The Children's Museum of Houston , together with the Houston Public Library , opened the Parent Resource Library , the first of its kind in the country, in the Children's Museum in the spring of 1999. Since then, nearly 1,000 visitors a week have used the library, checking out books, thumbing through resources and printing information off the internet while their children read children's books or play with educational toys right alongside them. The library's unique design enables the parents, educators and even doctors who are looking for information to find what they need on shelves waist-high and up, checking out the materials with a Houston Public Library card, while children's materials keep the younger minds busy on the lower shelves. By arming parents and caregivers with information, the library aims to help parents identify challenges early in their children's life and take the appropriate action.
Research indicates that the first three years of a child's life are critical to development.
The Children's Museum has continually offered programs and activities for young children to make those years as enriched as possible, as well as lecture series to educate new parents. The Parent Resource Library was the most logical next step in becoming a complete resource for parents on all early childhood issues and concerns. Materials in the library cover everything from potty training, cultural issues and discipline to a variety of special needs. The library also maintains a list of local organizations and resources to refer visitors for additional support. Resources on discipline, ADHD, learning disabilities and asthma seem to be the most popular items for check-out.