Author Archives: admin

Dear friends, Few public library systems can boast that they have an entire library dedicated to family and genealogical research–and Houston Public Library is one of them! The Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library–nestled in the heart of the Museum District–provides invaluable resources for those who seek to uncover their family’s stories extendingContinue reading “Discover YOUR story at HPL!”

Dear friends, When most folks think of the Houston Public Library, it conjures up ideas of books and magazines; story time for children and reading clubs for adults. These are critical parts of HPL’s mission, but not the whole scope of what HPL actually provides. Houston Public Library has always been about supporting Houstonians inContinue reading “Videos, Music, Podcasts… and More!”

Dear friends, You may have noticed something different about the Houston Public Library Foundation this past week: our new branding is now live! Our mission remains the same — to champion literacy, learning, and opportunity through support for the Houston Public Library — but now, we’re bringing that mission to life with a vibrant newContinue reading “Our new look!”

Dear friends, Today is the day! The Houston Public Library Foundation has officially entered into its summer appeal, and I want to personally invite you to join me in making a gift to the Houston Public Library. Last week, I wrote to you about Jack and Charlotte, a brother and sister who quite literally runContinue reading “Announcing our 2025 Summer Appeal!”

Dear friends, Join us in welcoming Notre-Dame de Paris to Houston! The Houston Public Library hosts exhibitions on a regular basis throughout its system, and the Exhibition Hall of the Julia Ideson Building is welcoming the latest treasure to visit HPL. From June 30 through August 2, the Ideson Building will host tools, schematics, andContinue reading “Celebrating Notre Dame at the Houston Public Library!”

Dear friends, It is hard to believe that it has already been 1 year since the Houston Public Library dedicated the Dr. James & Betty Key Map Room in the Julia Ideson Building. Through their visionary leadership, Jim and Betty Key have ensured that HPL has joined the ranks of other major metropolitan library systemsContinue reading “Celebrating 1 year of the Key Map Room!”

Dear friends: It’s hard to believe that June 8 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the one and only Barbara Bush! Following the passing of Mrs. Bush in 2018, the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation set an ambitious goal: to make sure that every public library in Houston is a designated “Family PlaceContinue reading “Commemorating the legacy of Barbara Bush”

Dear Friends, Yesterday, the Houston Public Library went before the Houston City Council and presented its budget for FY2026. In light of the City’s ongoing financial challenges, the library’s leadership is proposing a budget that is in line with Mayor Whitmire’s vision for fiscal prudence. Although the new library budget proposal is a 7.2% reduction (roughlyContinue reading “The Library’s Budget”

Dear friends: At the end of 2024, the Houston Public Library Foundation began our “By the Numbers” quarterly email to update you on YOUR impact on the Houston Public Library. In short: NUMBERS ARE UP! The data presented here represents the current Fiscal Year (July 2024-present) and is compared to the previous Fiscal Year to-dateContinue reading “By the Numbers”

Dear friends, Houston Public Library is a space to come together: to learn new things, meet new people, and build connections. With this mission in mind, the Houston Public Library Foundation is proud to partner with Cup of Joey–a dynamic movement that brings people together with purpose and for good that has built communities throughoutContinue reading “Join us for a Cup of Joey!”