Youth grades 2nd-12th are welcome to come learn chess from teen volunteers at the library! Join Andy and friends as they walk you through moves that will get you started and improve your game. This program is for beginner and intermediate players.
Tweens
https://hcpl.bibliocommons.com/events/69efcaeff29b90618effa691
admin
Tue, 04/28/2026 - 07:00
Hope Shiver illustrates through story and song the life of famous abolitionist Sojourner Truth. Her sensitive portrayal, often using Sojourner’s own songs and speeches to bring the story to life, inspires participants to learn how laws are made and to explore the plight of slaves in the North while clapping and chanting to the familiar spirituals of the time. Performance topics include the abolitionist movement, the women’s movement, the Civil War, and President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Tickets required and will be available 30 minutes before the performance begins.
https://hcpl.bibliocommons.com/events/69efc9e0213814b1b525418c
admin
Tue, 04/28/2026 - 07:00
Come learn about a local animal rescue’s work creating a safe space for our amazing wildlife neighbors and meet some colorful animal ambassadors! Tickets required and released 30 minutes before the program begins.
Come see Books Alive bring the children's book The Ballerina with Webbed Feet! from the page to the stage in a fully-staged original musical play that your family will love!
Books Alive adapts children's literature into fully-staged original 45 minute musicals, carefully honoring the author’s message, encouraging students to develop a healthy love of books, while often providing their first opportunity to see live theatre. Crafted and performed by a professional troupe, productions are bright, engaging, fun, and entertaining for all ages!
Get ready for a magical adventure with John O’Bryant’s 2026 Summer Reading Magic Show! This all-new performance is packed with mind-blowing magic, dazzling illusions, and plenty of laugh-out-loud surprises. Come see the impossible happen right before your eyes!
Register to join us for the magic show!
All the crafts will be available at the Teen/Tween Kickoff! Youth headed to grades 4th –12th come make a button, adopt a dino, bead a bracelet, and more! Random prize drawings available to those who have registered for the Summer Reading Program!
This FREE Art Camp is a program in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) that has been available at HCPL branches since Summer 2000. This program is made available to us for free, thanks to grants that the MFAH receives. With this program six library branches per year take advantage of week-long summer art camp in which teachers from the prestigious MFAH Glassell school for the Arts come in to teach kids ages 6-12 art classes (10am – 12pm) for four days in the selected week (Mon-Thurs) culminating in a free field trip on Friday (bus provided) to the museum!
A bashful dinosaur enlists her friends and the audience to help her overcome her shyness and find her voice. The audience learns the importance of courage, confidence, and overcoming personal obstacles from within—with a little help from friends.
Best suited for PreK–5th grade, but designed to be fun and engaging for all ages, including younger children and adults.
Join us at the Parker Williams Library Innovation Lab for our Laser Cutter Orientation!
This orientation session will introduce participants to the laser-cutting services we offer at the library. Those who complete the orientation will then be able to request supervised time to use a laser cutter at any HCPL branch that has one.
🎥🎬 Lights, laughter, and classic cartoons! 🎥🎬
Calling all teens—come hang out at the library for a special cartoon
Bring your own favorite snacks 🍫🍪🥤 to enjoy while you watch and get ready for a fun-filled break with nonstop cartoon comedy. If you love animation and humor, this is the perfect event for you!