One would think that as someone who doesn't read, the library is the last place I'd be. However, I've found the it to be a lot more pleasant than meets the eye and there are plenty of reasons to stop by. For instance: :: This location is the flagship of all HPL locations and consists of multiple buildings that include the Central Library as well. It is a massive city block with ample amounts of outdoor space with underground parking. :: The library card, MYLink, is completely free for Texas residents. Anyone who isn't living here can score a $40 annual membership. The benefits include free access to many of the libraries programs and amenities. This includes reserving rooms for study or meetings, indoor / outdoor WiFi, and even take home tablets and laptops. :: Speaking of the WiFi, it's fast. Taking a video call while streaming HD vids with zero lag is a wonderful thing. The coverage is extensive, with outdoor and indoor connectivity and I haven't found any dead zones just yet. :: Their outdoor area aka "Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza" is really a nice spot to gather and/or spend time in especially during great weather. :: The library closes every day at 6pm from Monday-Thursday and 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Late night library visits are totally not a thing. :: This might not seem obvious to first timers, but this is a lowkey excellent place for people watching. There are many interesting characters floating around the library, some of whom are utilizing it for shelter, restrooms, and likely the WiFi and computer usage. That being said, finding someone passed out in one of the meeting rooms and also out cold on a bench in the same day is rather impressive. :: My passport was expiring and renewing the process couldn't have been easier than filing my application here. They took my photo, helped with my paperowrk, and was very diligent with the timeline for rushed and regular delivery options. While it may seem cliché, this HPL is worth the visit since they have a little something for everyone. The staff is pleasant and it really is a quiet place to learn a little something, while doing a lot. read more

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5 stars for Ms. Deborah at the front desk. I entered the library 7 min before closing (no worries -- the security guard made sure to remind me as I entered the gates to the library complex), quickly raced to the 2nd floor to grab the Isaac's Song by Daniel Black, and made it back down to return 3 other books with 3 min to spare. Except my library card wouldn't scan to allow me to self check-out. Ms. Deborah, with 2 min until closing time, offered to replace my library card without any hurry or angst to leave for the day. Her patience and courtesy was appreciated! Now, I'm leaving with a 120 year iconic library card in tow showcasing Rocket Man! read more

Houston Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

The Houston Public Library is a must visit spot whether you're passing by on your next trip downtown or looking for a peaceful, all-day study location. There's plenty of tables, seating, and wifi. Also the architecture and interior are beautiful! read more

Houston Public Library - window alcove in one of the study rooms - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

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We came to library. In Houston hot, we wanted to sit under fans cause it was cooler. The security came as soon as we sit down there and said this area closed. We are paying taxes and it's going to waste when you turn on the fan and nobody gets benefits for it. Turn off the fans and put closed sign there and we know it. What a waste and not beneficiary. read more

Houston Public Library - Chairs, and fan - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

This was my first time coming to the library in years and I was excited about it. Unfortunately my experience was not great, you have to pay to park, there are soo many homeless people throughout all the floors using it as a shelter and some will even ask for money. They take up all the chairs to sleep. Is this a shelter or a library?! I was scared walking back to my car! Also the smell is horrid! I looked at the policies and a lot of them should not be allowed in. I had to take the stairs because I dont feel comfortable riding an elevator with men. I left after 15mins because I was just uncomfortable. The city and the library staff need to do better with the homeless control! read more

We love every branch of HPL we've ever visited! They truly serve the communities they are in, each with their own unique personality. It's always a great choice of activities when the Houston weather is too hot or too rainy to take the kids outside! I'm so grateful they did away with late fines, too read more

I nominate HPL as the worst library system in Texas and possibly USA The hiring practices must be totally based on how inefficient and non-responsive one can be I am at the Kirkwood location. One clerk who was on her personal phone texting woud not even look up to answer question and totally not helpful The mayor should fire the leadeship and reduce staff. Most of the locations are the same. Rude and obnoxious clerk. It is almost rare to find a customer service person I travel a lot and see so many great libraries (even in Houston, the county libraries are so much better. I have two librarians in my family and they are aghast the service in HPL. Building don't make libraries. The kirkwood location is new and beautiful but experience is worst. read more

Kind enough people and staff, and a great place to search for book, they have plenty and outdoor and indoor spaces to sit, and while the location isn't always ideal, there's always security on watch to make sure nothing goes wrong. They also have sections dedicated to specific authors and are always up to date with current events in the world of literature. They also have a diverse collection of books, articles and niche genres. read more

Place is overflowing with homeless men. If you're here to look for an item for yourself avoid it. You won't be able to comfortably browse without being followed by a homeless asking you for money or food. They spit on the floor, leave their trash everywhere and or are taking baths in the restroom. The kids in the 4th floor is the safest as not so many get to go up there but still DO NOT loose sight of your kids. They still do go up there but are escorted off that level most of the time. Outside is one thing but letting them roam the building freely is insane. read more

Did not feel safe coming here even if I was with my friend, securities were there, but it felt eerie. I sympathize for the hardship that people have to go though, but there's a lot of homeless people in the library and some even tried to solicited you for change. Even the bathrooms were so gross as you just walk in. So foul. We wanted to go and check the building and see what they have, but it's nothing too special. Seats are mostly taken, even the computers. Didn't feel like it was a library, there's no kids there to even check out book, it's too scary here! I don't blame the parents for not coming here. This place wasn't the place to sit down, read, and planned things. I rather go to a café. Would not go back here. read more

I love this library!! They have a great children's section. They also have so many events for so many different groups of people. In some reviews, the homeless are mentioned... based on MY personal experience.. I have never been approached and have never felt unsafe. I come here at least twice a week. read more

A couple stars for having convenient parking and friendly library staff. Zero stars for having a nasty cesspool of homeless sitting around. Actually they don't just sit. They eat, talk, spray themselves with cologne, yell at each other, play radios, talk loudly on their cellphones, congregate, walk around with their hands down their pants playing with themselves. As for the building and services itself, it's a far cry from other big city libraries. This feels more like a branch library with big open areas. The men's bathrooms are disgusting (no soap? no locks on stall doors?). The below-grade parking is plentiful and relatively inexpensive, but it's dark and gritty. The collection is ok, with lots of CDs, DVDs. You can tell this was never intended to be the main branch library; many neighborhood libraries (especially the newly renovation ones) are larger and are such a better experience than the Central branch. read more

My name Is RoS MarquSS, native Texan, was Assistant to Marvin Zindler. Email is RMarquesS3@outlook.com (open for invites) This place is full of great treasures just like a treasure chest you never know what you will find. Today sell was a great success because over 3 families came in, they said the same thing, "I had found books I been look all over places." The man in charge of the warehouse Is a very easy going and very helpful person, you will never know that he is a manager of the warehouse. We should have a manager like him that blend in and always willing to go the extra miles for friends of library, very helpful towards the volunteers. He is very thankful for all the volunteers at the warehouse. The next sell will be December 11,2021 one great idea I got was get a lot of books - they have lot like new books, and give as Stocking gift or as gifts for Christmas. You can always give them out to childrens at a park or game. for they can entertain their little brains. read more

This library is now a de facto homeless shelter....safety issues in the surrounding area, underground parking lot, and rest rooms. Not family safe or family friendly. read more

This is a review of the passport service & Global Entry only. Passports are a breeze if you have all of the necessary documentation; come prepared! We walked in & it took about 30 minutes (including wait time). I also just took my 9 month old twins to their Global Entry interview as walk ins & were in/out in an hour. We got there a few minutes after 10 am, he saw all of the people with appointments first & a woman with her 2 year old daughter (who were also a walk in). Once we were in it took all of 5-10 min! Definitely recommend. read more

TOTAL WASTE OF TIME (and parking $$$). Needed Consumer Reports to buy used car. 1st floor check out ladies said CR was on the 2nd Flr business reference. There is NO business reference. Signed up for computer but 35 min wait with 42 min parking fee left. finally was able 2 check out laptop but back to check out desk for specifics on finding catalog. Needed 2 plug phone in while researching but NONE of the plugs on 1st floor worked. Seeing me crawling on the floor 2 find a working outlet, a patron gave me his that was working. Got online but browser not working. the last probably not the librarys fault, but the processes to look up info imrequires asking 2-3 HPL workers and getting 2-3 erroneous answers. My advice: use a neighborhood branch and PRAY their equipment isavailable and working read more

Don't let the homeless people intimidate you or make you think this is a bad library. Yes it's a bit old but the facilities are actually very great and quite possibly underused. I love how they host many free events (free movie screenings Wed night), have nice reading areas (my secret spot: the teen reading room on the 4th floor with bean bags), and you can take care of your passport or global entry interview here. I will say though that the book selection feels small for a central library, but I also know that they don't have all the books available on display. Some you have to ask a librarian to borrow. There's also a great selection for foreign language books. And it's sucky that a library doesn't have a free parking lot. Overall though a great spot to hit up if you're bored in downtown and looking for something nerdy to do :) read more

Haven't been here since a child and thought it'd be cool to bring my 3. The loved it of course. Although they seem a little short staffed, we still did what we came to do. Minus check out books due to some late returned books from the library in New Orleans!!! We lived out there over 5 years ago and somehow racked up $100 in late fees. With all due respect. Fuck then fees. It's crazy, I can go to other public libraries in Houston and check out books weird, but whatever‍ I'll still bring my children for the fun and we'll just check out at a different location. read more

Wow! It's been almost a decade since I visited the downtown library. I'm going to keep this short and sweet. First off, let me say that I both sympathize and empathize with the struggles of those who are homeless, down and out, and just struggling to keep what they have left of their life on the streets, especially those who have children out there and those who are vets. With that having been said, I cannot ignore the fact that the downtown library has turned into a sanctuary for the homeless. When I was there, the bathrooms...all of the bathrooms...were full of people and it wreaked! I needed a table that had a power source close by it, but the majority of the tables were taken up with bags and people and several books that seemed to have been used to save a place at the table. On top of all that, when I'd finally commandeered a table, the guy next to me started physically and verbally abusing his laptop, another guy started making calls to on his cell phone to job placement companies, and another guy was walking around verbalizing his desire to buy headphones and then harassing a female who seemed to be studying. The lady at the desk just stared into the screen of her computer and didn't say a single, solitary word. The library is no longer the library...at least, not the one I remember. read more

Ah, The Library....... I have used Houston's Central Library regularly since I moved here in 1998. Along with everyone else, I endured the silly and costly 2-year renovation project that gave us not much more than concrete floors painted in primary colors. However I concede that it opened my eyes to how beautiful the Julia Ideson building is since that housed Central's temporary Circulation Desk during the 2-year wait. Since I have a love-hate relationship with Central, it is probably easier to list my pros and cons: PROS 1. Free Stuff: I LOVE getting something in return for my tax dollars! At any given time, I have 3-4 books checked out as well as several DVD's. I'm also a fan of borrowing their books on tape for long car trips. Thus, I rarely buy books or spend money renting DVDs which also means less clutter in the home - yay! 2. Wide Selection: HPL has a vast catalog and ends up having most everything that I want to read/see/hear. If they don't, I can suggest items via their "Suggestion Box". Most of my requests end up being ordered but can take a while to arrive (and HPL staffers are cagy about giving out any information on timing). CONS 1. Very Poor Customer Service: Competition to work at HPL is probably minimal and it shows. The staffers are slow moving and rigidly adhere to their "rules" (e.g. check-outs must be done via the automated system even if a staff member is just milling around the Check Out or Main Customer Service Desk). During peak hours like lunchtime, there is often only one staffer working the Hold Desk and that person is usually tied up with patrons wanting to sign up for library cards, argue about overdue fines, etc... Meanwhile, the line of impatient customers grows and grows. 2. Staffing: While it is commendable that HPL employs handicapped and mentally challenged individuals, I wish they would have them work in areas other than the chronically busy, customer-intensive Hold and Check Out Desks. 3. "Hold Items": These are absolute bane of my existence. Central really pushed placing items on hold during its lengthy renovation. While I love the ease of reserving an item on-line and picking it up, the problem is that too many times I have received an email from HPL stating that my item is on the hold shelf but when I go to pick it up, it is not there! After much discussion with Central's Circulation Desk, the problem seems to be careless Branch Library staffers who click the "On Hold Shelf" button rather than the "In Transit" button when sending the item to Central for me. Thus, I now always wait a couple of days before going to Central to retrieve my allegedly on-hold items. 4. Closures: I am bummed that Central is now closed on Fridays. No more last minute dashes to get a good DVD before the weekend. 5. New Website: It is poorly designed. My 2 pet peeves are the "My Account" button which should be a lot easier to spot given that this is likely of more interest to library patrons than the "Featured Library Location". Also, I wish the website would let me save my Library Card number rather than having to enter it each time. Consequently, I am one of those sad individuals who've memorized their library card number. 6. Waste: Central's costly renovation project was an utter waste of taxpayer money. 7. Book Returns: Use these at your peril. While convenient, I have had a number of books go "missing" when returned this way with the onus then placed on me to "prove" that I returned them. Not on, of course, HPL's staffers who have full access to the shelves and failed to check the item in in the first place! read more

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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. read more

Houston Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

So when the lady asked if I had a library card, my answer was not since I was a child. WOW! What have I been missing out on all of these years? If it wasn't so hard to get to I would be studying here over any coffee shop/tea house. WHY? It's COMPLETELY FREE! A/C or Heat on those HOT or COLD Houston days. It's huge, 3 floors of books, tables, and computers. You can check out books, movies, and after 30 days even laptops. If you have your own laptop they offer free wi-fi. It's extremely quiet inside so you can concentrate on your studies. They also keep it remarkably clean. read more

In all fairness I visited here after 6:00 PM. So my review is based on the evening times. I visited here to attend an international languages seminar in one of their meeting rooms. The seminar was great and the library is a really nice size with plenty of resources available for the public. So the library itself is great. I parked in the garage under the library. It's very easy to miss and it's one of those were you take a ticket and pay for it inside the library and it requires another ticket to get out. There is no human cashier, it's all electronic. The problem here is environment. You should know that there are guards in the garage area (although maybe asleep) and there are officers scattered around the inside. I personally have never seen that type of presence in a library and it doesn't give you a sense of security but a sense of "oh hell do I really need to be here?" I have to say, go here only at your own risk. If you can go somewhere else, then please do, at least in the evening. I can assure you, that most of the characters that I saw there probably don't even know how to read. I'm not judging, just warning you of what you may bump into. Read well and Prosper. read more

I came here to do my passport but felt like I stepped into the twilight zone. This is truly the future. For anyone that hasn't visited a library in years...it caught me off guard how hi-tech everything was. It's not just shelves of books. There's computers lined up, e-books available, all the current magazine subscriptions and just about everything you would find a book store but the public library is free! A library card cost nothing but is so invaluable. Books provide so much information and can teach or take you to places you never been! The design is so modern and cool. It feels like I'm a kid again! Even those that don't enjoy reading, there computers to utilize, audio books and just about anything that can elevate your mind! Get your library card today! read more

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I really love the tranquil environment this library provides. They are so easy to speak with and prompt on any books on hold! They are kind enough to give tours if one is new to the area. If I could add anything to the library, it would be a coffee shop (or one in walking distance) :) I guess I just pair the two together...other than that, it's a lovely place! read more

The building and location is quite impressive and a great place to study or read. The people who work there are also very helpful....but... If you're just there for books, you might as well stick to the convenience of your local branch and just order a book you want because their selection is very small and many of the books are so old that their covers are sunbleached. I've found better selection of new books at the River Oaks location which always amazes me given that the best library just happens to be in the location where the locals can most afford to buy books, but I digress. Also be aware that given the location in downtown, you need to pay for parking unless you come on a Sunday and park on the street. There is also a large homeless/drifter population around who use the library to get away from the heat, charge their phones, use the internet, etc. but it's a public library and god bless them for using the resources available to them. I think the biggest resource the library has is their apps that give you access to ebooks and audio books right on your phone. Sure, you still have to wait for a book to free up before checking it out online (I mean it's a library after all), but they have very new titles there. If you're really into technical books that can't be found anywhere, you should try the U of H library instead, but for a city library, this is as good as it seems to get. read more

After visiting the Houston Public Library, the quote "having fun isn't hard when you got a library card," from one of my favorite PBS tv shows, Arthur, has undoubtedly been confirmed to be true. How can it not be, when this library is stocked with absolutely everything you could ever need to entertain yourself? Seriously, you can grab a book, an audiobook, music (if you haven't discovered Spotify), movies, or even a passport (shout out to the passport and global entry services they offer here)! Don't even think of sleeping on that movie collection either. They have a great list of options, and since everyone is streaming everything nowadays, the movies seem to always be available. Plus, you can't beat the nostalgia factor of "renting" a movie with the added bonus of it being free. read more

Limited selection of ebooks. And many of the good ones not available because they haven't paid the License fee. And those available have 60 people waiting. Waste of 40 bucks. read more

I live downtown and love the library, well, most libraries. I walked over to our downtown library because I pass by it every day on the way home in the car. The building is great, but the inside is a different story. I went around 2:00 pm on a weekday. The workers are SUPER helpful. The entrance is very welcoming minus the homeless that sit outside. The guard at the entrance has to monitor people that walk in since it is a haven for homeless. I walked over to the dress display they currently have and it was wonderful. Then I wandered over to the computer lab section. OH MAN! It was like being sucked into a closed room of people that have never worn deodorant. It was truly horrible. Just outside the computer section is a place with all the new books on display. I checked one of these out and really liked this little display. I walked up to the second and third floor. It kind of just seems like a place that college kids study, homeless people use to get out of the Houston heat, and then people like me that just love the library. All in all, I will go back, but I was just very disappointed. I know the library is a place for everyone, but I just wish there was not so many homeless. The library is HUGE, so it is definitely worth a visit! read more

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. read more

My husband and I went to this location to get our passport applications processed. Granted we had to go on a Saturday because my husband works during the week so we expected to wait a little bit. However, we ended up waiting 2.5 hours to be called back. They have one person working the station and it takes them about 15-20 minutes/person to process the applications. There is absolutely no reason for this! It took us 5 minutes because we had everything ready to go like you are supposed to. To add to that we didn't even get an apology because of the wait. Beyond ridiculous. Every worker took a break every 30 minutes. Overall, I would rather deal with the USPS workers than these horrible people. Can you say "attitude problem"? read more

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? read more

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://curiousexpeditions.org/?p=78 ). 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? read more

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. read more

I know the 2 stars is a little harsh, but the description of "Meh. I've experienced better," is generous when it comes to what I look for in a library. If you strictly need a place to get some books and music, this library is well stocked. There are 4 FULL floors of books and a large music section that's pretty impressive. There's a very small collection of feature films, so if you've managed to watch most of your movies through a library's collection, you may be disappointed. But overall, the selection really is great. The biggest detractor to this library is the ambiance and clientele. I grew up going to the library and I always enjoyed not only browsing through the selection but also finding a corner to read in, go through books and take my time to decide what I want. You really can't do that here.... While it may not seem like a big deal, the place is carpetless which really takes away from having a cozy atmosphere. The place just also *feels* dirty. If this was the only complaint I had, I'd probably give the library 3 stars. However, the biggest issue I have with the Central Library is their clientele, which is very questionable. I know this isn't something they can easily control, so it is what it is, but it's just so unfortunate! It's really just not that pleasant browsing through books when there are homeless people walking around, or (in my experience) strange men following you around as well. The last time I went, I had two uncomfortable encounters with men and made sure I walked back to the parking garage with another family to make sure I was safe. I hate that I'm writing this because I truly LOVE libraries and again, this one has a great selection - but it's really just not your typical library. From now on, my visits will be restricted to just picking up things I've reserved - or, I may just have to make the Looscan Library my home library... read more

I'd forgotten how much I loved being able to constantly read books until I was talking to a friend about how awesome the concept of libraries were. Well, I work less than 10 minutes walking from the Houston Public Library...time to take advantage of the opportunity! Yes, this is a haven, especially during summer, for people who don't have shelter/employment/whatever, but generally they won't bother you. The staff here seem to have a zero tolerance policy regarding harassment, and they're super nice, too. Because the clientele is quite varied, the library can smell...funky. Once you're a little bit deeper into the stacks, it's not so noticeable, but I generally don't hang out here; I check my books out and walk back to work. Interlibrary loans are a lifesaver. Although there are times that I browse the stacks to find inspiration on what to read, it's so convenient to just use the HPL website to place a hold on what I want. More popular books have long waitlists (for obvious reasons), but the wait times honestly aren't awful. I'm a big supporter of public libraries, and the HPL Central one is no exception! Consider me a fan. read more

Borders, Barnes and Nobles, and even indie bookstores can shove it. The HPL is a sight to behold. Occupying a whole city block, HPL houses several thousand books (estimate) they have a significant multi-media section, and have teen and kids section fully stocked with video games and computers as well. You can reserve books online and place them on holds for quick pick up. Street parking does cost money, but is free on Sundays! Be sure to come with the family or friends and enjoy this public facility. read more

Beautiful modern building. Good book selection In several areas but go there during the daytime during very hot, cold or wet weather and its a great place to hang out with the homeless or cavort with a barefoot "working girl". Am glad to see all walks of life sheltering from inclement weather or more saliently, those who take the opportunity to access the web but an utter misunderstanding of silence and interpersonal space makes this spot impossible to work in. People walk up to you and want to know your entire life story and what you are doing despite the fact you are wearing headphones, hunched over a laptop and making eye contact with nobody at all. By all means, pop in and check out a book or even a lady of the night but don't expect to get any work done here! read more

Beautiful building Convenient parking 4 floors of bliss Beautiful art Kind and resourceful staff members I love books! read more

When you search for a book on the Houston Public Library's website, this location appears to have every title you could possibly want. Sadly, there's a strong homeless population on the interior and exterior. Also, inside, the library has a strong odor, but you can usually escape it within the stacks. The HPL system has a decent enough website that you can go online and request whatever you want so that it's already on a shelf waiting with your name on it. That'll save you from smelling library funk while waiting for the elevator or running up the stairs. I also like to request my books online so that I can run in and out without paying extra pennies on the parking meter. Unless you get lucky, you'll probably pay for parking at this location. Overall, a great and wide selection of books that you can self-checkout if there's ever a long checkout line ahead of you. read more