Beautiful Historic Building---right on Heights Blvd---with meeting rooms, children's area, community space, art, computers....and.... (yes) books! Amazingly kind staff that greet you as you enter---ready to help. This library and its people are shining stars and a primary reason why the Heights is the best neighborhood in HTx. read more

Body peaceful when I visited. My visit was during the day so not sure how it is after school hours. Parking is a little small but the library itself small as well. Just really nice and peaceful. read more

Always a wonderful visit. The personnel are always pleasant, patient, and professional. Exemplary.

Location: heights Staff: friendly, helpful and fast Availability: lots, you can also request books from other location to be sent here or any other location. Parking: street and parking lot on side Love this place! read more

The library is one of my most visited locations. It's easy to get a library card, and then you can choose books or request them online/in app. In addition to physical books, you can check out movies, music, audio books, take classes, listen to author talks, book clubs, genealogy, computers, and attend community events. The building is interesting, part of the historic Heights, which is also exciting. This library is part of the greater Houston library network, so if they don't have it, they can help you obtain it! Couldn't recommend the library enough, it's a hidden gem and an important resource for our community read more

See all

Nice library. Staff is helpful. This location provides good programming options for the community.

So far I've enjoyed the library. Love the architecture of the building and sign! Plenty of parking in the lot or on the street. We came on a Saturday around 6pm to get our library cards set up since we just moved here. We were helped quickly and it was an easy setup! Can't wait to come back and check out a book soon. read more

See all

Great parking. Easy to order books through the app and swing in and pick them up. Always appears clean and staff is helpful.

Not a super big library, but they cover all the bases. Personnel I've dealt with have all been knowledgeable and willing to assist.

The hours are not as stated. This site says they open at 10, sign on door says it doesn't open till noon. Doors locked, wasted trip!

Good enough for the amount of people that they receive daily. They have private areas that you can ask for. They have public WiFi and not so big collection of books but at least they had all that I looked for. It's a nice place to go with your kids as their kids and also have special events for toddlers once a month. Opportunity to improve: chairs, they are all not ergonomic at all! Computer monitors also can be improve. Great people working in the place. They were all very respectful and kind. read more

Score! I came here with kiddies and I was so happy to walk in and discover that this location thought about the little people whom I adore. I mean, they even named the large stuffed animals in the children's lounge area. I skimmed through some of the reviews that said it gets pretty busy in here. Yes, there was some traffic, but I favored it. The girls met new friends (Matthew and Piper) and it seems you'd be able to count on it any time of the day that you come. We all enjoyed it so much and I love the rocking chairs! Thanks for a good time! We'll be coming back to visit Madeline the Tiger for sure. We'll have to check out their events too. The staff monitors the area well. Oh, and like other reviewers mentioned, the architecture IS beautiful! read more

I really want to like this HPL branch location but for some reason it's not my favorite. It's quiet, there's lots of parking, and the staff are always friendly but there is something about this location that makes me decide to visit other branches instead. Maybe it's the limited selection of books, dvds and cds or the lack of tables. Maybe it's that there are very few outlets to charge phones and laptops. Although this wouldn't be my first choice for a study spot, it's a convenient location to pick up requested books instead of having to head to the central location. Overall, not bad but not the best either. read more

Heights Neighborhood Library - Magazine area with chairs and tables - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

This library, at least from the outside, is absolutely beautiful. It's an old building that is pleasing to the eye, and it is walking distance from my home. All of that is wonderful. However. As others have stated, the selection here is quite limited, so you pretty much have to go the inter-library loan route in order to find the books you want. Also, I have to agree that most of the staff here is quite unfriendly, which I guess is just a government employee quality. Do they screen for that at interviews? Sheesh. Finally, I think the hours are really inconvenient. Because of my own work schedule, I can only possibly squeeze in a visit on Monday and Wednesday evening, when they stay open until 8pm. The rest of the week I guess they cater to the unemployed. It's a library though, and I am always thankful to have a local branch in my neighborhood. read more

Heights Neighborhood Library - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

One of my favorite library branches. 1. Always parking available in the parking lot or free on the street. 2. The staff is always helpful 3. They have an iPad which younger children love 4. Older children (middle school+) Can check out laptops 5. Find the outlets on the floor usually under a table 6. A small study room can be reserved (fits 2 comfortably but I've seen 6 ppl) Downside: needs more computers (but there's no room) and keep track if you have returned your books because sometimes it will say it's still checked out. I'm not a fan of the new hours limiting our after school/weekend access. On a side note: The Houston public library is just incredible in general. Don't forget to checkout the online resources like audiobooks and movies. Place holds so you can pick up near you. read more

See all

This library is close to our house and a great place to study. The AC is out today- actually all week! You need to wait to get a computer because each person gets an allotted 60 minutes. The book selection is limited, but they can get books from other libraries delivered here so no need to drive around the city. There is limited seating esp after school when the kids are out, but I seem to always find a chair pretty quickly. Employees are mildly helpful, but friendly. All in all, an average neighborhood library on the inside, with beautiful architecture on the outside. Three Stars, yo. read more

Honestly such a disappointment. There's not a lot of available tables and outlets. The librarians were too busy cleaning around didn't even ask if I need help, some areas also had a weird smell. Sort of like a mixture of molds and mud. The place seemed clean, have a good sized area for children, they also decorated for Halloween... unfortunately, that's not what I'm looking for. It was also raining heavily outside but they didn't have the bags to place a wet and dripping umbrella in, which most likely Contributed to the odd smell. Will not be returning again, find a different place to study. read more

This place is close to where I live so it's convenient. Otherwise the book selection is pretty limited and the librarians aren't very friendly or enthusiastic. There's not much space to spread out and work on things and there aren't too many comfortable chairs that you can lounge in for reading. The only real upsides to this place are the location and the view out of the floor to ceiling windows when you snag one of the few coveted seats. Oh, and that it's in the Houston Public Library network so you can return items you checked out from the mother branch downtown on McKinney. read more

Heights Neighborhood Library - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

This space is pleasant. There is ample parking in the lot, so you are able to walk in with an unharangued mindset...and just enjoy the walk to the front door. The nice oak trees, the older, built to last, almost gallant entrance. It's nice, the short walk from your car to the entrance, spying the accordion-esque windows along the way. It's a pleasant walk. Sun dappled shade. Then, you walk through the doors and see a whole mess of people. Everywhere. I try to block them out, even the one person who was sleeping in an aisle. Rather, he was lounging on the ground, with his eyes closed. I instead, enjoy the wonderful natural lighting, peruse the stacks I can walk down with out leaping over bodies, and/or return books. The light is really...pleasant. In short, this is the prettiest place to return library books. read more

I'm lucky have this library within walking distance. Becky L. is right though, the selection is pretty sparse. Think travel books from the 90's and movies that never hit theatres. I really hate to give a library only two stars because I'm just glad to have one. I'm glad they're part of HPL, because at least I can transfer a book I find online from another library & pick it up at here a later date. I really love that service because they pull everything for you & have it waiting at the desk with your name on it. It's a pretty building in a nice location with huge parking lot; I just wish they had more to choose from. Too bad I just donated a bunch of books to the Kingwood library. I rather them be on shelves where they don't have duplicates. Well, next time I know. read more

Being new to the Houston area, I've been trying out a few different places to study (Starbucks is way to loud to get real studying in). I stopped by the Heights Library on a Saturday evening and this is what I noticed: Pros: - Parking is great. I stopped by the Central Library, where there was no parking at all, before I came here. - It was pretty quite and a great place to get in some serious studying. - The library is very clean Cons: - It is very small. When I first go there I had to wait around on a sofa until someone left one of the studying tables. - The librarians are not very friendly. Since I was new to the library, I asked the librarian if there were other ares to sit in the library and he looked at me like I had two heads and then just pointed in the area where there were no open tables available. - The table I sat at was very uncomfortable, The table was very low (and I am pretty short) and the chair was very uncomfortable. So after a few hours my neck was hurting from bending over. read more

I grew up on Harvard Street, an only child whose mother was perpetually busy. I often walked over to this library, always alone and picked out my choice of books and I would get the maximum allowed which I believe was 3 at that time. At that time the floors were something that to my child's eyes was marble and I loved the click of my shoes on the floor. I would deposit my books at the front desk and h ead for the area on the right and to the back. I learned to read in kindergarten and thanks to this library skipped second grade entirely. I will never forget the day that I realized that I had read virtually every book in the section that I went to. So I started over I am 70 now and I hope to take my preteen granddaughter Isadora there in the coming week. I am so thankful that this wonderful part of my childhood still stands. I hope it still smells like books! read more

I have visited a couple libraries in Houston and this is my favorite. My 2 year old runs off to play with the toys while my 6 year old daughter and i search for new adventures. It's cozy and safe. I like how the kids have their own area. It's always neat and clean. The staff there are super friendly and helpful. One of the features I can't live without is the app, order online and pick up when the book arrives. It makes the library enjoyable. Another thing I like is the crafts, super fun for my kiddos. I do wish they had more Spanish books besides that. Worth visiting. read more

Beware of the book return. I highly recommend if you go to this library that you do not return your books through the outside book drop and instead return them at the front desk, have them scan the books in and get a receipt. Over the past few months I have been battling them about a book that I returned. Since I have no proof (how could I since I used the outside drop box and their barcode scanners never work properly?) and they will not listen to reason, they are threatening to send my account to a collection agency for $28. Otherwise, the library is cozy and convenient, just don't trust their drop box. read more

Love my neighborhood library. But the hours posted here on yelp are inaccurate. I posted a photo of the hours posted on their door. read more

Heights Neighborhood Library - Here are the hours of operation. - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

Very nice and very busy library. Check the times and activities. They open at 1 on Fridays. Lovely building and very helpful staff.

The pluses are aesthetics, ample parking in their lot and on the surrounding streets, great pick-up/drop-off site (after you get your email notification, look for the wall o' books wrapped in white paper with your surname on the spine), late hours on Mondays and Wednesdays, and they're open Saturdays. Minuses are small selection (hence, use the online Houston Public Library system for an inter-library loan and pick it up here) and overrun with adolescents in late afternoon. Peaceful public space on the outside, chaos on weekday afternoons on the inside. read more

The parking is good and the staff is nice. The hours are slightly inconvenient. I really appreciate the children's programs and activities offered. read more

Library staff is friendly. Great location with a accessible bike path via Heights blvd. I typically get my books delivered there as the selection is minimal. The buildings interior isn't quite as regal as the exterior may suggest but still a nice quiet spot to read, study, cruise the web on their computers. read more

This gem has been well-maintained & is a welcoming, architecturally pleasing structure; even the more recent (as in last 40 yrs) expansions. So much for the building. Facilities & function? It's a small library. A small library which has everything you could ask of a small library. Online catalog & quick internet access free of charge? Got it. Clean, comfortable reading areas with plenty of natural light by day & easy, ample light by night? Check. Need to rest your eyes? Look up from your reading & gaze out the tall windows at the hearty old oaks, or just stare up at the lofty ceiling and decorative (not pretentious) crafted wood & plaster architecture. There are many active groups there, if you like to join in on the social side of this culturally rich neighborhood. The staff? Look.....I've been in probably a dozen COH and 4 or 5 Harris Co libraries. This is the friendliest, most helpful & good-natured crew I know. Drop in & set a spell. Truly they don't make 'em like this any more. read more

Nice location for kids--toddlers to teens, not sure about adult books, though. The last time I was there the place was swamped with job-hunting adults using the terminals and free wi-fi--someone was even using the designated catalog terminal so the librarian said he wouldn't mind taking a break for a minute so I could look up a book/author. That made me really uncomfortable. If you want to know if they have a book check it online at home first, and if they don't have it, request it be sent there so you can pick it up from the cart in a few days. I am so ready for the Oak Forest branch to reopen. Overall, though the HPL system is excellent. read more

As soon as I moved to the area 11 years ago I got a library card, and I've been visiting ever since. The exterior, as many people have mentioned, is gorgeous. The Heights is a historic area, and the library is no exception. Inside it's a library so I'm not sure what other reviewers were expecting when they criticize the interior not matching. There is a very nice-sized children's area. For young kids, there are rows of books of course plus a reading area with small chairs for kids and a couple rocking chairs for caregivers. There are a few small toys and board books for the really small kids. For elementary age kids and middle school kids there is a good section with many reference books (I know....the internet....but nothing beats a book). On the opposite end of the library are large print books, DVD's, foreign language books, periodicals, and a decent sized fiction and non-fiction area. HPL has an efficient system of transferring books, so if the book you need isn't here you can request it to be transferred. In addition, there are all types of monthly activities for all ages. In short, it's a great neighborhood library. read more

There are a lot of things NOT to like about this branch. Some of the librarians act like they'd rather be someplace else. The place has it's fair share of crazy and unkempt people. The Wi-Fi is very slow. Still, I come here often because the building is beautiful, the parking couldn't be any better. You can even park on the street right in front if you there early enough or on a slow day. It's also a very kid-friendly place. That can be good or bad, based on your perspective. There are events for toddlers in the mornings and then around 3:30-4 the place fills up with kids getting off from school. In between those times it's a quiet place. So..if you want a quiet place to work, in a nice neighborhood and attractive surroundings, I don't think you can do much better. If you came to sit and read books and magazines, try the Jungman branch on Westheimer. read more

Great, old, neighborhood library. The size limits the seating spaces. I pick books on-line & have them delivered to this location. You get an email when they are ready and it's easy to get in and out quickly. Nice children's area and a study room. It's got everything I need & best of all it's always free. read more

For those users complaining about the lack of selection; one of the great things about our library system is you can get pretty much any book (minus special collections and such) delivered to whichever library you choose. I love this feature because with three children, I don't have time to peruse the shelves the way I used to. I request the wanted book on the website, get an email (usually just a few days later), and go pick up my book off the hold shelf. Easy peasy. Speaking of children, mine love this library. We go at least once a week and more if there are special events going on (which, during the summer, is at least one more time a week). My children can be children in this library as well. I have a 7 year old, 4 year old, and 21 month old and, though I am teaching them how to behave and act in a library, they still get excited about the books and the baby gets excited about his echo in the gorgeous foyer. If I can't stop (or quiet down) the loud volume, I leave out of courtesy for others, but I have never been asked to leave because of their excitement, which I appreciate immensely. When we first started coming to the library, I had the same opinions about the librarians. They didn't appear to be very friendly. But since then we have gotten to know them and we love them so much! We know their names and they know ours and smile and laugh with us. I'm not studying in this library so I can't give opinion on the seating arrangements/options (unless they are in the children's section) but I love the light and airiness of this library. This library is a happy place for me and my family. read more

I like this library more because it is close and cute than for what it has to offer. It looks adorable and I have to love the historical look of it. Go past 2 pm though and the look of it is marred by the teen angst from the area schools where kids wander over to kill time or do who knows what. I feel like an old lady and want to shoo them all away, but instead I try to walk through the wall of pimples and puberty to get to the door. The kids' section is good enough, we can always find something for my kiddo and I order my books ahead (love the online system) and since they moved the preorders to where the videos and CDs are, they are easier to grab and go. No, the people aren't all that enthusiastic, but when my son was younger I did appreciate the childrens' programs going on during the day in the community room in the back. And I know you aren't all caring about a library bathroom, but this one is always nasty. Of course my kid was potty training and needing to go there...I'd rather him sit on a toilet at a stripclub than the ones there. Odd because this is one of the only libraries that isn't hobo-central (see Jungman on Westheimer for that), but that doesn't keep it any cleaner for some reason. Overall though, cute curb appeal and the HPL system's ordering system makes it convenient and nice. read more