Our Programs

Lifelong literacy is central to the mission of Harris County Public Library. We help out by providing support for its dynamic programming that inspires a love of reading. We connect readers and learners of all ages to enriching programs in our branches and beyond.

BOOK BUDDIES

Book Buddies is a free program that brings children and adult or teen volunteers together to share the joy of reading.  The Big Buddies help their Little Buddies select books which they read together. At the end of the program, we provide books for the Big Buddies to gift to their Little Buddies.
 

SUMMER READING PROGRAM

Every summer, thousands of customers stream into HCPL branches for the exciting programming and special events that come with Summer Reading. The Friends provide crucial support in the form of funds for books and special programs.

TOURNAMENT OF BOOKS

Tournament of Books pits teams of teens against each other in a competition for the (teen)ages! Teams read through a set of pre-selected books and face off at competitions, where they test their knowledge of the books against rivaling teams. The Friends feed the hungry teens during this growing program.
 

BRANCH MINI-GRANTS

Every year, the Friends provide mini-grants to each of the 26 HCPL branches. The branches have the freedom to complete any projects they wish. They share those projects with us, and we celebrate their achievements at our annual meeting.