I came to the Jungman Neighborhood Library off Westheimer in the Galleria area hoping to find some peace and quiet to work on my laptop during my job search. It's a fairly small library, which I initially thought would not work in my favor, because it meant that there would be less space for privacy. The first thing you notice when you walk in is broken equipment at the entrance. I'm not sure if it's a metal detector or a book detector, but it's clearly out of order and makes for a poor first impression. I set up at a table just outside a glass-walled area labeled "The Living Room." There were standard AC outlets available, but no USB ports. Unfortunately, the chair I sat in smelled strongly of urine. Shortly after, I heard loud talking coming from the Living Room area, and it became clear why. Two or three homeless individuals were sitting in the plush leather chairs, mixed in with other patrons who were reading or listening to headphones. It really struck me how much libraries have changed. This was not a quiet environment. On the other side of the library, a couple of children were playing and screaming without anyone intervening. At the front desk, a staff member and a patron were having a full-volume conversation, as if they were standing outside on a busy street. Even with headphones and music playing, I struggled to concentrate. During the few hours I was there, the same individuals moved in and out repeatedly. At one point, someone pulled a book from the shelf, sat directly across from me, and loudly flipped through it. Combined with the odor in the area, it made me feel uncomfortable and queasy. Overall, I did not feel safe in this library. I managed to finish what I needed to do just as closing time rolled around and left. Unfortunately, this is not a place I'd return to if I'm looking for a quiet, focused, or comfortable work environment. read more

Jungman Neighborhood Library - Entry - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

Librarians like Regina & Joelle are the reason that I make it a priority to regularly visit neighborhood libraries. They're kind, conversational, and on this particular visit, made sure to refer me to other community engagement opportunities (i.e. The Reading Room Critical/Close Reading session featuring The Waterbearers x Sasha Bonet, a book that I'd picked up after placing a hold only a few days ago, and the upcoming Bad Art Club held on the last Wednesday each month. This month's project would focus on creating rings made of resin!). In addition to the $58 I saved by checking out 3 books (The Turner House x Angela Flournoy, The Waterbearers x Sasha Bonet, and Leave Your Mess at Home x Tolani Akinola), I love this particular library b/c of its consistently vast book sale options. They clearly have some generous donors! Today's pickup? Little Women (Great Illustrated Classics) by Louisa May Alcott - $2 total (and $28 on Amazon). I had to stop myself from taking home a pile of Interior Design magazines -- when they're only 5 for $1, it's hard to resist! it makes for perfect scrapbook material :) read more

The need to preserve public libraries is greater than ever, particularly when it comes to Houston. In a city with poor (or dare I even say, absent) urban planning, local residents greatly benefit from having a clean, quiet, and accessible facility that escapes the roaring, shadeless, and car-dominant cement fields of Midwest Houston. Previous reviews seem to back me up on this thought. This library shines like a diamond in the Westheimer rough. Beautiful, well-maintained building with plenty of additional parking in the back. I like how there are several rooms designated for specific purposes, such as the living room (cushioned chairs, newspapers, magazines), tweens room (bulletin board with education and career opportunities in the back), and childrens area. Lots of spaced out individual tables with outlets/USB-A plugins at the center, or you can use the free computers as well. Ran a speed test on my Mac and it gave me 24 Mbps up, 23 down. Pretty standard for a library; should support your streaming needs if you decide to take a study break. You can also rent DVDs here. Printing offered at $0.15 per black and white page, $0.50 per color. Very useful all-purpose public facility for any age. If you need a place to focus on Westheimer and don't want to spend money, this is your place. read more

Large parking lot in the back with a few shaded spots. Security guard makes me feel a bit better. I didn't interact with the staff but generally this seems like a more modern library which is pleasant to see. read more

My mom used to bring us here Sundays to reup our book intake. So many memories. Anyone have photos from the 80's? Such a core part of my childhood. Henrietta the Chicken books, and How to do Magic. Wow, Im so grateful she nursed her obsession with Stephen King here, because I got to come along. read more

Frequent Library user. Jungman has a new group of discourteous, incompetent staff. Verifying if an item was to be cleared, as the return conveyor in the library is frequently not functioning or out of paper to provide a receipt, was informed that I could not stand within proximity of the employee to verify if the item had been cleared from the account. This doesnt happen at other libraries, as the employees are graciously welcoming the patron to verify on their account, to look at the screen and verify the account clearance. Additionally, when using the after hours depository, I continually checked on online network if the item had been cleared. At this library, generally takes 3 or 4 days. Other libraries show clearing the item(s) oftentimes the same day or no later than the next day. The staff at Jungman needs to improve their performance in many aspects. read more

Nice small Houston Public Library branch on Westheimer. Plenty of parking available. Nice to be able to easily reserve a book, get a message when it is available and then just checkout at the self serve desk. This was a branch that we have used for passports over the years. So easy for processing the paperwork. Just set an appointment online. Thanks to Paula for helping out with my Yelp book club reservation. read more

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I signed up for Baby Story time and I'm so glad I did. Parking is easy, it just loathe that it's off busy Wertheimer. Since it was before lunch - there really wasn't a lot of traffic at all. I've never been inside this library and it is really nice. Very clean, huge kids section, lots of technology, friendly staff, they have security, huge selection of adults books, meeting rooms, etc. They also host a ton of events - you just need to check the calendar. We had the best time at Baby Story time. It was engaging, we sang songs, did movement activities, read a book and had playtime as well. My little had the BEST TIME!! We are totally signing up again - and it's always free!! read more

Both times I came here to do a fast print I ended up being there for a half hour. The staff is slow and talk very loud. The lady on my first experience shouted each individual item I printed out very unprofessionally. And then denied to print me out more than 10 pages even with me paying for it. Second time my print job came out invalid and I had to wait another 20 minutes to get a reprint. What a terrible experience both times. Something told me not to come back. read more

Jungman Neighborhood Library - There's only one printer for visitors. - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

The library itself is nice, but there are some nuances that put a damper or things. Here is my experience: Although I'm an adult, I used a computer in the kids' section, since there was no one at any of the computers there, whereas the adult section had users in it and I don't like crowds. After about half an hour a library employee spotted me and made it a point to come by, interrupt my session, and loudly instruct me to go to the adult section. Technically, he was right, but only technically - I stress that I was the only computer user in the children's section at that time, and there are quite a few computers there. He also could have been a bit more tactful with his request. Having been forced to log out and move to the adult section, I soon found that a person with a strong body odor sat himself next to me. I tend to think that imposing one's body odor on others is a worse offense than an adult using a computer in an empty children's section. So, no, this was not a pleasant library experience at all. You won't find that kind of treatment in the Spring Branch Memorial library on Corbindale. The workers there are very accommodating and pleasant to deal with. Which is why I would rather drive there, than walk here. read more

This just perfect my daughter and I Go to do the homework after school great service so manny books to choose from always activities for coloring and more computers printers and movies what an amazing place for any kid read more

Beautiful small neighborhood library. It's clean, with lots of windows so it's bright, and very inviting. There is a teen section where adults are not allowed to use the computers in that section during after school times, I guess so teens can do their homework. Maybe I'm outdated but I had never seen a checkout and return system that's pretty much all computerized, like a self checkout at the grocery store. I liked how efficient that was. Didn't do 5 stars only because there are homeless people just hanging out in part of the library. They didn't really bother me, as they were quiet and respectful. I get that the homeless should be allowed to read and use the resources too... but there was one person wearing a bed sheet as a toga type dress and sleeping in the couch area. read more

Went for the US Passport services. Thankfully it was run by Library staff and went incredibly well.

I always place holds on books so I can go in and out. There's a shelf near the back entrance that has all the holds and it's sorted by last name. It makes it very convenient. A con to this library is the lack of lights in the back parking lot. It can get dark. I haven't had any problems regarding my safety, but it would be helpful to have more lights there. read more

Beautiful cozy library where you can go and enjoy of a such a great time. They always have activities for all ages literally ALL ages from 0-99. Love their story times they have baby story time,toddler story time which is very convenient for everyone. They also have pajama story time which everyone can enjoy. Encourage parents to some time with their kids and gives ideas of learning such as teaching kids to learn colors or techniques for parents to teach them how to influence their kids on their development. I really love the fact they have this "FLIP kits" which you can rent them for free and it includes toys! Love this library and their friendly staff. Jessica is been doing pajama story time since my baby was 6 months old today was her last day doing it and it was amazing. Hope you nothing but the best Jessica. read more

Fast place to get passport. I was able to schedule my appointment for the following day. Very happy with the experience and they also can take your picture read more

***It's open now.*** Closed for renovations. I know what you're thinking, "Who bought it? And what's it going to be now?" Such a Houstonian thing to say. Since this is a library and not some restaurant-cursed corner, the answers to the above questions are: no one and a non flood-damaged Jungman branch library. As to the 70s "return to natural materials/blend into the surrounding environment chic" style of the original building, I hope they don't modernize/grossify it during renovations. I love the concrete walls and gigantic windows, and the gorgeous oak trees surrounding the building. The giant oak trees have always been in front. If I recall correctly, when Beck's Prime built the dining island in front, no trees were cut down. (That made one five year old extremely happy.) read more

This is the closest Houston Library Branch to me. But in general this library is less than awe-inspiring. I have not used this library in about three years so my library card had expired, I went yesterday to get it renewed and check out the selection. The selections are limited, and this particular branch has seen better days. In general it's best to use the online system and get the books sent here, as the book choices are limited. The childrens section has some great little red chairs and a sailboat hanging from the ceiling. I thought about hiding out there to read my books. There are a decent number of computers available however I didn't use any. I also didn't look at the music or DVD selection. This branch is closed on the weekend which I also find a little odd. The parking is shared with Beck's Prime and has a great little patio with a huge tree to read under. read more

I joined about 6 months ago , and have been very pleased with the service and help they give you . The staff is very friendly , and I especially would like to commend Lubna for all the help she has given me . Keep up the good work people . Thank You -- R M Shaber read more

4.0/4.5 stars, because I like how clean and quiet this place can be. I been here a few times with my girl friend and we both got library cards yesterday. I don''t remember the last time I've even been to a library, but the staff here is nice and helpful. They also have passport information if you want to renew, replace, or get a passport form. I would of gave it 5 stars, but we had to find specific books by ourselves even when we tried to ask the staff to clarify how the isles go by, either last name of the author or by the title. This place is peaceful when you are in your own zone! read more

Over the phone Veronica S and Victor patiently advised me how to register for E books and an online library identification number. They walked me through the complications that arrived in downloading the APP OVERDRIVE. They were so kind and patient. I can't wait to meet them in the future. People like this will motivate more people to use libraries. Hopefully their professional and welcoming personality will inspire future readers of ebooks or library books. read more

This is an update about my experience in regards to booking a conference room. Just went there this Monday in hopes of getting a conference room for 4 different days within the 90 day window. I was told by one of the staff last week to check with them this week for accurate availability. In the end, I couldn't book anything because for one of my bookings which will be on 4/2 at 11am that they wouldn't be opened until 12noon! Smh. They just changed the hours! Heh ... I have no idea what's the point to change the hours. For the other 3 days (5/24, 5/31 and 6/5), they don't know if they will be available till this Friday due to the confirmation of some pending summer activities ... Whoever told me to come see them this week over the phone didn't make it clear NOT to go see them on Monday!!! This is kind of stupid as it was a waste of my time. read more

I submitted my passport application on June 9th and paid the maximum for expedited service. Later that month I received a letter dated June 25th from the US Department of State stating that I needed to resubmit my application because the acceptance agent failed to sign my application or to properly identify the passport acceptance agency. I went back on June 30th and resubmitted the application and gave the agent the letter which specified they were to overnight the additional information. It's now July 10th and the National Passport Information Center has no indication that they have received the additional information and new application. I will never return here for anything as important as my passport. I would recommend going downtown and getting it done right the first time. At this point I have no idea when or if I will receive my passport. read more

I haven't lived in Houston for almost 20 years, but I still visit this library occasionally when I'm in town. I'm probably biased because this was the library I used to go to as a kid, but I still think it's a great one! I have wonderful memories of being introduced to all sorts of books, most of which would today be called YA fiction, by an amazing young librarian named Julie (I wish I could remember her last name) back in the late 70's. I sincerely hope she's doing well today, and that other kids today are able to benefit from this wonderful facility in the same way I was back then. read more

Nice new library but selection is sparse and Kids area is small and not a lot of fun for kids- needless to say, we keep coming back!

Got a new passport for my daughter here and it was fast, easy and the people were very nice. Maybe a 10 minute wait but we just got some books! Easy way to make an appointment, I made mine the day before and they text you with updates. Highly recommend!! read more

This library has taken all the different sections of the library and simply filed ALL the books in alphabetical order. Yes you read that correctly! No more mystery, no more health, etc. categories. Who in the heck thought that would be helpful? My first thought was someone is lazy and not wanting the take the time to file. (Seems to me this caters to the library employees and not the library patrons). Sometimes I do not know an authors name and just want to browse a category, to see if I notice something interesting - but alas no more. I have better books to donate than are on their shelves, however they take the books and sell them and do not put them on the shelves. Why? read more

This library is ok, just dont ask anyone for any help, first you would think that some one asked them to tailor a suit or dress. Then you will be talked to in a loud like manner, other than that it serves the purpose for me to get things transfered here. read more

Gidday, I am a newcomer to Houston and the US. I was surprised to see some less than enthusiastic reviews of the library. I am really pleased with the selection and how quickly the librarians are able to order in books for me. And they are so helpful, suggesting titles in my area of interest and asking my thoughts on the books I borrow. Maybe it's style over substance, I would much rather have helpful staff and easy access to books than consider the decor. My husband reads while I spend time looking for books, he has no trouble finding stuff to read. A big THANK YOU to all the people at the Jungman Library, I really appreciate y'all. cheers lorac read more

The people are nice but the building is a little dated and hard to navigate at times.