The Houston Public Library joins Mayor Sylvester Turner and our fellow Houstonians in expressing our sorrow on the passing of First Lady Barbara Bush. The entire HPL team expresses our heartfelt condolences to Former President George H.W. Bush and their family. Barbara Bush’s kindness and dedication to literacy will continue to touch lives and influence change for years to come.
The First Lady has been a staunch advocate and champion for literacy across the nation, particularly for our youth. HPL stands alongside Mayor Sylvester Turner in celebrating Mrs. Bush's accomplishments and legacy; and reaffirming the City’s commitment to creating a lasting tribute. The City, with her blessing, envisioned a vibrant and inspiring tribute to Mrs. Bush through the creation of the Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza, located at the Houston Public Library’s downtown Central Library.
“We knew the space between the Julia Ideson Building and the Central Library needed to be vibrant and inspiring. It was in envisioning this enriching space for people of all ages, that we thought of Mrs. Bush and asked to name it in her honor. I cannot think of anyone who is more deserving of this honor," stated Mayor Sylvester Turner.
The Houston community is invited to the Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza to pay tribute and share their memories of the First Lady. HPL's Houston Metropolitan Research Center will preserve these memories in a memory book and posters and through recordings in its archives. The tribute will be available through Monday, April 30.