HOUSTON – In a powerful show of commitment to Houston’s youngest learners and their families, the Houston Public Library (HPL) is unveiling its 10th Family Place Library™, located inside the architecturally acclaimed Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library. This milestone event, set for Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 10 a.m., marks a significant expansion of early learning support and community connection services in one of America’s most diverse cities.

The new Family Place Library™ has been made possible through the generous backing of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and the PNC Foundation’s Grow Up Great® initiative—two organizations deeply rooted in educational equity and early childhood development. Their collaborative investment has helped transform an already innovative branch—named after Dr. Shannon Walker, Houston’s first female astronaut—into a launchpad for learning, imagination, and intergenerational growth.

 10th Family Place Library™ located inside the Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library

A Safe Haven for Houston’s Youngest Minds

“Parenting doesn’t come with a manual,” said Sandy Gaw, Director of Houston Public Library. “Through the support of our partners, we’re creating more than just a place to read—we’re cultivating a trusted community hub where caregivers can find guidance, resources, and camaraderie during the most formative years of a child’s life.”

The Family Place Library™ model is a nationally recognized framework that reimagines libraries as vibrant early learning centers and anchors for family engagement. Designed for children ages birth to five and their caregivers, the space offers:

Interactive parent-child play sessions guided by early childhood development professionals

Sensory-rich storytimes that spark curiosity and cognitive growth

Comprehensive resources on parenting, literacy, health, and child development

Direct access to local services, experts, and support networks

A Citywide Celebration of Families and Futures

To commemorate the opening, the community is invited to a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11630 Chimney Rock Rd., complete with hands-on children’s activities, light refreshments, and an exclusive first look at the vibrant learning space that embodies Houston’s inclusive, forward-thinking spirit.

“This isn’t just about one library—it’s about how we show up for every child and every caregiver in every neighborhood,” said Dr. Julie Finck, President and CEO of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. “With each new Family Place Library, we’re building bridges between families and the support systems they need to thrive.”

Julie Young Sudduth, Regional President of PNC Bank, echoed that sentiment: “We know that high-quality early learning experiences lay the foundation for future success. That’s why PNC’s Grow Up Great initiative invests in programs like Family Place Libraries—because when our children do well, our communities do even better.”

Empowering Houston Families—One Library at a Time

The addition of this 10th Family Place Library reinforces HPL’s mission to serve as a powerful catalyst for equity, access, and lifelong learning. With 44 public service locations across Houston—including TECHLink centers, mobile outreach units, and dedicated literacy offices—HPL reaches more than 2.3 million residents, ensuring no family is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge and opportunity.

About Houston Public Library

HPL is one of the nation’s most dynamic and far-reaching public service systems, offering a full suite of educational, technological, and literacy programs through 44 locations. From neighborhood branches to TECHLink innovation hubs and the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, HPL ensures that every Houstonian has equitable access to tools that unlock a better future.

About the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation

Formed to honor the legacy of First Lady Barbara Bush, the Foundation empowers individuals and families through literacy. By supporting evidence-based programs, advocating for equity, and expanding access to learning tools, the Foundation is building more socially and economically vibrant communities. Visit www.bushhoustonliteracy.org for more.

About the PNC Foundation

The PNC Foundation supports early childhood education and community development through initiatives like Grow Up Great®, a $500 million bilingual program launched in 2004. Learn more at www.pncgrowupgreat.com.