Clayton Library Friends upcoming events

Navigating the Darker Side of Genealogy (Fri, May 15, 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

HPL Event: Navigating the Darker Side of Genealogy

Uncovering family secrets can be unsettling. Genealogical research often reveals stories that challenge assumptions, reshape identities, and stir powerful emotions. Navigating the Darket Side of Genealogy explored how researchers can responsibly and ethically handle difficult discoveries while maintaining compassion for the living.

Topics Include:

Understanding family dynamics and emotional responses to discoveries
Ethical considerations when uncovering sensitive information
Communicating difficult findings to clients and relatives
Adoption and contacting biological family members respectfully
Addressing prejudice and difficult conversations within families
Handling discoveries involving trauma, criminal behavior, mental illness, or other sensitive subjects. Participants will gain tools to approach complex family histories with empathy, professionalism, and confidence.

Join the Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus as we welcome guest Speaker Lori Samuelson.

This will be a hybrid program with viewing options both in-person and online. To register for a spot in-person click on the red "Begin Registration" button below. The meeting location for in-person will be the Susan Garwood Meeting Room at the Clayton Library Campus - 5300 Caroline Street, Houston TX 77004.

Registration may be found on the HPL event page at: https://calendar.houstonlibrary.org/event/16264917.

CLF May General Meeting (Sat, May 16, 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Clayton Library Friends May General Meeting

This general meeting will be a hybrid meeting – held both online via Zoom and in-person and requires registration.

The meeting will consist of a brief business meeting followed by our guest speaker.

Program Title: Ten Steps to Getting Children Interested In Genealogy

How do you get children interested in Genealogy and Family history? First, you must look at the reasons they are hesitant to do so. What holds them back? Technology. Sports. School. Join us to learn ten simple steps.

As an author, speaker, family genealogist, and teacher, Becky Villareal has utilized her expertise to help organizations engage younger family members in genealogical research. She has presented at multiple venues throughout the United States, works with children through campus visits, and writes books that help children become interested in searching for their own family history.

Registration is required for either Zoom or in-person attendance. You do not need to be a member to attend the meeting.

To Register:
Click to register for Online Attendance, or

Click to register for In-Person Attendance

Handout(s): Multiple documents coming soon!

CLF Board Meeting (Sat, July 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Quarterly meeting of the Clayton Library Friends Executive Board.

CLF August General Meeting (Sat, August 15, 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Clayton Library Friends August General Meeting

This general meeting will be a hybrid meeting – held both online via Zoom and in-person at Clayton’s Garwood Meeting Room – and requires registration.

The meeting will consist of a brief business meeting followed by our guest speaker.

Program Title: State of the Library

Carl Smith, is the new Manager of the Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus and will be presenting the Annual State of the Clayton Library Report.

The Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus, 5300 Caroline Street, Houston, Texas which is a special collection of the Houston Public Library System. FHRC at the Clayton Library Campus has become one of the top family history research libraries in the nation with approximately 140,000 books, 3,200 periodical titles, 90,000 rolls of microfilm and 203,000 microfiche cards.

Carl’s passion for family history research began as a child growing up and listening to stories that his grandparents would share during summer vacations. A native of Mesa, Arizona Carl received his Bachelor’s degree in Family History/Genealogy from Brigham Young University and his Masters of Library and Information Science from Syracuse University in Upstate New York.

Before coming to work at the Clayton Library Carl was the Genealogy Librarian for the Montgomery County Memorial library system in Conroe, Texas as well as Branch manager for the Aldine Branch Library in Harris County, Texas. When not working and doing genealogy Carl enjoys hiking and camping, singing with the International Voices Houston -a local choir, playing piano, and spending time with his family.

Registration is required for either Zoom or in-person attendance. You do not need to be a member to attend the meeting.

To Register:
Click to register for Online Zoom Attendance

Click to register for In-Person Attendance

Please note in-person attendance is required for each individual if multiple household members are attending or bringing guests. You may be asked to present proof of registration.

CLF Board Meeting (Sat, October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Quarterly meeting of the Clayton Library Friends Executive Board.