HOUSTON -The Houston Public Library has planned an array of fun free programs for October through December 2018 for people of all ages to enjoy including an interview with a critically acclaimed author, Halloween treats, books, and crafts, intriguing workshops on archiving family paraphernalia with the Houston Metropolitan Research Center and visits from Santa. Check out our calendar of events to find locations, date and times, and more programs at www.houstonlibrary.org or call 832-393-1313. All programs are free and open to the public.
OCTOBER
Signature Event: HPLQ Author Series
An Interview with Walter Mosley
Thursday, October 25 | 7 PM
The Ballroom at Bayou Place | 500 Texas Ave., 77002 | 832-393-1313
Seats are limited. Please RSVP!
HPL is honored to host author Walter Mosley for its HPLQ Fall series, one of the most versatile and admired writers in America today. He is the author of more than 43 critically acclaimed books, including the major bestselling mystery series featuring Easy Rawlins. Mosley will be discussing his latest book, John Woman. In this work, Mosley recounts the transformation of an unassuming boy named Cornelius Jones into John Woman, an unconventional history professor—while the legacy of a hideous crime lurks in the shadows.
Frankenreads for Kids!
Kids STEM: Screaming Frankenstein Balloons
Thursday, October 11 | 5 PM – 6 PM
Young Neighborhood Library | 5107 Griggs Rd., 77021 | 832-393-2140
Learn about the science of sound with a Screaming Frankenstein Balloon! Kids ages 5-10 are invited to participate in this hands-on activity.
Family History Interviewing
Thursday October 18, 2018 | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Julia Ideson Building | 550 McKinney St., 77002 | 832-393-1662
The holiday season is around the corner, a time for family gatherings and family stories. Interested in holding onto your family history? Learn the basics of oral history project development; from project planning, equipment, interviewing, to preserving and sharing your interviews.
Where's the Book on My House?
October 25, 2018 | 6:30-7:30pm
Julia Ideson Building | 550 McKinney St., 77002 | 832-393-1662
Curious about your home’s history? Don’t know where to start? HMRC's Architectural Archivist will give a basic overview of how to research a historic property, highlighting useful resources in HMRC collections. This program includes a tour of the Texas Room to introduce the public to our collections and how to access them through the reference desk.
Halloween Happening
Thursday, October 25, 2018 | 6 PM
Vinson Neighborhood Library | 3810 West Fuqua, 77045 | 832-393-2121
Pop in for a special Mystery Mayhem, and meet Little Red Robin Hood and Mr. Wolf and more like you’ve never known them before. Join us for trick-or-treating, crafts, costume contests, and become the hero of the Twisted Woods!!
The Poetry of Us
Saturday October 27, 2018 | 11 AM- 2 PM
Julia Ideson Building | 550 McKinney St., 77002 | 832-393-1662
Share your experience! We’re collecting the voices of Houston poets and perspectives on the history of poetry in the Bayou City. This oral history project is a collaborative partnership between the HMRC and Lupe Mendez, poet and founder of Tintero Projects.
Aquatic Book Rescue
Thursday October 11, 2018 | 6:30 PM -7:30 PM
Heights Neighborhood Library | 1302 Heights Blvd., 77008 | 832-393-1810
Whether the water damage comes from rain, flooding, or extensive humidity, the effect on your important records can be severe. What can you do? Join HMRC’s Preservation Librarian to learn about preventing and responding to water damage.
THE LIVING ROOM SERIES EVENTS
Fiesta in Your Neighborhood!
Saturday, October 20 | 1:30PM
Smith Neighborhood Library | 3624 Smith St., 77004 | 832-393-2050
Fiesta at Smith Neighborhood Library! Learn about our community's heritage, with dance, arts, fun activities and food!
Community Reading with Award-Winning Poet and Author Bao Phi
Saturday, October 27 | 11AM
Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library | 3223 Wilcrest, 77042 | 832-393-2011
Meet award-winning poet and children’s book author Bao Phi. Hear his stories and his poetry, of growing up a refugee, becoming a father, feeling surrounded by police brutality, and the invisibility of Asian-Americans living in poverty. Program is in collaboration with OCA Greater Houston.
NOVEMBER
Liftoff Houston Pitch Day
Saturday, November 11, 2018 | 10 AM
Julia Ideson Building | 550 McKinney St., 77002 | 832-393-1662
See HPL and Office of Business Opportunity’s very own "Shark Tank" style business plan competition live. Several contestants compete in 3 categories to win $10K to start their own business. Competition sponsored by Capital One Bank. www.houstonlibrary.org/liftoff-houston
THE LIVING ROOM SERIES EVENTS
Healthy Living
Saturday, November 17 | 10AM – 1PM
Young Neighborhood Library | 5107 Griggs Rd., 77021 | 832-393-2140
Thanksgiving is here! Let's get through the holidays with good health and good cheer! Come learn tips about living healthy in our neighborhood. Learn about gardening, good-for-you recipes, and ways to be active together as a community!
Refugees Voices of Houston
Saturday, November 3 | 10:30AM – 12:30PM
Collier Regional Library | 6200 Pinemont, 77092 | 832-393-1740
“Refugees Voices of Houston” brings together a group of diverse people from different countries who have made Houston home. Meet your refugee neighbors and learn about contemporary immigrant and refugee experiences in Houston.
Family Game Day!
Saturday, November 10 | 2PM - 4PM
Walter Neighborhood Library | 7660 Clarewood, 77036 | 832-393-2500
Travel around the world with games! Share your favorite games, traditions, and stories that make Houston home to the most diverse population in the United States.
Special Collections
Black, Brown, and Kosher: Conversations about Food, Culture, and Identity
Thursday, November 29, 2018 | 6PM
The African American Library at the Gregory School | 1300 Victor St., 77019 | 832-393-1662
Black, Brown, and Kosher: Conversations about Food, Culture, and Identity features James Beard award-winning and nominated chefs Michael Twitty, Pati Jinich, and Fany Gerson. Following a short introduction emphasizing the theme of multicultural Jewish, African American, and Latino foodways, audience members will interact with each chef in breakout sessions and hold intimate conversations on the significance of cooking to community life.
DECEMBER
Just for Kids - Santa Visits at Your Neighborhood Library
Check our calendar for dates and times at participating locations at www.houstonlibrary.org.
Ho! Ho! Ho! He's here! Santa has stopped in at the Houston Public Library and he needs your Christmas wish list. Bring your list and your biggest smile to meet the jolliest elf himself, Santa. Parents, don't forget your camera!
Seasons Readings
Starts December 15, 2018
Register at www.houstonlibrary.org/seasons-readings
Looking for something fun to do during Winter Break? Check out our Winter Reading Program. Read at least 20 minutes a day for 10 days and earn a free book! Earn collectable buttons for registering, attending programs, and completing your reading goal. For ages 0-18.
About the Houston Public Library
The Houston Public Library (HPL) operates 37 neighborhood libraries, three HPL Express Libraries, a Central Library, the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, The African American Library at the Gregory School, and the Parent Resource Library located in the Children’s Museum of Houston. With more than eight million visits per year in person and online, HPL is committed to excellent customer service and equitable access to information and programs by providing library customers with free use of a diverse collection of printed materials and electronic resources, Internet, laptop and computer use, and a variety of database and reference resources with live assistance online 24/7.
For further information, visit the Houston Public Library at www.houstonlibrary.org, on Twitter @houstonlibrary, on Facebook – houstonlibrary or call 832-393-1313.