the Bloom learning room
Houston is proud to have an active library, established through volunteer efforts, and the Bloom Learning Room is now frequented by all grade levels. Not only is the space used for reading, but also tutoring, and school-based and community events. Thanks to a Benjamin Moore contest in 2022, the library was reinvigorated and rejuvenated with a fresh coat of paint and with money from the Trolley Car Teacher's Fund we were able to add a cozy nook with rugs and beans bags. In the summer of 2025, there was a huge effort to update and rearrange the library and to increase library access and the library catalog was fully digitized!
Most excitingly, for the 26-27 school year, we are thrilled to share that due to the generosity of donors Jessica and David Kahn, the library is now staffed by a part-time librarian - Houston parent, Hannah Mermelstein. It is off to a joyful start, with 56 books checked out the first day we were open for 3rd-8th grade recess hours!
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But the library still needs volunteers...​Library programming for grades K-3 is run by Houston neighbor Elayne Blender and her amazing group of neighborhood volunteers. Meanwhile, Recess Access has been set up for grades 3-8 on Mondays and Fridays via Houston parent volunteers. You can help with those efforts by signing up here. As with other volunteering at the school, you'll need to make sure you have your clearances first.​
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Questions or volunteer interest? Reach out to the Houston librarian, Hannah Mermelstein, henryhoustonlibrary@gmail.com.
upcoming
events
Watch this space
Past
events
On October 5, Philadelphia-based artist, educator, and award-winning author Jamar Nicholas visited Houston, and spoke at assemblies for every grade in the school! Jamar is the author of the beloved graphic novels LEON THE EXTRAORDINARY and LEON: WORST FRIENDS FOREVER (and his third book is coming out in January!).
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We partnered with independent bookstore Multiverse Philly to sell Jamar’s books at a discount for and Jamar signed copies purchased in advance!
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From November 2-6 2026, our librarian, Hannah, and a group of parent volunteers arranged for a Scholastic Book Fair at Houston. The week included a Family Night, with food supplied by the Mutual Aid Committee and a Coffee Morning, for extra shopping hours. Every student was able to get a book, classrooms and the library were stocked with great new reads, and we raised over $2500 for the Student Activities Fund!
