The holiday spirit was sponsored by the Houston community in 2024, thanks to the generosity of a newly opened Barnes & Noble located at the Weslayan Plaza in West University. Partnering with the community, the bookstore launched a campaign inviting customers to donate their favorite books to a worthy cause. This resulted in the Fifth Ward neighborhood being gifted 1,200 books, at The Julia C. Hester House, a resource center dedicated to education, empowerment, and enrichment. Additionally, our own Ladies for Literacy Guild is accompanying Barnes & Noble’s donation with a 5,000 dollar grant to help continue to build the resource center’s library.

While customers were encouraged to donate any book of their choosing, the bookstore also had a curated section of popular books patrons could purchase and donate through the store. While the original goal was to collect 1,000 books, the community’s incredible contribution surpassed their goal the first week. 

Julia C. Hester House

Located in Houston’s Historic Fifth Ward, The Julia C. Hester House has been a cornerstone of the community since 1943. Offering a variety of programs, including youth development, senior services, literacy initiatives, and other activities, Hester House has collaborated with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy for several years, even sponsoring a Barbara’s Book Box and Camp Adventure. Hester House has proven time and again its ability to transform lives through its impactful programs. The Foundation is confident that the books collected will not only be cherished but also put to meaningful use in their literacy center and library.

Delivering the Holiday Cheer

Justin Zera, the Barnes & Noble store manager, personally ensured the books were delivered just in time for the holiday season. With the help of his wife’s trusty SUV, the books were transported to Hester House, where they were eagerly welcomed by Hester House and Representatives from Precinct 1. Once there, the books were carefully sorted and distributed across the center’s resource areas, ensuring they would reach the hands of those who need them most.

The success of this campaign is a testament to the power of giving, especially during the holiday season. By coming together, Barnes & Noble and the local community helped promote literacy, empower a historic organization, and brighten the lives of countless individuals and families.

While the campaign has ended, the spirit of giving lives on. Organizations like the Julia C. Hester House continue to welcome support year-round, whether through book donations, volunteering, or other contributions. Together, we can help foster a lifelong love of reading and learning for generations to come.