We Support
27
Branch Libraries
437
Full-time Employees
2.2 million +
Books, eBooks & Audiobooks
in the Collection
12,000 +
Programs
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Staff Development
The 437 full-time staff make all the wonderful programs at your local branch library possible. In fact, the library could not open without them. They are the backbone of the Harris County Public Library, which is why the Foundation is proud that our very first grant was in support of Staff Development!
Collection of Printed, Audio and E-Books
Harris County Public Library (HCPL) has over 2.2 million books in their collection, including printed, audio and E-books. While this is an impressive number, the collection is in constant need of adding the latest published books to the collection, replacing damaged books, and reducing wait time for popular books. But the best reason of all is when we open a new branch library and need an entire collection for the new branch. This year HCPL opened a new branch library at the Memorial Assistance Ministries’ campus. The Foundation was so excited to help fund the opening day collection for this new branch library, all thanks to support from our donors.
Summer Reading Program
The Summer Reading Program is one of the largest programs at Harris County Public Library, with over 17,000 participants. It is such an important program, because it both improve childhood literacy and combats the “summer slide.” The "summer slide" is the loss of academic skills and knowledge, typically in reading and math, that occurs during the long summer break. How does the Summer Reading Program do this? By making reading fun and incentivizing reading. To encourage reading, participants log their reading all Summer long to earn a free book. All of the books that are given away are paid for through donations and grants. Your generosity allowed the Foundation to support this important program and ensure that participants got a free book. Studies show that simply having books at home drastically improves childhood development and adult literacy. Thank you for making this possible!