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Houston Public Library
Rating Details »
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Fourth Ward
500 McKinney St
Houston, TX 77246
(713) 236-1313
500 McKinney St
Houston, TX 77246
(713) 236-1313
10 reviews for Houston Public Library
I'm disappointed in myself that I don't visit the library more often! It has so much to offer and I wish Houstonians paid more attention to what a resourceful and free venue the HPL is.
I couldn't believe the amazing changes that the Central branch has undergone... new self check out kiosks, a coffee shop, lots more computers, the teen only and children's library on a floor of their own... and this is only a small list of the changes!
I was uber impressed with the teen section of the library. Mind you, I haven't been a teen in 6 years, I was still able to sneak in and check it out. There are plenty of computers with internet access, several game consoles and games to check out there, a kitchenette, vending machines, events board, daily activities, and all the teenage literature you can read! Why wasn't this around when I was a teen!
The HPL has also upped how many books and media items you can check out at one time. The website and circulation catalog are easier to navigate, too!
The new library is so colorful and had a great variety of public art. The only downside is no more escalators. :( Luckily, the elevators are still around.
I need to make a trip to the library a weekly occurrence in my calendar. So much to do in one place... I wonder how much longer I can get by looking like a teen?
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- Useful (4)
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If you would've asked me on any given day how I ranked the Houston Public Library, my answer would've been unhesitatingly 5-stars. I love my local library and the very concept of public libraries.
Until recently. HPL has let me down. They do not carry any works by Donald Barthleme. Why not? He's a major literary figure from Houston. He was one of the founders of the UH Creative Writing Program and Gulf Coast literary journal. I'd say his work has merit and certainly enough importance that one or two of his books should occupy shelf space, at least in the 800 section. But sadly, no recognition for Houston's own literary history.
I was also there recently, looking for a certain art/photography book that the catalog advised was on the shelf. It was not. Perhaps someone coincidentally wanted to read about the same subject I did that day and beat me to it, but I doubt it. Likewise, another book I found had what looked like a bloody thumbprint or some such horror smeared on the pages. I understand that these things can happen, especially regarding objects that anyone imaginable has access to, but I recall a time when library books were handled with more respect.
Lastly, the renovation of the downtown branch depresses me. I used to come to this library for an oasis of peace and quiet and for books I could not find anywhere else. It was free and the layout was comfortable and spacious, yet studious. You could find a table by the plate glass window and immerse yourself in the various tomes or periodicals you discovered that day. Now, since the carpet has been removed, the library is louder. Sound bounces off the concrete floor and stairs and there is a hollow, echo effect. The staff seems harried and always on guard because of the vagrants that frequent the library or its plaza.
This was my favorite library because it was central and I loved its design, especially juxtaposed with the older Julia Ideson building and Claes Oldenburg's "Mouse X" sculpture in the plaza. Unfortunately, since the renovation, I've only experienced disappointment during recent visits, like an old friend I've somehow lost touch and re-engaged with, only to discover we no longer connect anymore.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
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Best library in Houston! I used to come here a lot as a kid and check out like 40 books at a time and renew it up to the maximum renewal period of 6 weeks. Yep, nerd's the word. Back in the good ole days, the library was filled with families, and the last time I visited, it was filled with bums. The bums hog the computers on the main floor, and when they leave, the air is filled with their odor. Not pleasant.
The process to reserve a computer is confusing. It's not clear what the heck you are supposed to do. As a result, I looked like a dumba** trying to use a computer that I didn't reserve, while someone comes up behind me and tells me that's their computer.
The self check-out is kind of cool. Where was this technology 15 years ago when I actually checked out books?
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This is a great library and very convenient for people who work downtown. At times, the crowd hanging out outside can be very shady, but I wouldn't worry in that area because it's relatively safe. The self checkout is great and I had no issues reserving books online. Not a big fan of the random colored squares on the ground outside. Its kind of an eyesore if you happen to be in an office that overlooks the area.
Texas is known for having regular things on a much grander scale; and, the Houston Public Library is no different, in that regard. The selection of books and research material is pretty substantial. Youthful memories of visiting this library every weekend to check out new books..... along with my somewhat strange fascination of the huge sculpture on the library grounds are what invoked me to give it five stars. It is a Houston landmark, and a very resourceful one - of course. This library always had that "feel-good" atmosphere, and it became a second home for many of us. Whereas other libraries are not as welcoming, Houston Public Library is a fun, safe haven for all of its patrons. As I conclude my review, you may find yourself thinking "It's just a library -just books". Stop by, and I'll let you be the judge of that.
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I admit I'm a total book nerd. Since I inhale a book a week, and my office is a block away from the new central library, I'm there quite often. The Houston Public library is a very modern space....a large box-like building with a colorful courtyard. I must admit I generally prefer my library spaces a bit more gothic and with some old charm (if you're similarly aesthetically oriented, you might find this collection of photos of the interiors of beautiful libraries very inspiring -- http://curiousexpediti... ).
While the HPL might not be as large or ornate as some other big-city libraries, they seem to usually have what I'm looking for. Fiction and computers are on the main floor, and non-fiction and childrens on the floors above. I find the computerized check-out system very easy to use and I love that I get reminders emailed to me when my books are due. They're also great about getting online requests of books sent quickly to the main library. My only wish is that they had more of a DVD selection, though I understand why a large library does not stock a lot of dvds -- perhaps some of the neighborhood locations keep better stock?
People thought this was:
- Useful (5)
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One of the best libraries I've visited anywhere in the world!
People thought this was:
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I went to the grand opening of the downtown library a short while ago and was completely impressed. What a great space inside and out. The new courtyard area with its blocks of color adds a nice Mondrian-esque touch. Almost makes it bearable to spend more than two seconds outside in the suffocating August humidity. Almost.
I'll break the interior down by floor:
The basement houses two rooms. The Adult Gaming Room has a few Wiis, Rockband, ect. The Computer Lab has easily 40 computers. Each row's computers has a different type of specialized hardware: cameras, video cameras, and recording software. You can even print your photos. Plus, for the non-tech savvy, they offer free classes.
The ground floor is mostly reference, newer books, movies, and cds. The main help desk is here, along with the brand new self checkouts. There is also an art exhibit.
The next floors house the main collection. There were nice enclaves of new tables and chairs and several study and class rooms, as well.
The top floor was the kid and pre-teen area. The kid room had a huge play area, tables and chairs and teaching computers. A few Wiis, as well. The pre-teen area was Awesome! What a wonderful space. In the center were desks and chairs. To the left was the gaming alcove. It was darker, walls painted black. Floor, as well. White pod chairs with black cushions. The ten or so kids in there were in some sort of gaming trance when I walked past. A little creepy. There were study rooms beyond the pod room. Instead of doors, there was a colored chain link curtain over each room. Super cool! Beyond were some books and then a snack area.
On each floor, there were themed display tables. I kept picking up and reading books. For example, one table had books by authors whose birthdays were that month. Another had popular cookbooks by people such as Rachel Ray and Nigella Lawson.
There was also a performance/lecture room. I didn't stay long as I don't really appreciate kiddie magic tricks, but the kids in attendance seemed to be in awe.
The librarians and staff are an exceptionally nice group of folks. I couldn't tell you how many times staff came up to me to see if they could help me find anything. I got a nice tour around the computer lab. They're fun people.
Yet another wonderful thing about this location is the calendar of events. There are quite a long list of classes. For adults AND kids. Oh, did I mention all of this is free (excepting the food). Parking is $2.
One thing I need to go back and check out is the snack bar. Either it wasn't completed or I just didn't see it. The place was packed that day and there was light construction on a few floors.
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I guess the real library at this location is being renovated, so right now they are just in a little one-room place.
But the selection is good enough. They cycle new books through the room with regularity.
Only downside... the self-checkout is a pain and it is obviously running on really really old software.
I am looking forward to when the whole thing is open again because it is in a great location and the building itself is beautiful.
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finally finished the facelift...still looks about the same...just modern
meh
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