Community

The Harris County Public Library (HCPL) system, in partnership with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation (BBHLF), has proudly completed its ambitious, multi-year initiative to establish Family Place Libraries™ at all 26 of its full-service branches. The milestone was marked earlier this month following a ribbon-cutting at the Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library in December 2025, officially transforming public libraries Harris County into an innovative cornerstone of early literacy and parent-focused learning.

What Are Family Place Libraries™?

Family Place Libraries™ are part of a nationally recognized model that reimagines public libraries as community centers for early childhood development and parenting support. Developed over two decades ago by the Middle Country Public Library in New York and now operating in more than 30 states, the Family Place Libraries™ initiative focuses on children ages 0–5 and their caregivers—critical years for brain development and school readiness.

Each Family Place Library™ includes:

• A dedicated early learning space filled with toys, books, and learning materials that encourage purposeful play.
• Parent-child workshops, where families can engage in activities together while connecting with child development and health specialists.
• Specialized training for library staff to become trusted resources on early childhood development, family engagement, and community partnerships.
• A strong emphasis on equity and access, ensuring that families from all backgrounds can benefit from high-quality, free educational resources.

“Family Place Libraries aren’t just about books—they’re about building strong foundations for life,” said Linda Stevens, HCPL’s Division Director of Programs, Partnerships, and Outreach. “This project is a testament to HCPL’s and the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s commitment to ensuring that every family in Harris County has access to the tools, spaces, and support children need to thrive.”

Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation: Advancing a Legacy

This initiative was made possible through the leadership and generosity of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, an organization founded in 2013 to continue the work and legacy of former First Lady Barbara Bush, a fierce advocate for literacy as the gateway to opportunity.

The foundation focuses on mobilizing the community to support literacy across all stages of life—from early childhood to adult education—and works in close partnership with school districts, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations across Greater Houston. Its signature initiatives include My Home Library™, Curiosity Cruiser, Read Houston Read, and the Ladies for Literacy Guild, among others.

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“Our partnerships with Houston Public Library and Harris County Public Library have been extraordinary, and I know Barbara Bush would be absolutely delighted to see families across our region learning and growing together in these welcoming spaces,” said Dr. Julie Finck, President and CEO of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. “This milestone reflects the very best of what can happen when public libraries, philanthropy, and community partners work together with shared purpose.”

Through the Family Place Libraries™ project, BBHLF also united generous philanthropic and corporate partners, including Air Liquide, Phillips 66, the PNC Foundation’s Grow Up Great® initiative, and the Ladies for Literacy Guild—who collectively helped bring these resources to life in neighborhoods across Harris County.

A Lifelong Learning Network Across Harris County

For parents, caregivers, and guardians searching for early literacy help near me, parenting workshops in Houston, or free early childhood education programs, Harris County now offers 26 fully equipped Family Place Libraries™—each one a local hub for connection, learning, and play.

All 26 Harris County Public Library Locations with Family Place Libraries™:

North Houston / North Harris County

• Aldine Branch Library: 11331 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77037 | (832) 927-5410
• High Meadows Branch Library: 4500 Aldine Mail Route, Houston, TX 77039 | (832) 927-5540
• Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library: 22248 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338 | (832) 927-5480
• Octavia Fields Branch Library: 1503 S Houston Ave, Humble, TX 77338 | (832) 927-5500
• Atascocita Branch Library: 19520 Pinehurst Trail Dr, Humble, TX 77346 | (832) 927-5560
• Kingwood Branch Library: 4400 Bens View Ln, Kingwood, TX 77339 | (832) 927-7830
• Barbara Bush Branch Library: 6817 Cypresswood Dr, Spring, TX 77379 | (832) 927-7800
• Lone Star College-Tomball Community Library: 30555 Tomball Pkwy, Tomball, TX 77375 | (832) 559-4200

West Houston / Northwest & Katy Area

• Katherine Tyra Branch Library @ Bear Creek: 16719 Clay Rd, Houston, TX 77084 | (832) 927-5590
• Fairbanks Branch Library: 7122 Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77040 | (832) 927-7890
• Northwest Branch Library: 11355 Regency Green Dr, Cypress, TX 77429 | (832) 927-5460
• Lone Star College-CyFair Library: 9191 Barker Cypress Rd, Cypress, TX 77433 | (281) 290-3210
• Maud Smith Marks Branch Library: 1815 Westgreen Blvd, Katy, TX 77450 | (832) 927-7860
• Katy Branch Library: 5414 Franz Rd, Katy, TX 77493 | (281) 391-3509

Central & Inner Loop

• West University Branch Library: 6108 Auden St, Houston, TX 77005 | (832) 927-5490
• Spring Branch Memorial Branch Library: 930 Corbindale Rd, Houston, TX 77024 | (832) 927-5510
• Jacinto City Branch Library: 921 Akron St, Houston, TX 77029 | (832) 927-5520

East Houston / Channelview / Baytown Area

• Galena Park Branch Library: 1500 Keene St, Galena Park, TX 77547 | (832) 927-5470
• North Channel Branch Library: 15741 Wallisville Rd, Houston, TX 77049 | (832) 927-5550
• Crosby Edith Fae Cook Cole Branch Library: 135 Hare Rd, Crosby, TX 77532 | (832) 927-7790
• Stratford Branch Library: 509 Stratford St, Highlands, TX 77562 | (832) 927-5410

South Houston / Southeast Harris County

• Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library: 16616 Diana Ln, Houston, TX 77062 | (832) 927-5420
• Evelyn Meador Branch Library: 2400 N Meyer Ave, Seabrook, TX 77586 | (281) 474-9142
• La Porte Branch Library: 600 S Broadway St, La Porte, TX 77571 | (281) 471-4022
• Parker Williams Branch Library: 10851 Scarsdale Blvd, Houston, TX 77089 | (832) 927-7870
• South Houston Branch Library: 607 Avenue A, South Houston, TX 77587 | (832) 927-5530

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How to Get Involved

HCPL invites families to explore their nearest Family Place Library™, attend a parenting program, and discover the power of play—all as part of a meaningful weekly routine at their local library. Beyond early literacy, Harris County Public Library branches offer a wide range of free programs for all ages—from art classes, book clubs, and special interest groups to technology workshops and cultural events.

Whether you’re a parent with a toddler, a student seeking quiet study space, or an adult looking to learn something new or connect with others, there’s something happening at your neighborhood library nearly every day. Visit hcpl.net to explore upcoming events and see how your local branch can become a go-to hub for learning, creativity, and community connection.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.