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.
As we come to the end of 2025, we want to share some of the extraordinary growth that the Library has seen over the past year.
We hope that these updates highlight the real difference YOU make in the Houston community. I remain,
Nick Sawicki
Executive Director, Houston Public Library Foundation
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Family Place Libraries–designed to provide vibrant, nurturing atmospheres for children (0 – 5 years old) and families to learn, play and grow together–were designated in 2025. These spaces are only made possible through the leadership of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, and their partners at PNC Bank, Phillips 66 and the Ladies for Literacy Guild.
20.8% INCREASE
In overall material circulation between January and November of 2025 over the previous year. This includes a 2.9% increase in physical circulation (3.5 million items) and a 36% increase in e-circulation (5.2 million items).
154,062
attendees at event programs across the library system between January and November of 2025. This is an increase of roughly 10,000 over the previous year.
76% INCREASE
In TECHLink workshop participation, with nearly 3,900 attendees learning how to produce podcasts, edit videos, use embroidery and 3D printing machines, graphic design lessons, and so much else!