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Barbara Bush's devotion to literacy memorialized in downtown Houston plaza

The plaza will feature reading gardens, a cafe and performance stage. Officials hope Mrs. Bush's legacy will live on forever.

HOUSTON — The City of Houston is moving forward with its plans to renovate and improve the Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza located downtown adjacent to the Houston Public Library.

The plaza was named in Barbara Bush’s honor in 2016.

Sally Swanson, executive director of the Houston Public Library Foundation, said big changes are coming to make the plaza the focal point of literacy in Houston.

The literacy plaza is also where the city is asking residents and visitors to show their love and support for Mrs. Bush and her family.

Related: 41, other family members honor memory of Barbara Bush

Anyone can drop of items like flowers, cards and teddy bears at the location.

The plaza will soon be transformed into a place where the community can gather, hang out and read.

“This is going to make it green, and fun and interactive for all Houstonians," Swanson said.

She said small improvements have already been made, but bigger changes are coming with the addition of a children’s garden, adult reading areas, café and a big screen projection that will showcase movies and videos.

It will become a place where the First Lady’s legacy on literacy will stand the test of time.

“We’re in discussion of having a bronze statue actually being seated on a bench with her reading a book so people could sit next to Mrs. Bush and read,” Swanson said.

Also, Houston Public Library Foundation Chair Licia Green-Ellis hopes the renovations help reenergize this part of downtown.

“I think we’re going to see Houstonians of all ages who will now understand the importance of literacy in our community,” Green-Ellis said.

The foundation is disappointed it couldn’t fulfill one of Barbara Bush’s last wishes.

“She told us point blank that she needed us to hurry because she wanted us to finish the project before she passed away,” Swanson said. “Unfortunately we weren’t able to meet that goal.”

The city plans to celebrate Barbara Bush’s life beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday at Hermann Square.

Everyone is encouraged to wear pearls or the color blue in her memory.

In addition, the city will illuminate City Hall with a light blue colored light in honor of the First Lady.

The Houston Public Library Foundation’s goal is to raise $5.5 million for the renovations to the plaza. Swanson said nearly half has been raised. She hopes to have the renovations completed by the end of next year.

Photos: First Lady Barbara Bush through the years

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