Houston: The Houston Public Library invites the community to the Harriet Dickson Reynolds 2006 Science Alliance children's programs the week of October 3 through October 5, 2006. These events are free and open to the public. For more program details call the Houston Public Library at 832-393-1313 or visit www.houstonlibrary.org.
The Harriet Dickson Reynolds 2006 Science Alliance children's programs are a part of a bi-yearly training program for librarians in Houston, Harris County, and surrounding areas. This year, the workshops for librarians will focus on teaching basic science skills and the fundamentals of life-long learning. Libraries are great tools in helping children develop and grow, and a children's librarian can be a formidable ally to parents in acquiring basic science skills.
The following events are scheduled for children and their families to enjoy:
Tuesday, October 3
Wednesday, October 4
Thursday, October 5
Thursday, October 5
Thursday, October 5
Harriet Dickson Reynolds served the people of Houston for more than 43 years. She began her career in 1924, working as a Children's Librarian, a Branch Librarian and a Supervisor of Branches. In 1950 Reynolds was named Director of the Houston Public Library; she served as Director for 17 years. Foremost among her many accomplishments were the physical expansion of the Julia Ideson Building, the opening of six new branches and the renovation of three others, providing outreach programs with three new bookmobiles, tripling staff, and increasing the book budget well over 500 percent.
Reynolds involved the community more directly with the library by establishing the Friends of the Houston Public Library. During her administration, she also was directly responsible for gifts to the library totaling three-quarters of a million dollars. These gifts include the Will Clayton Home, now the Clayton Library, Center for Genealogical Research, two sites for branch libraries, and substantial gifts from the Houston Endowment, Inc.
In 1961, The Houston Post named Harriet Dickson Reynolds "Outstanding Woman of the Year." Retirement in 1967 did not end her love or interest in the library profession, as evidenced by the "Harriet Dickson Reynolds Endowment for Special Library Activities," which she established in 1977. It continues Reynolds' active investment in the future of Houston, a future which she feels ultimately lies in the hands of children and those who work with them.
Harriet Dickson Reynolds once described a library card as a "credit card to knowledge unlimited." She devoted her years of service to making knowledge unlimited and available to as many people as possible. Because of her generosity, her endeavors to bring books, knowledge and people of all ages together, continue through the Harriet Dickson Reynolds Endowment.
For more information, please call the Houston Public Library at 832.393.1313 or visit www.houstonlibrary.org.