Houston Public Library

The Houston Public Library (HPL) offers a wide range of free programs, events, and services across its 44 public service units, including 31 neighborhood libraries, four regional libraries, three special collection libraries, four express libraries, a mobile express unit, and a satellite library at the Children’s Museum of Houston. ------ PROGRAMS FOR KIDS ------ - Story Times: HPL hosts free story times for various age groups: Baby Time (6–18 months) Toddler and Pre-K Story Times(18 months–5 years) Virtual Story Times: Available through platforms like Kanopy, where kids can watch animated shows and read-along storybooks using a MYLink card. - Family Place Libraries: Branches like Blue Ridge, Stanaker, McGovern Stella Link, Central, Young, Park Place, and Collier feature dedicated youth spaces with large children’s collections, toys, and parent learning centers. - FLIP Kits: In partnership with the Children’s Museum of Houston, HPL offers Family Literacy Involvement Program (FLIP) kits at the Parent Resource Library (located at the museum). These multilingual kits for kids aged 0–8 include a book and activity to spark curiosity and literacy. Kids can check out books, audiobooks, and DVDs, with resources deliverable to the Parent Resource Library. ------ SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS ------ - Summer Reading Program: Encourages kids to read millions of minutes collectively, with fun incentives. - Book Clubs and Builders Clubs: Weekly Saturday morning kids’ clubs. - Field Trips: Guided tours and tailored activities for school groups. ------- DIGITAL RESOURCES ------- - Kanopy Kids: Access to animated shows, story times, and read-along storybooks with a MYLink card. - Hoopla and Comics Plus: Borrow up to 15 kid-friendly e-books, audiobooks, music, or comics monthly, including National Geographic Kids content from 2009 onward. - OverDrive/Libby: A vast digital collection of children’s e-books and audiobooks, with up to 15 checkouts for 14 days. ------ POPULAR BRANCHES FOR KIDS ------ - Central Library (Jesse H. Jones Building, 500 McKinney): Flagship location,modern facilities, a large children’s section, and diverse programs like story times and poetry reading. - Heights Neighborhood Library (1302 Heights Blvd): Known for its vibrant story times and proximity to Donovan Park, making it a great follow-up activity. - Children’s Museum Satellite Library: Located at 1500 Binz St., this branch offers FLIP kits, educational toys, and interactive literacy activities, perfect for pairing with a museum visit or McGovern Centennial Gardens outing. - Looscan Neighborhood Library: Praised for its diverse programming, including baby story times teaching sign language and Lego workshops. - Spring Branch Memorial (930 Corbindale Rd): Features a separate children’s floor for a quieter experience, ideal for focused reading or play.