forth First Lady Barbara Bush’s legacy in the literacy cause and to focus deeply on breaking the intergenerational cycle of low literacy in the Bush family’s hometown. Founded on Mrs. Bush’s belief, “If you help a person to read, then their opportunities in life will be endless,” the Barbara Bush Foundation’s mission is to improve lives through the power of literacy – the ability to read, write, speak clearly and think critically. The Foundation serves as the champion across the Greater Houston area for the literacy cause, raising awareness for the value and importance of literacy, mobilizing volunteers and resources to build critical capacity of community-based literacy providers, and investing in local literacy.

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, TX - Houston Public Library (HPL) is excited to present the After School Wellness Fun series of activities to K-12 grade level students across Houston. The series was developed with generous support from OST CARES, an initiative of the Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST) that provides technical assistance and funding to enhance mental health support and awareness within Texas out of school time (OST).

After School Wellness Fun will provide children with mental and emotional support through fun, creative and calming activities at eight HPL locations: Carnegie, Heights, Pleasantville, Moody, Oak Forest, and Young Neighborhood Libraries; Park Place, and Stella Link Regional Libraries. The series begins September 16, 2025, and sessions are hosted Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., through May 2026.

Program highlights include: 
•    Relaxing yoga sessions 
•    Personalized self-care bag creations 
•    Visits from therapy dogs 
•    Beautiful henna designs 
•    Painting workshops 
•    Author visits 
•    ... and more hands-on wellness-focused programs 

“Practicing self-care and finding time for fun is important for our overall well-being, especially for our children,” said Sandy Gaw, Library Director. “Houston Public Library is happy to bring the After School Wellness Fun series to life at our locations and provide impactful resources to children and families in our communities.”

"We are proud to support Houston Public Library and more than 100 out of school time programs across Texas through OST CARES," said Jenna Courtney, TXPOST CEO. "This initiative recognizes the unique potential of community-based OST programs, like HPL, in implementing promotion and prevention strategies to better support the well-being of youth."

About The Texas Partnership for Out of School Time

The Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST) is a statewide intermediary whose mission is to convene, educate, and advocate to improve the quality and increase the availability of out of school time (OST) opportunities for Texas youth. TXPOST works in partnership with vital local and regional organizations that invest deeply in their own communities to offer professional development opportunities, drive continuous quality improvement, engage in system and capacity building work, advocate for the OST field, and promote sustainable access to high-quality OST programs for all Texas children.  

HOUSTON, TX – The Dr. Shannon Walker Library–an inspiring example of architectural innovation and community-centered design–has been selected as the cover feature for Houston Design Week 2025. This prestigious honor recognizes the library’s bold architectural vision, commitment to sustainable design, and its profound cultural significance to the local community.

Named in honor of NASA astronaut and Houston native Dr. Shannon Walker, the library has quickly become a civic landmark since its opening. The library was designed through a collaborative effort involving the City of Houston’s General Services Department and Houston Public Library, local firm BRAVE/architecture, and engaged community leaders. The result is a space that blends cutting-edge design with a powerful narrative of place, identity, and cultural heritage.

Its selection as the visual symbol of Houston Design Week affirms the library’s role as a beacon of thoughtful, inclusive, and future-forward design.

“We are honored that the Dr. Shannon Walker Library has been chosen to represent this year’s Design Week,” said Sandy Gaw, Director of Houston Public Library. “This space was created to reflect the community’s history while inspiring the next generation. It’s deeply gratifying to see that vision recognized on such a significant platform.”

Houston Design Week 2025, presented by the AIAH Interior Architecture Committee, runs from August 18–22 and features 13 events including tours, lectures, panel discussions, and CEU opportunities. The week spotlights innovations in interior architecture and the evolving role of design in shaping public spaces and cultural identity.

A featured event, “Library of the Future: Architecture Tour of the Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library,” will be held on August 22, offering attendees an in-depth look at how the library exemplifies the integration of civic storytelling, sustainability, and community engagement in public architecture.

“The Dr. Shannon Walker Library is a model for how architecture can embody a community’s values and aspirations,” added Sandy Gaw. “Its recognition during Houston Design Week underscores the importance of design that’s both visionary and rooted in place.”

Tickets are required for all Houston Design Week events. Full schedule and registration details can be found at: Houston X Design Week - AIA Houston.

About Houston Design Week 
Houston Design Week is an annual celebration of design, architecture, and innovation. The event brings together architects, designers, students, and the public to explore how design shapes our communities and our future.

About Architecture Center Houston (ArCH) and AIA Houston
Architecture Center Houston (ArCH) and AIA Houston are committed to celebrating, educating, and advocating for architecture and design across the city. As a human-centric space, ArCH serves as a hub for professionals and the public alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for the built environment and its impact on everyday life.

We're excited to share that the Houston Public Library has received a $400.000 grant from Houston Endowment to expand our Journey to Citizenship program! “I am thrilled that our organization will have the chance to expand the crucial program and continue to improve the quality of life for the customers we serve,” said library Director Sandy Gaw. And so much, is yet to come, more free classes, that now offered in-person, online and hybrid. Additional instructions and enhanced learning materials to meet everyone's criteria, and new and improved citizenship kits available for checkout with your MYLink card. Each seven-week course helps participants prepare for the naturalization exam, covering U.S civics, history, and much more. 

Check out the report from The Leader. 

Join the Journey, before the classes end! Click Here

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

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. Muzik
L.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 (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.

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.