Friends of HISD Libraries

09/27/2026

"And because the high school I attended had no creative writing classes of any kind, I got all my early information on the craft & business of writing from the library.
For a lot of kids now, going to the library after school won't be even a memory... We're doing ourselves lasting harm in exchange for the ephemeral good of quick-fix budget cuts."

Though 30% of Houstonians are functionally illiterate, at least 194 HISD schools - most in high-poverty areas - no longer have staffed libraries.

Texas: Please support literacy and libraries.
Texas Freedom to Read Project American Library Association American Association of School Librarians Texas Education Agency Raise Your Hand Texas

09/24/2026

Of the 44 remaining staffed libraries in HISD, only 18 serve schools with a majority of high-need / high-poverty students. These are the children who need libraries most.

These students have few, if any books and other educational resources at home, and have less access to technology and wifi.

These students are less likely to have parents who read fluidly themselves. Their parents also tend to have less time to read with their children.

Over the last three years, the state-appointed superintendent has overseen the closure of at least 173 HISD library programs.

Texas: A literate, well-educated population benefits us all.

09/24/2026

HISD now has 44 libraries - most of them in the district's most affluent areas - and the number is dropping steadily. Before the 2023 state takeover, 217 schools had staffed libraries, and the new superintendent was working to include a thriving library on every campus.

Since 2023, the state-appointed superintendent has overseen the mass closure of libraries. Reading books has been replaced with worksheets, timed drills, and constant test prep.

We can do better, Texas.

08/27/2026

“I always loved books. I don’t remember learning to read; it was just something I always did. I was hungry for knowledge, I guess, and information; I was a curious kid. I still am.”

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provided the “lifeline” of free books to more than 3 million children.

Dolly - thank you for your kind heart and your steadfast support of reading and libraries.

Dolly Parton Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

We support Houston public school libraries by providing funds and volunteers, and by sharing data about HISD libraries’ vital role in promoting literacy.

04/10/2026

Thank you, Houston Chronicle, for your story (bit.ly/4tCn1tU) about Brooke's many contributions to Pin Oak Middle School and the importance of school libraries.

As the Texas Library Association put it, Brooke "transformed the school library into a research-driven learning space shaped by the voices of students, families and staff. Through multilingual resources, accessible design, creative programming and strong support for both families and teachers, this librarian has built a model that is innovative, replicable and grounded in meeting learners where they are.”

Since the 2023 state takeover of Houston ISD, only 23 of Houston ISD's 274 campuses still have certified librarians like Brooke on staff. All students, in every zip code, deserve school libraries and librarians.
Houston Independent School District

03/26/2026

Please join us at the Texas Library Association Conference!
We and HASL (Houston Association of School Librarians) invite you to two quick meetups for HISD library staff (past or present) and supporters. Share conference tips and plans, or just say hello - and we'll take a group photo. 🧡

Sunday, 3/29, 2:15 PM - Exhibit Hall, near Booth #1600 (Maker Maven)
Monday, 3/30, 9:45 AM (after the John Leguizamo talk) - outside Grand Ballroom, Level 3.
We look forward to seeing you!

Texas Library Association Houston Independent School District

02/25/2026

Last Saturday Friends of HISD Libraries hosted a gathering for the district's remaining library staff. We met in The 501's comfortable event space (thank you, The 501!) for sharing of tips, updates, & programming ideas; hundreds of new free books; raffle prizes; suggestions about the upcoming Texas Library Association conference; and more.
Although 188+ Houston ISD libraries are no longer functioning, about 60 libraries still remain. We'll continue to support them and hope that future district leaders will recognize that school libraries help students succeed.

02/24/2026

"This is why the library matters so much. It is a democratizing and liberating force like none other. The library encourages new thinking in unexpected directions."
The state took over Houston's school district in 2023.
189 Houston public schools, most in high-poverty areas, now have no functioning libraries.
Texas: School libraries help our students succeed.
Margaret Atwood

02/23/2026

Since the 2023 state takeover, at least 188 of HISD's K-12 schools have lost their libraries.
Almost all of the district's most affluent schools have kept their libraries.

Example: Of the 38 elementary schools that still have staffed libraries, 57% of the students are economically disadvantaged.

Of the 124 elementary schools that now have no libraries, 92% of the students are economically disadvantaged. These are the children who most need the books, technology, literacy support, safe study spaces, and other resources that libraries provide.

Texas: School libraries help students succeed.

02/15/2026

School libraries are treasured educational resources - & sanctuaries - for many students, but in Houston ISD, a child can now easily go from preschool through high school without ever having a school library.
186 libraries have been closed, most in high-poverty areas where students especially need print/digital books, technology, literacy support, & much more.
Texas: Libraries & literacy are good for our state.