The Houston Public Library (HPL) will reopen its reimagined Central Library on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021 with a three-day celebration of engaging activities, events, giveaways and more for all to enjoy! On Oct. 7, guests can enjoy the sounds of Houston in Harmony at 12:30 p.m. and a Movie Night on the Plaza at 5:15 p.m. On Oct. 8, the Library welcomes back its popular craft times and on Oct. 9, guests can enjoy an Outdoor Family Storytime at 11:15 a.m. and a Puppet Show on the Plaza at 2 p.m. To ensure guests experience all that Central has to offer, a Scavenger Hunt has been planned during all three days as well as other virtual and in-person programming. Library visitors will even be able to enjoy free parking in the Central Library’s parking garage during weekends and for certain special events. To see the full list of programming and events, please visit houstonlibrary.org/central.

In alignment with HPL’s philosophy of continuous improvement to better serve the evolving needs of its customers, Central Library’s programs, services and spaces have been reimagined. Some of the changes library customers can expect to see in Central Library include an updated Teen Room and a completely reorganized first floor. Embedded in the plan to reimagine Central are strategies to safely welcome back customers to enjoy library programming and services. Covid-19 safety precautions as well as enhanced cleaning procedures have been put in place in line with the City’s standards.

A new “one-stop” help and information service, Ask HPL, will allow library customers to call, message or email the Library about help with their account or get information on any topic, service, program, or event through one centralized system answered by a live person ready to assist. Passport Services have also returned to the Central Library and appointments are already filling Central’s queue. HPL Helps, a service focused on connecting individuals experiencing homelessness to resources at the Library or community partners, has also been enhanced. For more information on the HPL Helps program, please visit Houstonlibrary.org/helps.

“We are beyond thrilled about the full-service reopening of our reimagined Central Library in Downtown Houston. As our flagship location, it is at the heart of the city and epitomizes everything we do here at the Houston Public Library. The reimagining of this location represents a model for innovating with limited resources and bountiful imagination and creativity so, please make it a point to visit soon," said HPL Director Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson.

For more information on the exciting events and programs at HPL’s Central Library, visit Houstonlibrary.org/central or call 832-393-1313.