In a vibrant corner of southwest Houston, something powerful is blossoming—not just books and stories, but futures. On June 5, 2025, the Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library opened the doors to Houston’s newest Family Place Library™, transforming one of the city’s most celebrated library branches into a full-fledged sanctuary for early learning, parenting support, and community connection.

Thanks to the generosity of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and PNC Foundation’s Grow Up Great® initiative, this innovative space provides families with young children the resources they need to build strong beginnings—and stronger bonds.

“Parenting doesn’t come with a manual,” said Sandy Gaw, Director of Houston Public Library. “But with the right support, every caregiver can become a child’s first and most important teacher. Family Place Libraries give them the confidence, community, and tools to do just that.”

 Family Place Library
 

A Nationally Recognized Model Now Thriving in Houston

The Family Place Library™ model, adopted nationwide, is centered on turning local libraries into developmental hubs for children ages 0-5. The new space inside the Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library (11630 Chimney Rock Rd.) offers free, expert-led programs including:

Parent-child play sessions with early childhood specialists

Interactive storytimes and sensory play zones

Parenting and child development resources

Referrals to local services and professionals

This is Houston Public Library’s 10th Family Place Library, a major milestone in its mission to reach and uplift all 2.3 million Houstonians.

Celebrating the Power of Partnerships

At the heart of the ribbon-cutting celebration stood a united mission: investing in children is investing in Houston’s future.

“With Family Place Libraries across the HPL system, we aim to be anchors of support for families working hard to give their children a strong start,” said Julie Finck, Ph.D., President & CEO of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. “These programs help build lasting connections between families across our city.”

Julie Young Sudduth, Regional President for PNC Bank, echoed that sentiment: “At PNC, we believe high-quality early learning experiences are essential to a child’s success in school and in life. Supporting Family Place Libraries is one way we invest in local communities and help create equitable opportunities for every child to thrive.”

Where Legacy and Literacy Meet

Fittingly, this new Family Place Library resides within the Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library, named for Houston’s own trailblazer and first female astronaut, Dr. Shannon Walker. The space is a tribute to exploration—not only beyond the stars but within the growing minds of children and the nurturing arms of their families.

The grand opening event welcomed families with hands-on learning stations, light refreshments, and the joy of seeing a new generation of readers and dreamers discover their place in the world.

Building Houston’s Future, One Page at a Time

With 44 service units including regional libraries, TECHLink centers, history research centers, and even a Mobile Express unit, the Houston Public Library system is one of the largest and most innovative in the country. The Family Place Library model further cements HPL’s role not just as a provider of books—but as a provider of hope.

As First Lady Barbara Bush once said, “If you help a person to read, then their opportunities in life will be endless.” That timeless truth now resonates within every brightly colored corner of this new Family Place Library.

For more information about Houston Public Library’s programs and services, visit:
🌐 www.houstonlibrary.org

Learn more about the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation:
📘 www.barbarabushhouston.org | 📷 Instagram: @bushhoustonlit | Facebook: facebook.com/bushhoustonlit

Discover the impact of early childhood learning through PNC’s Grow Up Great®:
🌱 www.pncgrowupgreat.com—

Because every Houston child deserves a strong start and a story worth telling.