Category Archives: Uncategorized

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!”

Dear Friends, At Houston Public Library Foundation, we believe that libraries are more than just places to borrow books—they are hubs of learning, culture, and connection where public, private, and philanthropic partnerships come together to build a better society. Today, I’m thrilled to announce that we’ve teamed up with FreeWill, a new collaboration to provide youContinue reading “Building a Legacy with Houston Public Library”

Dear Friends, Happy National Library Week! As we celebrate the incredible work of the Houston Public Library, I want to take a moment to share with you some things that I’ve learned in my first few months as Executive Director. When I took on this role in December, I made it a priority to visitContinue reading “44 Libraries. 2 Months. Here’s what I’ve learned.”

Dear Friends: We are incredibly grateful for your generosity! Thanks to your support on Library Giving Day, the Houston Public Library can continue providing essential resources and programs that change lives. Your gift helps children access invaluable literacy resources; connects patrons with digital, printing, and scanning capabilities essential in the 21st century; offers communities spaces toContinue reading “Thanks for a successful Library Giving Day!”