About HCPL

Librarian with patron at reference desk

About Our Library

When most people think of libraries, they think of books and computers and storytimes. At HCPL, we think of people: all the people it takes to select and order, catalog and process the books that go on the shelves; the people who service and maintain the computers and the network they run on, all the people who plan and organize and perform those storytimes; and, of course, we think of all the people who count on us to keep all those services, and many more, coming. Harris County Public Library is about all the materials and services you expect from your library, but first and foremost, HCPL is about people--the power of human connection and communication.

Our Mission

Harris County Public Library enriches lives to strengthen communities.

Vision: Your pathway to knowledge.

Star Values: Our Pathway to Team Excellence

All employees are expected to role-model the behaviors of our Star Values.

We are committed to these core values:

  • Creativity and Innovation
  • Open Communication
  • Celebrating Diversity
  • Integrity
  • Fun

Our interactions will be characterized by:

  • Mutual Respect
  • Enthusiasm
  • Open-Mindedness
  • Flexibility

When we disagree, we will:

  • Actively Listen
  • Mediate/Facilitate
  • Be A Good Team Member

At HCPL We C.A.R.E. about our customers and strive to provide:

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Give your support.

Let's be F.R.I.E.N.D.S ! Find out how you can support your Library by donating money, books or your time as a volunteer.

Spotlight On

Staff Spotlight: Mukund Kishore, Mobile Outreach Librarian

Mukund and the other Mobile Outreach Librarians provide a wide array of personalized educational programs wherever people gather.

Inglés en el verano

Este blog te ofrecerá alternativas para seguir aprendiendo inglés a tu paso, incluso si estás de vacaciones.

English in the Summer

It be hard to attend ESL classes during the summer for a lot of reasons. Here are some tips to keep you learning all summer long.

Welcome to the Wonderful World of the Curiosity Cruiser

Learn about HCPL's Curiosity Cruiser, an outreach bookmobile program and request a visit at your next community event!
HCPL librarian reading to children

What's happening at our library?

Harris County Public Library's 26 branches and Mobile Outreach Vehicles are constantly striving to offer programs that address the needs and interests of their neighborhoods and Harris County as a whole. HCPL believes strong communities start with well-informed, culturally-aware individuals. Our programs address all segments of the community from infant and toddler early literacy and learning skills programs to events designed especially for seniors.

  • Support literacy and lifelong learning
  • Inspire reading
  • Foster civic engagement
  • Promote cultural awareness and diversity
  • Spark creativity and innovation.
  • Enrich the life of the community and the lives of the people in it.

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