Friends of HISD Libraries

Home
United States
Houston, TX
Friends of HISD Libraries

We help enhance these essential HISD learning centers by providing resources and volunteer support.

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.

02/13/2026

The inspiring, information-packed Texas Library Association Annual Conference is in Houston this year! - and thanks to a generous donor, we just awarded registration stipends to 11 HISD library staff members. (Ten received $450 awards for all three days; one requested a $200 multi-day pass for exhibits.)
We're planning an HISD gathering at the event, and look forward to using & sharing what we learn to benefit HISD students.
Thank you, donors, for helping us support literacy and libraries in HISD.
Houston Independent School District

02/03/2026

“Reading inspired me to explore our world and beyond it.”
In 2022, all Houston ISD campuses were required to have staffed libraries. Now, since the 2023 state takeover, 28 high schools, 35 middle schools, & 123 elementary schools have no functioning libraries.
Almost all of these campuses serve high percentages of economically disadvantaged students, who most need books (print & digital), technology, literacy support, study space, & other resources.
Texas: Libraries help our students succeed.
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

02/02/2026

Last October, Diesel, the fox mascot of the Houston Dynamo & Houston Dash, challenged local students to read five age-appropriate books in that month. 106 Travis Elementary students did this, encouraged by Jennifer Moore, the school's dynamic librarian.
The reward? A visit from Dash Defender Paige Nielsen, Dynamo Goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer, and Diesel, as well as $1000 for library books - and each student was invited to select a book to keep from the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Curiosity Cruiser.

Thank you, Houston Dash and Houston Dynamo FC, for this great program, and thank you to Mrs. Moore for helping your students learn to love reading.
All HISD students deserve staffed libraries.

01/31/2026

Although 187 Houston ISD libraries are no longer functioning, 62 K-12 campuses have staff members assigned to them, at least part time. We host several gatherings a year for these remaining HISD library staffers.

On February 21st we'll share news, ideas, and refreshments; talk about the upcoming TLA conference and other events; hear about successful HISD library celebrations & programs; and more. As always, we'll offer raffle prizes and free books. HISD staff: look for your online invitation with more details!

01/26/2026

In the 2022-23 school year, every traditional Houston ISD campus was required to have a staffed library. In June 2023, the state took over HISD. Now 186 schools have no libraries. Almost all of these schools have high percentages of economically disadvantaged students, who have less access to books and technology at home.
Texas: school libraries promote literacy, and literacy leads to success in school and in life.
Texas Education Agency

01/22/2026

Houston ISD Librarians and Media Specialists: We're offering a limited number of $450 conference stipends - but applications are due by midnight tomorrow (Friday, January 23rd)! The online form is here: bit.ly/3LEx4yu
The conference dates are March 29-31; we'll also be organizing at least one conference meetup for HISD staff.
Please join us!
Texas Library Association Texas Education Agency

Address

Houston, TX

Website

http://www.FriendsofHISDLibraries.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Friends of HISD Libraries posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Friends of HISD Libraries:

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Houston?