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Per the release, the BBHLF's Family Place Libraries initiative launched in 2017 following the death of former first lady Barbara Bush to honor and advance her lifelong commitment to family literacy and early childhood education.
"Mrs. Bush believed deeply that parents are a child's first and most important teachers, and that libraries play a vital role in supporting families. Family Place Libraries bring her vision to live every single day," BBHLF President and CEO Julie Finck said in a statement.
Through partnerships with the Houston Public Library and Harris County Public Library, the BBHLF was able to open 40 Family Place Libraries across the Greater Houston area by the end of 2025—the year Bush would've turned 100 years old.
"This milestone reflects the very best of what can happen when public libraries, philanthropy and community partners work together with shared purpose," Finck said. "Our partnerships with Houston Public Library and Harris County Public Library have been extraordinary, and I know Barbara Bush would be absolutely delighted to see families across our region learning and growing together in these welcoming spaces."
What to expect
The BBHLF's Family Place Libraries span 26 Harris County Public Library branches and 14 Houston Public Library branches. Per the release, Family Place Libraries are specially-designed spaces equipped with high-quality materials and professionally trained library staff that aim to strengthen early literacy and school readiness for children age 5 and younger.
"The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation has made an extraordinary investment in our libraries and our communities," Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in a statement. "By expanding Family Place Libraries across Houston and Harris County, they are strengthening families, supporting early learning and reinforcing the vital role libraries play in community life. We are grateful for their vision, partnership and commitment to Houston's future."
Funding the project
Per the release, the $1 million venture was made possible through corporate and philanthropic partners, including:"Each Family Place Library represents an investment not just in a space, but in families, relationships and futures," Finck said. "Together, we are building stronger families, stronger neighborhoods and a stronger Houston—one library at a time."
