HPL News

Election season is near, now is the time to see if your registered!

It’s officially that time of year! Voter registration has now launched, and your Houston Public Library is here to make sure you’re ready. Voting is one of the most important ways we can make our voices heard and shape the future of our communities, and it all begins with registering.

Here are some important dates to remember for this election season:

• Voter Registration Deadlines

  • By Mail (postmarked): Monday, October 6, 2025

  • In Person: Monday, October 6, 2025

  • Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025

These deadlines are approaching fast, so don’t wait until the last minute to get registered or update your information. Whether you’ve recently moved, changed your name, or are registering for the first time, taking care of your registration early ensures you’ll be ready when it’s time to vote. 

To find out more information:  Click Here!!

Voting isn’t just a right … it’s a responsibility and a powerful way to make a difference. Every vote count, and every voice matters. Let’s do our part in shaping the decisions that affect us, our families, and our communities. Check out our Resource Guide, for any further concerns. HAPPY VOTING!

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.  

Join us in celebrating Director Sandy Gaw's one year anniversary at Houston Public Library!

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.