So many hugs, so little time

It's National Hugging Day and you need a strategy

If you're any kind of compassionate human being at all, you would already know that today is National Hugging Day. Yes, you have been encouraged by international decree to grab a person — any person! — and squeeze the hell out of them until they protest or threaten to break your arms. Take pleasure in it; it only happens once a year.

But why celebrate this glorious holiday like everyone else? You need to own National Hugging Day — really, really own it.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can personalize this special day, and make it one to remember.

Approach No. 1: Heckling for Hugs
We know the frat boy in you wants to don your most homeless motif and beg innocent passersby for warm embraces. So do it! Someone equally as smelly will find it in his or her heart to pity you and hug you back. Well, so we hope.

Approach No. 2: Truth in Advertising for Hugs
When it comes to hugs, honesty is a pretty great policy. If a hug is what you want, don't be timid about asking for it. Let people know what they're getting themselves into before they even approach you, so when you do seal the hugging deal, the moment will be golden.

Approach No. 3: Putting Your Life in Danger for Hugs
Histrionic neighbors! Oversized aggressors! Dangerous dictators! Preaching politicians! Inanimate objects! All ripe for wrapping your arms around. If you've got the gall, that is.

Approach No. 4: Doing Right by Jesus for Hugs
Let's face it — hugging is definitely a gateway drug to sex. Why not save a little space for Jesus and keep your genitalia where it belongs — out of the warm clutches of evil? Your morals and the afterlife will commend you.

Approach No. 5: Dropping Your Stereotypes About Cats for Hugs
Dogs earn all the top honors when it comes to domestic love and loyalty. But in truth, cats are notorious for hoarding their affections. So wouldn't you agree that being hugged by a feline would be monumental on this national holiday? We think so. Even if it is hairless.

Now go on out there and start grappling with folks, would you? Let us know how your day of hugging turns out.

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Honoring The Enforcer

Barbara Bush Foundation completes family upgrades at 40 Houston libraries

A young girl reads in a Family Place Library win Houston while caretakers look on.

Photo courtesy of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation

Barbara Bush's legacy of childhood literacy activism lives on through the Family Place Libraries

The late former First Lady Barbara Bush was renowned for her work on improving childhood literacy. Her foundation recently announced that it has completed a $1 million project to transform Houston libraries into more inviting, family-friendly spaces.

“This milestone reflects the very best of what can happen when public libraries, philanthropy, and community partners work together with shared purpose,” said Julie Finck, Ph.D., President & CEO of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. “Our partnerships with Houston Public Library and Harris County Public Library have been extraordinary, and I know Barbara Bush would be absolutely delighted to see families across our region learning and growing together in these welcoming spaces."

Dr. Finck added, “Mrs. Bush believed deeply that parents are a child’s first and most important teachers, and that libraries play a vital role in supporting families. Family Place Libraries bring her vision to life every single day.”

What is a Family Place Library?

The Family Place Library project converted 40 Houston Public Library and Harris County Public Library spaces around the city into centers for family-centered bonding, reading, education, and exploration. These improvements include renovating the spaces to have scaled down furniture for children, open areas for play and activities, greater collections of dual language books, a greater focus on toddler and preschool materials and activities, and bright colors to stimulate young minds. Basically, the goal is to make sure every library is a place where children and their caregivers feel welcome.

While each library space has its own needs, it generally costs between $15,000 and $30,000 per branch to effect the transformation. Some spaces end up being as large as 400 square feet — plenty of room to sit on the floor with energetic toddlers reading a board book and interacting with them.

Completing the Goal

Bush, a teacher before she became First Lady, was fully-dedicated to education and literacy both as First Lady and after her husband's administration, forming the Bush Literacy Foundation in 1989 and being active in it until her death in 2018. Today, the foundation is managed by her son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Maria Bush.

The Family Place Library project was launched shortly after her death. It was funded with donations from Air Liquide, Phillips 66, the PNC Foundation through its Grow Up Great initiative, and the Ladies for Literacy Guild of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. After eight years, every library in Houston now follows the Family Place Library guidelines, just in time for her 100th birthday this June.

“The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation has made an extraordinary investment in our libraries and our communities,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in a statement. “By expanding Family Place Libraries across Houston and Harris County, they are strengthening families, supporting early learning, and reinforcing the vital role libraries play in community life. We are grateful for their vision, partnership, and commitment to Houston’s future.”

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