Houston Public Library - Newsletter - The Link 2016 Winter Edition by Houston Public Library

Houston Public Library Linking YOU to the World

CELEBRATING AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY Winter 2016 Image by Frank Morrison, illustrator of featured Children's book Melba and Her Big Trombone

the LINK NEWS | EVENTS | SERVICES

A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. Marcus Garvey

FEATURED 7

Houston Public Library Quarterly (HPLQ) Wil Haygood, author of The Butler presents his new book Showdown: Thurgood Marshall and the Supreme Court Nomination.

Read to the Final Four

New Source of e-books

CafĂŠcollege Houston

HISD third graders compete for the reading championship.

HPL offers thousands of e-books that you can read from the convenience of your laptop, tablet and phone!

Calling all middle and high school students! A free resource to help you through the clutter of paperwork and processes for college.

Visit the City of Houston Website: www.houstontx.gov

WELCOME TO HPL - the LINK

HERE’S WHAT’S INSIDE... WOMEN HISTORY MONTH

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY EVENTS

FEATURED AUTHOR: WIL HAYGOOD

FEATURED EVENT: THE THREE DOCTORS

CAFÉ COLLEGE HOUSTON

E-SERVICES: AXIS-360

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS: GREGORY SCHOOL

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP: READ TO THE FINAL FOUR

2015 has been quite an exciting year for HPL. We’ve had some amazing programs and events including our HPLQ event with Congressman John Lewis celebrating African American History Month, opening cafecollege Houston in collaboration with former Mayor Pro-Tem Edward Gonzalez, our participation in the NCAA Read To The Final Four program, and last but not least, our fantastic Three Doctors event. HPL strives to help and enrich the lives of the Houston community, particularly our youth. Our Three Doctors event provided a unique opportunity for 2,700 students, ranging in ages of 10 to 19 years old from schools across Greater Houston, to hear a compelling story about three young boys – much like themselves – who survived the tough inner city streets and became very successful men. The Three Doctors told their inspiring story to this captivated audience, and encouraged the students to win at life – no matter the odds. Enthused by these words, three young 5th grade boys from Aldine ISD’s Rayford Elementary personally wrote stories about their experience at the Three Doctors event and their determination to form a “pact” to stay on track. This is the type of impact that we at HPL are making on those we serve, and you should be proud. As we plan ahead, we have much to look forward to in 2016. Our next HPLQ series is showcasing yet another outstanding author – Wil Haygood and his quest to write about inspiring men, particularly in the African American community. Haygood is the author of the critically acclaimed, The Butler, and new best seller, Showdown, a fascinating story on Thurgood Marshall. It’s going to be great! As always, thank you for the work you do each and every day in your support of the Houston Public Library.

FAVORITE DOWNLOADS Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson, Director

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Wonder Women Week

HPLEVENT

WOMEN HISTORY MONTH MARCH 2016

Celebrating the contributions and heroism of women around the world. Visit houstonlibrary.org/women-history for detailed information on event dates and times.

Public domain

“I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them. I was surrounded by extraordinary women in my life who taught me about quiet strength and dignity.” -- Michelle Obama.

Wonder Women Week

Critical Conversations

March 6 - 12, 2016

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 Julia Ideson Building | Auditorium 550 McKinney St. | Houston, 77002

Celebrate Teen Tech Week ™ and “Create It at Your Library.” As part of HPL’s Women’s History Month programming, workshops and activities aim to highlight the accomplishments and contributions of women in STEM fields. Wonder Women at Work! a Career Day at Carnegie Thursday, March 10, 2016 Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning 1050 Quitman | Houston, 77009

Civic Engagement event on gender pay gap/income inequality and a retrospective look at the 1977 National Women’s Conference. Story to Screen Outdoor Movie Night Thursday, March 31, 2016 Central Library | Plaza 500 McKinney St. | Houston, 77002

Cheer for the All-American Girls of baseball in director Penny Marshall’s 1992 hit, A League of Their Own.

Get to the next level in your career and attend this informative day with career building guest speakers, interactive activities and one-onone with Cafécollege Houston.

Tumblebooks for Kids Discover Facts. Get Smarter

Tumble into adventure with talking and moving books. www.houstonlibrary.org/learn-explore/kids

EVENTS AND IMPACT

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

Celebrate the history and achievements of African Americans through author and artist presentations, activities, exhibit and more during the month of February at HPL. HPL is hosting multiple events and activites for people of all ages to enjoy. Check our events at houstonlibrary.org/aahm for details on locations, dates and times.

MEET THE AUTHOR Chris Tomlinson

Julia Ideson Building | Auditorium | 550 McKinney, 77002 Houston Chronicle reporter discusses his acclaimed book, Tomlinson Hill: The Remarkable Story of Two Families who Share the Tomlinson Name—One White, One Black. Appropriate for young adults and above.

Pat Tucker

McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library 5411 Pardee St., 77026 Prolific writer and journalist talks about her new book. Appropriate for young adults and above.

Cydney Rax

Johnson Neighborhood Library | 3517 Reed Rd., 77051 Join the best-selling author discussing the latest installment in her "Love and Revenge" series.

It Shall Be Done Exhibition

November 14, 2015 – April 30, 2016 The African American Library at the Gregory School 1300 Victor St, 77019 It Shall Be Done Exhibition: Recent Acquisitions From the Gregory School Collection includes. photographs, documents, rare artwork and artifacts on the inception of the Houston College for Negroes.

Cydney Rax

Explore Your History

Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research 5300 Carline, 77004 Classes and discussions with Genealogist Sharon Gillins Call 832-393-2600 to register

Ensemble Theater: Fences!

renowned

Saturday, February 6, 2016 Harvesting Ancestors: Lessons from the Garden Louisiana Conveyance Records: Researching Enslaved Ancestry Saturday, February 20, 2016 From Post to Pre-Civil War: The African American Experience in Records Part 1: First Louisiana Guard - The Life of a Free Man of Color Part 2: Pre-Civil War Slave Ancestors - Identifying the Slaveholder

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Ensemble Theater’s electrifying cast performs a sneak peak of August Wilson’s classic Pulitzer Prize broadway play, Fences!

HPLEVENTS Storytimes and Activites at your nearby Neighborhood Libraries Ruby Bridges Story-Time

This beautiful picture book, tells the true story of six-year-old Ruby Bridges, a young African American girl who entered a whites only school in New Orleans during the Civil Rights era. Be inspired by this brave, young girl’s journey to presevere through great times of change.

Martin’s Helping Hands Wreath

Create beautiful, inspiring wreaths with your children while learning about the important message of peace and equality by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Illustration from book Little Melba and Her Big Trombone

YOUTH EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES In the spirit of African American trailblazers, take a stand for justice and fairness and make some noise for Little Melba and Her Big Trombone! Learn about Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during special storytimes. Participate in “Pledge Quilt” activities and much more by checking houstonlibrary.org/aahm to plan your family-friendly HPL visits.

When Were You an Activist: Comic Strip Maker

Young children and tweens alike will have fun creating their own comic strips depicting their own story of standing up for what they believe in.

Pledge Quilt: I pledge to stand up for ______

Little Melba and her Big Trombone Acclaimed Katheryn Russell-Brown brings a musician and unsung hero of jazz, Melba Doretta Liston, to life in her highly acclaimed children’s book. Read more on Katheryn Russell-Brown on page 14 in the Youth Section. Appropriate for children 6 years old and above.

DA CAMERA Chamber Music & Jazz presents

Da Camera of Houston is one of America’s leading presenters and producers of ensemble music. Bring the entire family to enjoy and appreciate an evening of jazz by a distinctive mix of renowned performers and emerging artists. Appropriate for people of all ages.

Create your own pledge to stand up for what you believe and make it a part of the HPL pledge quilt.

Activism Movies: Glory Road, Remember the Titans, Freedom Writers, The Help

Enjoy films telling the fascinating and true stories of everyday heros who stood up to racism and injustice and persevered. For details and dates of these activites, visit: www.houstonlibrary.org/aahm

FEATURED AUTHOR

Houston Public Library Quarterly

FOUR BOOKS FOR HOUSTON The HPLQ program aims to highlight a notable book each season. This February, we turn our attention to the first African American Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thurgood Marshall. Thurgood Marshall brought down the separate-but-equal doctrine, integrated schools and not only fought for human rights and human dignity, but also made them impossible to deny in the courts and in the streets. In this stunning new biography, award winning author Wil Haygood takes you along the journey of the real-life events surrounding the heated Thurgood Marshall Supreme Court appointment and his special friendship with Lyndon Johnson.

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A WORD WITH

HPQLAUTHOR BOOKS BY AUTHOR WIL HAYGOOD

WIL HAYGOOD

Photo taken by Jeff Sabo Wil Haygood is one of America’s most critically acclaimed authors. He will be visiting HPL to discuss his most recent book, Showdown: Thurgood Marshall and the Supreme Court Nomination that Changed America – a novel on African American legend Thurgood Marshall, as one of HPL’s featured HPLQ series authors. His speaking engagement will be held at Texas Southern University on Saturday, February 13, 2016. Haygood’s life as a writer and journalist has been fascinating. He has written for premier papers such as The Boston Globe and The Washington Post. He has witnessed Nelson Mandela’s release after 27 years of imprisonment in South Africa, covered New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina, reported alongside Barack Obama during his presidential campaign in 2008, and was even taken hostage by Somalian rebels. What started him on this amazing journey was his large dose of curiosity and trips to his local library. His mother would give him fifty cents for a round trip bus fare to take him to the library in Columbus, Ohio. That fifty cents would fulfill his curiosity and dreams of traveling to places outside of the small city of Columbus. As he got lost among the stacks of books, he would travel to New York, California, Louisiana and more. Little did he know that these trips to the library would propel him to travel to these actual places and inspire him to write about his experiences, just like the authors he read.

Since his trips to the library, Haygood has written a number of novels, most notably The Butler: A Witness to History which received national attention and inspired an Oscar nominated movie. His latest book, Showdown, has been receiving accolades across the nation. Haygood has described the response as something that he’s never experienced before. His hometown, Columbus, has issued for the first time ever a One City, One Book six-week program using The Butler as the selected title. Haygood feels a strong connection to Showdown. He was born the year of Thurgood Marshall’s victory in the Brown vs. Board of Education, a powerful movement that positively affected people’s lives across the nation. Thurgood Marshall is also a person Haygood greatly admires, and always wanted to tell his story. HPL can’t wait to hear more from Wil Haygood during his visit in February. The HPLQ series is a free event and open to the public. Please visit houstonlibrary.org to find out more details on this upcoming event. Also look for more on Wil Haygood and his experience on the 2008 presidential campaign and how it inspired him to write The Butler on the houstonlibrary.org blog posting! For more information visit: www.houstonlibrary.org/hplq.

Haygood describes Showdown as a thriller. He rivets the reader as he takes them along Thurgood Marshall’s journey to make it on a Supreme Court. He takes you through his friendship with President Lyndon Johnson, and what made their friendship so special. It’s a fascinating story, and Haygood sees that people are fascinated to hear it. This book has really meant a lot to him. It grows in his consciousness everyday.

Houston Public Library Quarterly (HPLQ) Wil Haygood Saturday, February 13, 2016 | 2 PM Texas Southern University’s Sawyer Auditorium 3100 Cleburne St., 77004

Author of The Butler takes the stage to discuss his Thurgood Marshall biography Showdown: Thurgood Marshall and the Supreme Court Nomination that Changed America. Appropriate for adults and children 12 years old and above. Visit houstonlibrary.org/hplq to reserve your seat.

FEATURED EVENTS

THE PACT:

Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream The Houston Public Library was honored to partner with the City of Houston’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative, Houston Public Library Foundation and 3B Resources Group to present The Three Doctors to the youth of the City of Houston on November 6, 2015. Through this program, we reached 2,700 students between 5th and 12th grade from schools across the Greater Houston area, twenty-nine of which are part of the My Brother’s Keeper Initiative. The students were inspired as they listened to the Three Doctors compelling stories as well as uplifting speeches by the Former City of Houston Mayor Annise D. Parker, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Houston City Councilman Jerry Davis. We strive, along with the My Brother’s Keeper Initiative, to ensure our youth continue to grow intellectually, culturally and economically, and become vibrant members of our communities. The opportunity for young people to hear this compelling story about these three amazing men could very well be a lifeline to many who are in similar circumstances today.

FROM: EDUCATORS I am a Counselor at Rayford Intermediate in Aldine ISD. I started a book club of about thirty young gentlemen, selected by their teachers. The book they have been reading and discussing is entitled, The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream. The book is about three men who make a pact to become doctors. On Friday, November 6th, our book club had the opportunity to see, listen and meet The Three Doctors, hosted by the Houston Public Library. The Three Doctors spoke of their achievements, but most importantly about how they got there despite the many obstacles they faced. Our young gentlemen were asked to wear a tie to the event. Several male educators taught them how to tie them before leaving for the program. I am proud to say that they were the only students that wore ties. It was a joy to see the smiles on their faces as we walked through the building and many strangers complimenting them on how nice they looked. Our gentlemen represented themselves and our school very well, and in doing so, they had the privilege of getting their books signed by the authors. During the book signing, Dr. Hunt, Dr. Davis, and Dr. Jenkins took the time to speak with each of our students, imparting some wisdom and leaving a lasting impression upon each of them.

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Tanesha Jones

Who are the Three Doctors? Dr. Sampson Davis, Dr. Rameck Hunt, and Dr. George Jenkins, fondly known as The Three Doctors, are extraordinary role models. These three doctors began with a childhood promise to persevere and become successful, prominent men, despite facing barriers growing up in the tough inner-city of Newark, New Jersey. They used positive peer pressure to overcome the many challenges they faced, thus allowing them the opportunity to realize their dream of each becoming a successful physician. Today, The Three Doctors give their time and resources through their Foundation, which stands on the premise that “Our Children Can Not Aspire to Be What They Can Not See.” They passionately share their remarkable story of perseverance to inspire and motivate young people to achieve education and career success through the formation of positive peer and mentor relationships.

FROM: 5TH GRADERS RAYFORD ELEMENTARY What I experienced from the Pact is that a lot of children went through struggles. All kids should have a fair chance to succeed in life but most children do not. I liked that field trip because my family’s not the best. Most kids grow up in a diverse neighborhood and it’s not their fault. They inspired me not to go down the wrong path. I will do just as you said to… Rameck, George, Sampson.

What I experienced from the Pact so far is that you always have to be responsible, focused and always be energetic for school. It taught me how to be happy, kind and good. That also taught me how to want a scholarship to go to college. It taught me to be a gentleman instead of being a child or being childish for all of me. It taught me how to be really likeable and how to be good so you can have a good career. Rameck taught me me how to always stay off drugs and don’t attempt to murder somebody. George taught me how to pick the right friends and I already did I have my three brothers. We all plan on to make our own “Pact”. Sam taught us to always do good in school.

Cory Huff Jr.

What I experienced in the book, “The Pact” is that a lot of children grow up in a diverse and unfortunate neighborhood with drug dealers and thugs. The three doctors, Rameck, George and Sam had only certain people in their lives that they looked up to. It mainly was their teachers because their teachers encouraged them, so they could become successful in life because they live with bad influences. They became doctors to because to be successful and to send a message to all the kids in the world who are struggling to not let anyone tell you, you can’t do something, to not make the same mistakes they did, and that you can be anything you want to be in life. The book teaches you to be successful. My three best friends, we all made our own pact and to encourage other children who are struggling.

P.S. We all are going to be Engineers.

Johnny S.

What I experience was in the book and on the fieldtrip that yall taught was to pick the right friends and I did just that. My three friends are smart, intelligent, kind and fun that is why I pick them. You also tought me to go thru struggles, mess-ups, and douts. You also tought me to get a good career and do better, and never do drugs and we all plan to be engineers and make our own pact. Jace Jones

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TEENS AND EDUCATION

CAFÉCOLLEGE HOUSTON HOUSTON

Calling all middle school and high school students! You now have a free resource to help you through the clutter of paperwork and processes to make going to college a reality! The Houston Public Library (HPL) has teamed with former City of Houston Mayor Pro-Tem Edward Gonzalez and Project Grad to bring Cafécollege Houston to the City of Houston! Cafécollege Houston is the premier resource for free college and career support, providing information and one-on-one counseling. Its vast resources include help on ACT and SAT test preparation, college admission policies and processes, finding financial aid and how to apply, career preparation such as résumé writing and building, college virtual tours and more.

Cafécollege Houston is hosted at the Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning. This facility has the most up-to-date technology to connect people to all resources that are needed to apply to a higher education institute such as a university, career tech school or community college. The center includes conference rooms, wireless capabilities as well as a coffee bar and lounge area to make students feel comfortable while working toward their higher education goals.

Many people get lost in the paperwork, and the inability to receive sufficient counseling which causes frustration and a tendency to give up. Cafécollege Houston is dedicated to helping high school students, transfer students, adults returning to school and even parents, and guidance counselors, by providing guidance and direction to help create a college and even a career path. Cafécollege was originally a dream project of former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro who saw a burning need to help his citizens seek higher education. He was able to make it a reality in 2010. Former Mayor Pro-Tem Ed Gonzalez saw the same need in his city. Former Mayor Pro-Tem Gonzalez is a life-long resident of Houston, and he has been dedicated to making his hometown the leading global city of the 21st century for his past three terms as a City Council member. His priority has been to invest in building the infrastructure of Houston, which means investing in the city’s citizens themselves. When he saw an opportunity to bring Cafécollege to Houston, he immediately approached HPL to collaborate on the project. HPL has always been dedicated to providing the Houston community multiple services in various forms to link people to opportunity and advancement in their lives through education, career and healthy lifestyle. With HPL’s resources and services, it made perfect sense to place Cafécollege Houston at one of HPL’s locations. HPL has partnered with Project GRAD Houston in order to have on-site experts provide one-on-one counseling and host workshops, tours and presentations. For more information on Cafécollege or to find workshop times, please visit www.cafecollegehouston.com or call 832-393-1720.

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CAFÉCOLLEGE HOUSTON Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning 1050 Quitman, 77009 | 832-393-1313 Tuesday – Thursday; 8:30AM – 7:30PM Friday, 1PM-5PM; Saturday, 10AM – 5PM

CHECK-OUT AND READ

HPL E-SERVICES

IN JUST 3 CLICKS!

Would you like to read a good book and just don’t have time to visit the library to check one out? HPL offers thousands of e-books that you can read from the convenience of your laptop, tablet and phone! Your e-reading experience has just become even easier and better than before. HPL has just added the new e-book App, Axis360, to its series of digital services. Axis360 offers an interactive and engaging e-reading experience. This e-book application offers additional current and backlist best-sellers to HPL’s digital book offering.

It includes a selection of enhanced e-books which combine print and audio narration as well as pages with full-color and rich pictures. As with all HPL services and software, Axis360 is free to download. The App is compatible from PCs to tablets to smartphones on Windows, iOS and Androids. It is fully accessible for the blind and visually impaired. Once you’ve downloaded the App and setup your account, you will never have to log in again. You can search for your book, check out and read a title with just 3 clicks.

CHECK OUT THE AXIS360 APP AND ITS FEATURES! •

Dynamic and Easy Store Front. The front page (after logging in) is a dynamic and easy to use showcase of HPL’s digital collection.

OTHER ONLINE SERVICES Provides streaming and downloadable movies, TV shows, music and audiobooks.

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Easy Navigation. Axis360 makes it simple to find, check out and read on multiple devices that can all be downloaded through the Cloud.

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Easy Search Options. You can search for your books with the ata-glance digital collection overview or even narrow your search by the subject you’re interested in researching.

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Book Recommendations. Don’t know what to read next? Axis360 will supply you with reading recommendations based on your inquiries and check out history. It also allows you to create wish lists for future reading opportunities.

Features e-books and professionally narrated English and Spanish-language audiobooks.

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Rate Your Book or Read other user’s ratings. Axis360 allows you to write reviews, assign ratings and share with other users at HPL. A helpful feature for finding that next great read.

E-books, audiobooks, and more. All you need is a library card.

Provides access to over 8 million songs and 15,000 music videos from over 28,000 labels.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

The African American Library at the Gregory School 1300 Victor St, 77019 832-393-1440

The African American Library is housed in the Edgar M. Gregory School, which served as the first public school for African Americans in Houston. The first library of its kind in Houston and one of the few African American libraries in the country, the Gregory School serves as a resource to preserve, promote, and celebrate the rich history and culture of African Americans in Houston, the surrounding region, and the African Diaspora. The library provides incomparable collections of multi-type resources including reference books, rare books, archival materials, exhibits, artifacts, oral histories, and innovative programs. With community participation, this facility is expected to become one-of-a-kind research and cultural center, providing valuable information to the Houston community and the entire world.

HEMAN SWEATT

HOUSTON CITIZEN MAKES CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY Many people are familiar with the Brown v. Board of Education case of 1954, which overturned statesponsored segregation in public schools as determined by Plessy v. Ferguson (1896). However, many Houstonians don’t realize that a groundbreaking civil rights battle was fought by one of our own, Mr. Heman Marion Sweatt (1912-1982). Sweatt v. Painter (1950) helped set the stage for Brown v. Board of Education. The African American Library at the Gregory School is home to some informative archival materials relating to Heman Sweatt and the world of Black lawyers in Houston during the early Civil Rights Movement. The John W. Davis & Mrs. Martha Sneed Davis Family Collection, donated to the African American Library at the Gregory School by Algenita Scott Davis, is a treasure trove of documents that shed light on Heman Sweatt’s legacy. Sweatt graduated from Jack Yates High School in 1930, and he earned his B.A. at Wiley College in 1934. After college, he held a number of jobs, and he eventually became a mail carrier. Throughout the 1940s, Sweatt became interested in the discrimination against Black

postal workers in Houston. He worked closely with lawyers to build a case against racist practices in the post office. This experience prompted him to attend law school, but he faced a major problem: There was no law school for African American people in Texas. Sweatt chose to apply to the University of Texas School of Law (UT). Knowing that he would likely be rejected because of his race, Sweatt worked with the NAACP to use this opportunity to fight against segregated education. In February 1946, Sweatt, NAACP representatives, and the president of UT, Theophilus S. Painter, met to discuss Sweatt’s application to UT’s law school. The results of the meeting were unsatisfactory, and in May 1946, Sweatt filed suit against Painter and other UT administrators. The case made its way through the court system until a decision to desegregate was reached in June 1950. Sweatt registered for classes that fall, but the case and difficulties he faced at UT had taken a serious toll on his health. After a couple of years at UT, Sweatt left law school. He eventually earned his M.A. from Atlanta University in 1954, and he had a successful career

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as an educator and community organizer in Cleveland and Atlanta until his death in 1982. Heman Sweatt’s legacy did not end with his death, and the events surrounding Sweatt v. Painter were part of a larger mobilization of Black lawyers in the Houston area in the midtwentieth century. The John W. Davis & Mrs. Martha Sneed Davis Family Collection at the African American Library at the Gregory School sheds light on some of the people and organizations active at the time of Sweatt v. Painter and other civil rights cases. By donating their materials to the African American Library at the Gregory School, the Davis family has not only preserved some of their personal memories, but they have contributed to public knowledge of the Civil Rights Movement in Texas. As African American History Month approaches, take some time to visit the African American Library at the Gregory School to learn about the accomplishments of African American Houstonians.

COMMUNITY PARNTERSHIPS

NCAA READ TO THE FINAL FOUR

NCAA Final Four is designed exclusively for 3rd grade students. It encourages the spirit of competition while promoting the enjoyment and benefits of reading. The Houston Public Library (HPL) likes nothing more than seeing children excited about reading. The Houston Independent School District (HISD) invited HPL to partner with the NCAA Final Four Local Organizing Committee and University of Houston (UH) for the Read to the Final Four

literacy challenge. Sixty-eight HISD elementary schools were selected to participate in this special program. The program is designed exclusively for 3rd grade students. It encourages the spirit of competition while promoting the enjoyment and benefits of reading.

HPL supplied each student with a new library card dedicated to help every participating student succeed in this program by providing access to over 1 million of the library’s resources from HPL’s juvenile print and digital material collection including e-books, audiobooks, and tutoring. Twenty-five library locations are providing a dedicated NCAA resource section with updates on the competition and recommended reading lists. The program kicked off with a fun-filled event at Blackshear Elementary with UH Basketball players, cheerleaders and the

Cougar mascot. Blackshear’s 3rd graders were super excited to start the competition beginning with the UH Basketball Head Coach, Kelvin Sampson, reading a basketball inspired book and ending with using their Learning Link Library card to checkout their first book for the competition and using HPL’s digital services on the Mobile Express unit. The competition will last until April 1, 2016, where the winning 3rd grade class will be able to attend the Final Four games.

FEATURED CHILDREN'S AUTHOR

BOOKLIST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

By Phillip Hoose

by Ruby Bridges

by Franck Prevot

by Lesa Cline-Ransome

by Ezra Jack Keats

by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin

KATHERYN RUSSELL-BROWN Books play a major role when young people begin to shape their sense of fairness and equity. Professor Katheryn RussellBrown, using her professional law background, writes books for young children focusing on criminal justice issues. Her literature encourages young people to think critically about perceptions of race, class, and power within the justice system and helps young people understand the court system, corrections and the police. Her award winning childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book, Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, shifts focus to the joy of making music. Take the jazz-thumping journey with Melba Doretta Liston as she daydreams about beats and lyrics to falling in love with a big, shiny trombone. The books brim with ebullience and its vibrant illustrations brings Melbaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trailblazing journey as a great unsung hero of jazz to life. Professor Russell-Brown will be visiting various HPL Neighborhood Libraries to read this wonderful book to children of all ages and discuss the little known great jazz musician who worked with jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Billie Holiday and Quincy Jones.

BOOKS FOR TEENS

by Deborah Wiles

by Kekla Magoon

By Sharon M. Draper

by Ilyasah Shabazz and Kekla Magoon

by Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely

by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin

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FAVORITE DOWNLOADS

HPLCOLLECTION

Houston Public Library and its partner OverDrive are excited to offer downloadable e-books, to our customers. Below are some favorites and new downloads available for you to enjoy.

By Minday Kaling

By Rick Yancey

By Harper Lee

By Rainbow Rowell

By E L James

By Paula Hawkins

By Aziz Ansari

By Julie Murphy

By Margaret Atwood

By Scott Weterfield

Visit our catalog to download more audiobooks and e-books www.houstonlibrary.org and search our catalog.

ADULTS

By Ta-Nehisi Coates

By Claudia Rankine

By Charles Blow

By Wil Haygood

By James McBride

By Sister Souljah

By Diane McKinney Whetstone

By Jeanne Theoharis

By John Lewis and Michael D'Orso

By Chris Tomlinson

HPL LOCATIONS BRACEWELL 9002 Kingspoint Dr., 77075 | 832-393-2580

LAKEWOOD 8815 Feland Street, 77028 | 832-393-2530

STANAKER 611 S/Sgt. Macario Garcia, 77011 | 832-393-2080

CARNEGIE NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARY & CENTER FOR LEARNING 1050 Quitman, 77009 | 832-393-1720

LOOSCAN 2510 Willowick, 77027 | 832-393-1900

STIMLEY-BLUE RIDGE 7007 West Fuqua, 77489 | 832-393-2370

MANCUSO 6767 Bellfort, 77087 | 832-393-1920

TUTTLE 702 Kress, 77020 | 832-393-2100

TELEPHONE RENEWALS 832-393-2280

MCCRANE-KASHMERE GARDENS 5411 Pardee St., 77026 | 832-393-2450

VINSON 3810 West Fuqua, 77045| 832-393-2120

CIRCULATION QUESTIONS 832-393-2222

MCGOVERN–STELLA LINK 7405 Stella Link, 77025 | 832-393-2630

WALTER 7660 Clarewood, 77036 | 832-393-2500

MELCHER 7200 Keller, 77012 | 832-393-2480

YOUNG 5260 Griggs Rd., Palm Center 77021| 832-393-2140

CENTRAL LIBRARY 500 McKinney St., 77002 | 832-393-1313 CLEAR LAKE CITY–COUNTY FREEMAN MEMORIAL 16616 Diana Lane, 77062 | 281-488-1906 COLLIER REGIONAL 6200 Pinemont, 77092 | 832-393-1740 DIXON 8002 Hirsch, 77016 | 832-393-1760 FIFTH WARD 4014 Market St., 77020 | 832-393-1770 FLORES 110 North Milby, 77003 | 832-393-1780 FREED-MONTROSE 4100 Montrose, 77006 | 832-393-1800 HEIGHTS 1302 Heights Blvd., 77008 | 832-393-1810 HENINGTON-ALIEF REGIONAL 7979 South Kirkwood, 77072 | 832-393-1820 CLOSED FOR RENOVATION HILLENDAHL 2436 Gessner Rd., 77080 | 832-393-1940 JOHNSON 3517 Reed Rd., 77051 | 832-393-2550 JULIA IDESON BUILDING 550 McKinney St. , 77002 | 832-393-1662 JUNGMAN 5830 Westheimer Rd., 77057 | 832-393-1860 CLOSED FOR RENOVATION KENDALL 609 N. Eldridge, 77079 | 832-393-1880

MEYER 5005 West Bellfort, 77035 | 832-393-1840 MOODY 9525 Irvington, 77076 | 832-393-1950 OAK FOREST 1349 West 43rd St., 77018 | 832-393-1960 PARENT RESOURCE LIBRARY THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON 1500 Binz, 77004 | 713-535-7292

REFERENCE / INFO 832-393-1313

TTY (HEARING IMPAIRED) 832-393-1539

CAFECOLLEGE CARNEGIE NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARY & CENTER FOR LEARNING 1050 Quitman, 77009 | 832-393-1720 HPL EXPRESS LOCATIONS HPL EXPRESS FRANK 10103 Fondren, Brays Oaks Towers Building, 77096 832-393-2410 HPL EXPRESS DISCOVERY GREEN 1500 McKinney St., #R2 77010 | 832-393-1375

PARK PLACE REGIONAL 8145 Park Place, 77017 | 832-393-1970

HPL EXPRESS SOUTHWEST 6400 High Star, 77074 | 832-393-2660

PLEASANTVILLE 1520 Gellhorn, 77029 | 832-393-2330

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS THE AFRICAN AMERICAN LIBRARY AT THE GREGORY SCHOOL 1300 Victor St., 77019 | 832-393-1440

RING 8835 Long Point, 77055 | 832-393-2000 ROBINSON-WESTCHASE 3223 Wilcrest, 77042 | 832-393-2011 SCENIC WOODS REGIONAL 10677 Homestead Rd., 77016 | 832-393-2030 SHEPARD-ACRES HOMES 8501 West Montgomery, 77088 | 832-393-1700 SMITH 3624 Scott St., 77004 | 832-393-2050

VOLUNTEER SERVICES 832-393-1481 If you have a special physical or communication need that may impact your participation in any of these activities, please contact the location staff prior to the program to discuss accommodations. We cannot ensure the availability of appropriate accommodations without prior notification of need.

This publication made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Houston Public Library

HOUSTON METROPOLITAN RESEARCH CENTER, LOCATED IN THE JULIA IDESON BUILDING 550 McKinney St., 77002 | 832-393-1662 CLAYTON LIBRARY CENTER FOR GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH 5300 Caroline, 77004 | 832-393-2600

For the most up-to-date hours of operation, please visit our website: www.houstonlibrary.org/locations

Holiday Closings: Sunday, January 17 - Monday, January 18, 2016 (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday) and Sunday, March 27, 2016 (Easter)

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The Friends of the Houston Public Library, founded in 1953 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering wider recognition, use, and support of the Houston Public Library. With support from the Friends, Houston Public Library is better able to meet the vital needs of the community.

Houston Public Library’s Central Library is home to the awardwinning author series, “Houston Public Library Quarterly (HPLQ)”, and several other exciting, innovative programs that bring national and local authors from several genres to the Houston Public Library.

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We are looking for volunteers to help us with these programs. To learn more, please visit www.houstonlibrary.org/events.

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