In the Community
Community Outreach
Our brick-and-mortar libraries are just the beginning of our story.
Whether it be visits to assisted living facilities and local elementary schools, face-painting at Harris County Precinct 4's annual Sunday Afternoon in the Park, information and activity tables at Comicpalooza and Houston Maker Faire, pop-up libraries at farmers markets or our growing fleet of mobile outreach vehicles, Harris County Public Library brings library services where you may least expect them. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, we provided books, children's activities and a mobile computer center with internet connection for hundreds made homeless by the storm.
HCPL enriches lives to strengthen communities.
Curiosity Cruiser
A Super Library on Wheels!
In partnership with Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation
We seek to improve the quality of life of Houston children by providing:
- FREE books for children to read and build their very own home libraries
- a fun, safe space to explore and activate imaginations
- a variety of hands-on science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) activities
- Family reading events and workshops
To learn more about the Curiosity Cruiser and where it will be visiting next, please check out the website at www.curiositycruiser.com
You can request the Curiosity Cruiser for your event or school!
Reading Express
An Early Literacy Mobile Classroom
In partnership with Literacy Now.
The Reading Express is a mobile classroom that takes early-literacy programming to children ages 2 months to 4 years. This mobile classroom is a dynamic and fun school on wheels.
The curriculum is designed to develop phonological and print awareness, oral language, fine motor and other early literacy skills through the exploration of books, nursery rhymes, songs, art and play.
It reaches high-need communities throughout Harris County and provides 45-minute interactive classes that will be delivered weekly. Classes will take place either on the bus or in community rooms in apartment complexes and/or other community-based venues.
For more information
Juvenile Probation Library Services
Library services for young men and women who are completing residential programs within the juvenile probation system.
In partnership with the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department.
The partnership between Harris County Public Library and Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) is a collaboration designed to increase library collections and services for youth participating in detention and probation programs.
Library staff lead literacy programs and work with HCJPD teachers and staff to tie library services into curriculum and projects.
Visit the HCPL Juvenile Probation Resources Page
Mobile Outreach Librarians
HCPL's Mobile Outreach Librarians are a team of educators and library professionals who take the library message of lifelong learning to community centers and wherever Harris County residents gather. They offer everything from ongoing computer classes and naturalization test prep classes to Enhanced+ Library Card sign-up events.Â
Community Centers
Harris County Public Library offers a variety of library services and programs at community centers across the county
Our community center outreach programs are offered on a semester-by-semester basis in collaboration with community center staff. Please check the community center schedules for programs and availability.
HCPL @ YOUR EVENT
HCPL's Outreach Team is always looking for opportunities to spread the word about all of our great programs and services like Maker Central, Literacy, Citizenship and ESL services, not to mention our ever-expanding catalog of digital media like eBooks and streaming video. Look for our booths at Houston Maker Faire, Comicpalooza, Houston Energy Day, Houston Pride, Harris County Precinct 4's annual Sunday Afternoon in the Park and Shakespeare in the Shade at Burroughs Park and just about anywhere else people get together. We're all about fun interactive activities and mobile technology that change the way people think about their library.
If you are planning an event and think HCPL's Outreach Team might be a good fit, we would love to talk to you!
Call HCPL Programs, Partnerships and Outreach: 713-274-6600.
