One Houston One Book
Houston Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Houston, the most diverse city in the U.S. with a population of 2.3 million and over 145 languages spoken, launched One Houston, One Book (OHOB): Diverse Stories for a Diverse City in 2023. In partnership with the Mayor’s Office and the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, HPL created a city-wide reading challenge aimed at celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity. OHOB included book selections for all age groups—children, teens, and adults—as well as low-literacy books for adults, recognizing that 1 in 3 Houston adults lack necessary literacy skills for the workforce. This program highlighted Houston’s rich diversity and raised awareness of HPL’s diverse collection, ensuring inclusivity for all ages and reading levels.
Challenge/Opportunity
In 2023, Texas saw 1,470 book challenges or bans, often targeting titles about race, history, and gender, restricting access to diverse voices, according to the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom. Against this backdrop of widespread censorship, HPL’s OHOB initiative aimed to celebrate Houston’s diverse cultures in a positive way, without contributing to the divisive political climate. The program featured books by authors experienced in dealing with censorship or bans and included selections for children, teens, and adults. Additionally, partnering with the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy ensured the program was accessible to all Houstonians, including those with low literacy skills. Two extra titles were chosen for educational partners working with adult learners.
Key Elements of Innovation
OHOB was designed to be inclusive, covering every age and reading level while focusing on diversity and inclusion, which resonated positively with the community.
Selected titles: The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi (children), Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Dr. Yusef Salaam (teens), Once I Was You by Maria Hinojosa (adults). Additional low-literacy titles: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros; From Farmworker to Astronaut by Jose M. Hernandez.
Over 100 OHOB-related activities were held from May to September 2023, including block parties, read-ins, open houses, book clubs, storytimes, and author visits.
OHOB culminated in September with a grand finale at the Houston Hobby Center featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and three of the featured authors.
Achieved Outcomes
City-Wide Collaboration: HPL, the Mayor’s Office, and the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy collaborated to showcase a unified approach to literacy and cultural awareness. OHOB brought 7,814 Houstonians together in engaging ways with a 95% high satisfaction rating in meeting community needs.
Equity in Literacy: HPL ensured OHOB was accessible to all community members, regardless of their reading level. OHOB’s focus on diverse authors/stories served as a powerful counter-narrative against censorship, making the program highly relevant to a diverse population.
Increased Library Engagement and Community Connections:44% of OHOB participants visited an HPL location for the first time.31% rise in check-outs for diverse titles. 70% increase in summer reading program attendance.38% of participants reported they made new connections through OHOB.
Enhanced Cultural Awareness:66% reported they learned something new, broadening their understanding and appreciation of diversity.
