Did you know that there are lots of items, besides books, that you can check out of the library? We’ve had our nature exploration backpacks and our STEM kits for quite some time, but we have recently added some other items to our collection. We have a variety of games, a putting system, a grow light, a camping sleeping pad, an automatic pet feeder, a yonanas machine, and a play parachute available for you to borrow. We’re also working on amassing a larger “Library of Things” in order to meet the needs of our community. See something you’re interested in borrowing? All items can be checked out to any patron who comes in, but they cannot be delivered via interlibrary loan. In-town delivery can be arranged with some notice. Questions? Call 896-READ!

September-October

Every Saturday morning at 10 am!

Enjoy books, playtime, science/sensory activities, games, and crafts geared toward young children and their caregivers. All are welcome!

• Saturday, September 23: Fall
• Saturday, September 30: Bats
• Saturday, October 7: Creepy Crawly Critters
• Saturday, October 14: Animals in Fall
• Saturday, October 21: Pumpkins
• Saturday, October 28: Not very scary, just a little spooky

Your world opens up when you get a library card!

A library card from Houston Public Library lets you…..

Check out items from our impressive collection of roughly 24,000 items, including books for all ages and interests, DVDs, audiobooks on CD, large print books, STEM kits, nature kits, and more.

Since we are part of the SELCO cooperative, a Houston library card also gives you access to ALL the circulating materials across the ENTIRE SELCO system. That means if we don’t have the item you are looking for in our collection, we can request it from another library and have it to you in a few days.

Your library card also gives you access to the Libby app, which lets you borrow e-books and e-audiobooks to your device at no charge.

A library card is available and free to anyone who lives in the state of Minnesota. You must provide proof of residence to get a card. Children under 16 need permission from a parent or guardian to get a library card. There is no charge for a library card.

Stop in for details and to get your library card!

The Houston Public Library opened its doors to the public in February 2002, the result of a two-year grass-roots effort led by a group of hard-working, committed volunteers. Our goal is to provide open access to cultural, intellectual, and informational resources promoting the development of independent, self-confident, and literate citizens.

In the library’s thirteen short years of existence, our annual circulation has risen from 7,239 to 34,579. In addition, we have moved from a small residential home owned by the city of Houston to a permanent location in a building donated by Ace Communications Group; run a successful fundraising campaign to pay for improvements to make our new home comply with ADA handicap accessibility requirements; joined our regional library cooperative, SELCO; cataloged and automated our collection; appeared on the cover of “The Libraries of Minnesota, “ published by the Minnesota Historical Society; run a second successful fundraising campaign, allowing us to renovate the interior of the library by our 10th birthday; and been selected as the recipient of numerous grants and awards (Libri Foundation grant, Baker & Taylor 2004 FOLSA award, Minnesota Legacy grants, United Way Venture Grants, Carl & Verna Schmidt Foundation grant, etc).

Despite our limited staff and space, we are proud to host weekly Saturday morning story times, a weight management support group, a book club for adults, two knitting clubs, a seasonal kid’s chess club, our annual Summer Reading program, and the popular “Book Hounds” reading therapy dog program.

The library is currently run by Director Liz Gibson-Gasset with the support of library assistant, Beth Peterson-Lee, and volunteers Lynn Carr and Sandi Klettenberg.