HPL News

HOUSTON, TX - Houston Public Library (HPL), the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy (MOAL), and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation have teamed up to bring a new resource to adult learners: Lifesaver Literacy Kits. Designed to strengthen both in-person and digital learning, the program equips literacy centers with the tools needed to help adult students build confidence, skills, and long-term academic success.

Each participating literacy center will receive one Teacher Kit and five Student Kits, along with digital licenses to support online learning. The kits feature Brainchild Study Buddy devices, Challenger books, dictionaries, calculators, and other durable materials that can be shared and reused across multiple classes.

“The Lifesaver Literacy Kits are more than supplies, they’re a lifeline for adult learners who want to build confidence and skills,” said Ana Frade, Administrative Supervisor at MOAL.

“These kits reflect HPL’s commitment to meeting learners where they are and removing barriers to education,” said Sandy Gaw, Director of the Houston Public Library. “By combining hands-on tools with digital resources, we’re helping adult students access the support they need to succeed at every stage of their learning journey.”

“This program is a prime example of how collaboration between public and private partners can drive innovation that opens doors for learners across all of Houston,” added Nicholas Sawicki, Executive Director of the Houston Public Library Foundation.

“The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is proud to support this effort. Literacy is power, and these kits will help Houstonians thrive,” said Gloria Bounds, Manager of Community Relations at CenterPoint Energy.

The program will track learner progress through assessments and monthly reports to ensure transparency and measurable outcomes. Feedback surveys will inform improvements and help scale the model to additional literacy centers in the future. 

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.

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) 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.  
 

As families prepare for the year ahead, Houston Public Library continues to play a vital role in easing the transition back into school. 

An upcoming Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway, taking place on Saturday, August 9 at the Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library, is more than just a giveaway, it's a hub of support for students, parents, and educators alike. Attendees will receive backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last), and the opportunity to explore HPL's wealth of learning tools, from tutoring services and research help to homework assistance, and much more. 

Meanwhile, our spirit of readiness continues with the Back-to-School Bash hosted at Central Library. Families are invited to enjoy storytime sessions, crafts, games, and engaging activities designed to celebrate our community. Discover how easy it is to sign up for MYLink library card and make sure your child starts the school year equipped, supported, and connected. 

We're proud to be recognized in the Forward Times' Back-To-School Events Offer Relief for Cash-Strapped Families article! 

Looking to jumpstart your career, land an internship, or give back through volunteering? Don’t miss the HPL Community Job Fair! Your one-stop event for networking with hiring managers, career guidance, and get an experts resume help that could give you the opportunity that can change your future!

Location: Smith Neighborhood Library - 3624 Scott St., 77004

Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025

Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm

Houston, TX – The Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy conducted its 2nd Annual Digital Symposium: The Future of Adult Literacy, on Friday, February 7, 2024, at Houston Community College - Southeast Campus.

This year's symposium focused on the growing need for digitally skilled workers and the impact of technology on everyday life for adult learners and their families. The event aims to provide adult educators, volunteers, tutors, coordinators, and administrators with valuable insights and training experiences ranging from basic digital literacy to advanced AI tech-driven workforce pre-skilling and upskilling curricula and tools. 

Key Highlights: 
•    Breakout Sessions presented by digitally accomplished trainers, curricula developers, and industry service providers on topics such as using community data to increase enrollment, integrating digital literacy into adult education, digital literacy navigators, and leveraging VR/AR simulations for workforce training. 
•    Expert Panels from industry leaders about the transformative power of digital literacy and its crucial role in driving economic growth and success for communities. 
•    Success Stories from Houston-based community organizations and learners about their experiences with digital literacy integration and the challenges they have overcome. 
•    Networking Opportunities to connect with fellow educators and professionals in the digital literacy and instruction space.

For more information and to learn about the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, please visit https://www.houstontx.gov/adultliteracy/2025-digital-symposium.html.

HPL Division Manager Mercedes Clarke spoke to Debra Duncan on Great Day Houston yesterday about the Career Online High School Program. You can watch the interview here.

We are thrilled to announce that Shawn Kuehn, special events manager - SPACES, has been recognized in a recent article highlighting the new members of the University of Houston's Board of Visitors. This honor reflects not only his professional achievements but also his unwavering commitment to our community. This new role on the Board of Visitors is a natural extension of his dedication to fostering positive change.

The Board of Visitors serves as a vital link between the university and the community, providing insights and guidance to help shape the institution's future. Members are selected based on their leadership abilities, expertise, and commitment to higher education. Shawn will join a distinguished group of individuals who are dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for all students at UH.

Read full article: UH Welcomes New Members to the Board of Visitors - University of Houston
 

The Houston Public Library (HPL) received $75,000 in funding from The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) under its Special Projects Grant program. HPL will use the funds to expand its Career Online High School (COHS) program by providing tuition, computers and internet access to 30 new program participants in FY23. COHS is a SACS-accredited high school completion program offered in partnership with Smart Horizons and Workforce Solutions. The program helps individuals 21 and older who have completed a minimum of eighth grade earn a high school diploma and prepare for the workforce. 

"Students who want to complete their high school diploma shouldn't have to deal with the burden of extra costs. These funds will allow more students to achieve this milestone and gain other opportunities," said HPL Community Engagement Division Manager Mercedes Clarke.  

Prospective COHS students can access the online application at https://houston.careeronlinehs.org. The deadline to apply for scholarship money is December 30, 2022. For further information, prospective students may contact HPL's cafécollege at 832-393-1737.

This project is one of 43 made possible this year by a grant awarded to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act. “Communities in every corner of Texas will benefit from the resources that have been made available through this list of forward-thinking grant proposals.” said TSLAC Director and Librarian Mark Smith. The Special Projects Grant supports programs seeking to expand library services to include all members of a library’s community, including those populations with special needs. “We are grateful to the IMLS and the federal government for providing this assistance to libraries across Texas as they support their communities in these challenging times,” said Smith.  

Additional TSLAC support to the Houston Public Library includes $10,000 from the Texas Reads Grant allocated to HPL’s Summer Reading Program and $25,000 from the TexTreasures Grant designated for a digitization project of the African American History Research Center. These projects are made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (Grant #LS-252486-OLS-22) to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act. (2023) 

ABOUT THE TEXAS STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES COMMISSION  

Formed in 1909, TSLAC is committed to giving Texans access to information and programs to improve their lives and communities. TSLAC provides historical and genealogical search assistance, federal and state government documents, electronic research, and library services to all Texans, including those who are unable to read standard print material because of physical or reading disabilities. For more information, visit www.tsl.texas.gov.

HOUSTON - Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy (MOAL), along with the Houston Public Library (HPL), hosted the return of a signature charity event, the 2022 Mayor's Literacy Breakfast: A Salute to Adult Literacy. Erica Simon, ABC13 Houston Anchor/Reporter served as the event’s Mistress of Ceremonies.

Astros Manager Dusty Baker served as the event’s honorary chair, and Mayor Turner announced the baseball legend’s new role, serving as the City of Houston’s first Ambassador for Adult Literacy. To view Dusty Baker’s Ambassador for Adult Literacy public service announcement, visit https://youtu.be/eFzA6h6z_8M.

With the theme of saluting literacy advocates, honorees were feted at the breakfast. The honorees included long-time literacy consultant Margaret Doughty, the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation (BBHLF) and the CITGO Petroleum Corporation. Mayor Turner presented awards to each honoree in recognition of their support for adult literacy in Houston.

During his remarks, Mayor Turner spoke about MOAL’s impact on improving adult literacy in Houston and making a difference in the lives of countless individuals.

“I thank Dusty Baker for accepting my invitation to serve as Ambassador for Adult Literacy. His partnership with MOAL will enhance the team’s ability to continue making a difference in our community. Since its inception, MOAL has increased literacy rates and transformed lives. The work is significant because low literacy affects families and every area of the economy. We are making systemic change, and we need people like Dusty and corporate partners to help more people learn to read, write and seize opportunities for employment and education.” 
 
The Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, the only mayoral office of its kind in the United States, was established in 2019 by Mayor Turner in partnership with CITGO Petroleum Corporation. Administered by HPL, MOAL focuses on enhancing adult literacy services and awareness of its impact on our economy, communities, families, and individuals. In 2021, MOAL partnered with BBHLF to publish the Houston Adult Literacy Blueprint, a strategic plan to address low adult literacy rates in Houston.
 
“Now is the time to celebrate what the Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy has achieved in just three years and to look towards the future,” said Houston Public Library Director Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson. “There is so much potential that can be unlocked through this important, hopeful work.”