It's been a while since I've reviewed a library as I don't go to them often these days. But this one may get me out of my house more and into these buildings when I need some quiet time. Kendall library is a mainstay in Energy Corridor with strengths being the cleanliness and accessibility. It's close to the Terry Hershey park so you can walk/bike here and there's a good amount of parking here. The library is three stories and has areas for children and young adults. I found myself on the second floor where I occupied one of the two study rooms to get some work done. There's also a meeting room and several computer cubes to do internet research. Not to mention plenty of books and movies for checkout. Public libraries continue to be one of the best complimentary free services for the general public and this one is one of the better ones I've been too in the Houston area. read more

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I visit this library frequently, and overall, it's a solid place for studying, researching, or just picking up a good read. The building has three floors, each well-organized and offering a wide variety of books across different genres and subjects. There are also plenty of computers available, which is great for those who need access to tech or a quiet place to get work done. The library has a couple of reservable rooms, which come in handy for group work or private study sessions. I appreciate how spacious and functional the place is--there's rarely an issue finding a spot to sit or work. That said, it's not the coziest library. If you're looking for comfy chairs, soft lighting, or a warm atmosphere to curl up with a book, this might not be the vibe. But if you want a practical, well-stocked, and resource-rich space, it does the job well. They even have a 'little free library' that's only 1-4 min walk away from the parking lot. Def check it out!! read more

Kendall Neighborhood Library - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

Really nice quiet library to study in. The staff is so nice and it is super clean. Tons of activities going on but never feels over crowded.

Ample parking. Nice, spacious, and clean! I was here for a meeting and I can only write about that part and what I saw. I thought it was a nice decent size room for our chapter meeting. The rest room was clean and had enough stalls for usage. I remember this Library before Harvey and to see it back up and open is such a great thing for the community. I do plan on coming back with my boys. Bye for now :) read more

I'm so glad this location is open. It was closed so long after the Hurricane did flood damage. I love to buy books but going to the library saves me so much money. They have meeting rooms and study areas if you work remotely like I do. I've loved libraries since I was a kid. Good place to take the kiddos to expand their knowledge or just for teens or adolescents. Happy Reading! read more

Kendall Neighborhood Library - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

Best library for kids .More books there related to their ages . Programs are going like story telling : family story telling for different ages of children on differemt i am enjoying wed noon story time for age 3. For age below 3 the story time on wed 11.30 to 12 . Its good . read more

I love this library. The librarians are kind, patient, and well-informed. It's easy to find the books I requested in the holds section. It's spacious with well-defined areas and reading nooks, and it's full of natural light from the big windows. I believe the book baskets (a newly-added feature) are also a very convenient amenity for people who like to browse the shelves and carry several books at once. I particularly like how it has different floors for adults and babies/kids/teens, and a teen section pretty far away from the baby section. This helps reduce noise exposure from loud children: something the similar Alief Library & Multi-Service Center (which doesn't have this setup) could learn from. --- I do think the Kendall library could be improved in a few ways, though. The first floor of the library area doesn't have any sitting areas. There's plenty of room for a small bench or two, but there isn't even a single seat. Adding seating on the first floor would make it easier for people who traveled all the way here on bike or on foot to rest for a minute before going to the library. I can also imagine it would be a nice amenity for mobility-impaired people and people keeping watch over their little kids during checkout, inspection of the books for sale, or chats with the librarians. The lobby of the first floor, which it where it splits into the library or the gym, can also get very noisy when there are multiple people talking (or loquacious squeaky kindergarten-age kids). The third floor also no longer has video game consoles. That was a big, distinctive amenity before Hurricane Harvey (2017), and I'm surprised new consoles still haven't been added. One of the librarians said multiple people have been asking about it. Certainly, video games are broadly popular across a variety of tastes, reading abilities, and ages. Adding video games back in again would help this library become the third place of choice for its community. On a more minor note, the adult floor just looks too...bland. From what I've seen, it's much less colorful than the kids and teens section. With its beige and brown color and overly large, shadowed bookshelf by the elevator, It doesn't look fun or inviting. I know adult tastes are different from those of kids, and many adults might prefer a professional look for a place they visit to get job help, but it's hard to believe there are any fun books on this floor when it looks so dull. Similarly, while the Kendall library has fun-looking book clubs for the preteen demographic, it doesn't have a great enough breadth of fun activities for an adult audience. I don't blame them for having so many practical events like job help, living English lessons, and tax help, but the book selections so far seem to be only mystery, romances, and genre-less fiction ("literary fiction"). What's worse is that there are adults who've grown up on long-running middle grade fiction series (e.g., Rick Riordan's Greek & Roman mythology series), potentially allowing libraries to efficiently use the same book for book clubs for different age audiences. It would be nice if parents sharing genre-fiction books with their kids could also have the opportunity to discuss books here. read more

Great spacious library with kids and teens having their own floor! We've been enjoying this library for years even before they were closed down due to water damage from the storm. I've never had a problem with the employees here UNTIL my kids and I came in today (Friday February 3rd at 2:30pm) of course there is no one here because most kids are in school (my kids are homeschooled) so there was only my kids and ONE other kid with his dad. I was literally watched the first 20 minutes we were there (a lady with glasses was working this shift. I signed my kid on one computer and checked out several books (still being watched like a hawk) I went up to the lady to ask her for a guest pass/code to sign up on a second computer. I was asked "DO YOU HAVE A LIBRARY CARD? umm you just watched me check out books and sign my daughter into one of the computers. So I responded "how do you think she's using that computer " and pointed to my daughter then I was quizzed again about what school is my son enrolled into. MIND YOU LAST TIME WE CAME WE WERE NOT ASKED NONE OF THIS! My son was just given a guest code to use the computer. Then this woman tried to act like she just realized I had 2 kids even through it was just my kids and one other kid there!! Just absolutely ridiculous. Be prepared to be profiled and quizzed if you're a minority! read more

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Kendall Library has always been my neighborhood library since I lived here many years ago. In fact, I still remember when it was at the old building on Memorial Drive near Meadow Wood Elementary that's much smaller and dated. When I learned that it was moving to a brand new building further down from my house, I was at first shocked but then only to be more joyed that it was right along the Terry Hershey Park Trail with an entrance to go to the library. So for the past years, I have been taking my bike from my house near Kirkwood and go on the Terry Hershey Park Trail all the way to Kendall Library, to get my books, movies, and refill my water bottle before I go forth some more on my bike ride before heading home. There's definitely a bike rack for you to park and lock your bicycle and it's next to the drive-thru window. Yes, you read it correctly, this library has a drive-thru window for you to pick up on hold books, movies, etc. so you don't need to park and walk in. Should you choose to do walk in and browse around, it's worth it just to see the return book machine. The library is now 3 floors with the top floor being the children / young adult / babysitting area. The reason I call it the babysitting area is because there are video game consoles for kids to play video games there. This is definitely a great way for underprivileged family to enjoy some time together and during our hot Houston summer to get away with the free air conditioning at the library. The 2nd floor is where the adult books, reference books, movies, music CDs, meeting rooms, silent rooms, and international books are. Of course both floors have lots of computers with free Internet for people to use. I usually just browse the book and movie selection but with the Houston Public Library system, you can actually go online and look for anything specific you want. If your local library doesn't have it, you can reserve it and they can send it from another library to yours for you to pick up. However, certain popular books or movies will have a waitlist as there's only so many copies out there in the system that gets checked out all the time. Another great thing about this library is that there's a public basketball court connected to it and it runs on a different library hour as well. There's always something going on there from yoga to tai chi to meditation, and of course basketball. I only used it twice because I get my exercise from my bike ride but sometimes you just feel like shooting some hoops to keep your game up. The library overall is clean, well lit, and well stocked with everything. This is my favorite Houston Public Library only because it's convenient to where I live. read more

My favorite feature of this library is an entire floor for children. They also have a nice selection of toddler thru teens books.

This was a fantastic library - clean and quiet, beautiful building and friendly staff. A true neighborhood asset. Unfortunately it sustained severe damage following the Addicks/Barker reservoir releases and is currently closed. Hope that it can be rebuilt and reopened soon! read more

I was incredibly excited to get a Houston library card! I hadn't gotten one until last month because I was scarred from the time that I tried to apply and couldn't due to my out of resident status. Now, a proud Houstonian resident I get to utilize my library card to the fullest potential. Did you know you can check out 25 books at a time? Yup that's right 25 books! Take that Barnes and Noble. I walked out with about 12 books and you get to keep it for about 3 weeks. Your library card also gives you access to e-books as well as you can put holds on books from other libraries in the Houston area and have it delivered to YOUR library aka the closest one to you. Kendall is my library of course, with its clean and studious feel and plenty of cookbooks, fiction novels, and children's books for my nieces and nephews to read all Summer long. Just keep in mind the late fees everyone. 20 cents a day. It adds up y'all! read more

When most public spaces are often buildings with paint jobs past their prime, it's refreshing to see a library as modern as Kendall. This 3-story place is spacious, has modern decor, and even a basketball gym attached to it! There's a great young adult section and computers and desks for people to study at. I went to catch a free Tai Chi class offered Mondays and Wednesday at 6pm. It's taught by an outside community group that reserves the space in the gym and open to anyone. Kudos on being a green building -- there's even special parking spaces outside for fuel efficient cars. read more

I. Love. This. Library! It's the best place to do homework (aside from Starbucks, of course) and study. They separate the children's area for the adults, which I love, because I don't want to hear screaming children or even screaming Adults when I'm trying to type a paper on the Theories of Crime Causation. There's a joke to be made there somewhere but I'll digress... They have a wide selection of books and friendly and helpful staff to help you. Plus it's never filthy like some of the libraries I've been to (ex- Jungman Library on Westheimer, which is closed for renovations) and there is always plenty of parking. All in all, Great Library. read more

Not a bad library! It's clean and quiet, aside from the 3rd floor kids section. Free Wi-Fi, comfy chairs and study tables are scattered throughout the second and third floors. Nice big windows allow for natural light to fill the building and offer a decent view. It's a pretty small building, though, so there aren't a lot of facilities. Not a ton of seating and the study rooms are usually taken. For some reason, the kids section has flat screen TVs and video games. I'm all for getting kids interested in the library, but don't think video games are the best way to do that. read more

Kendall Neighborhood Library - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

Two words, baby yoga. It's seriously cuteness overload. It's half an hour and very casual. Good for milestones and great for talking to other moms about all the Amazon fav baby products you've all bought (" awesome giraffe pacie / skip hop bag / pacie holder u got there, I have the same one!"). The library itself in quite nice looking too, I have yet to use the kids floor but it looks amazing. read more

A nice new modern-looking neighborhood library. Has a drive through you can pick up reserved books, ample parking, lots of computers, small study/collaboration rooms available. I've never been up to the third floor but the second floor with the books has a good selection. Only downside is when they're open. Definitely check beforehand because it feels like almost every day is different, as noted in Angel M.'s review. read more

What a great place to visit again and again. Is really clean and nice. The second level is for adult which I have not visit much. The third floor is for Teens and Kids with lot of choices of books, puzzles, plush toys that they can actually play with and other children's . Really nice and cute small chairs for the little ones. They have a whole calendar with activities for all kids ages, most of them are performed in the First level. They have like: toddle story time, baby time, baby yoga, preschoolers time, even dog days!! etc. And all for free. Their staff are really friendly and helpful. Love to come to this place. read more

This is a great neighborhood library. The available seating can be an issue at times, but if you arrive early enough you should not have a problem. There is a gym attached to the library, which is pretty load and can be heard in the adult section on the 2nd floor, so I would recommend bringing a pair of headphones to drown out the sound. The hours are currently M,W 10pm - 8pm; T,TH 10am - 6pm; F 1pm - 5pm; Sat 10am - 5pm; and Sun Closed. There is also free WiFi available and it works pretty fast! read more

This library is great! It's has a nice decor, and a jazzy vibe. It has all the latest technology, and up to date books. It has 3 floors, and more than enough computers. I love the fact that a whole floor is delicated to the children, and there are always lots of fun activities for them to do. There is a nice meeting room, and a couple of study rooms. There is even a drive through check out. It's always clean, and the staff is friendly. There is even a electronic check in machine, which is pretty cool. This definitely a 21st century place. Kudos to the City of Houston, they got it right! read more

My dreams to become a librarian when I get older later on in life still stand. Places like Kendall Library fit the image of a friendly place with a lot of resources- you can borrow books, movies, CDs, use the quiet study areas, and meet the knowledgable staff. I come here to do all the above mentioned, and I love my time here. They even have shelves for books on sale for 50 cents (paperback) and $1 (hardcover). This past weekend, I scooped up "Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown (relatively new book!) and the librarian told me that I could have it and to consider it a blessing for the day! It's the little things that make our day. read more

What a hidden gem for the West Houston area! The library is clean, organized and very patron friendly. It was easy for me to find the books I was looking for, and the staff were very friendly. If you have the time and the weather is agreeable, the Terry Hershey trail is within walking distance. I can picture many afternoons spent reading my favorite book in the fresh air and cool shade. read more

I come by here often after work and the location is very convenient for me. Also my favorite feature is they'll reserve and ship your books to a library branch near you. This location has very little parking on a busy Saturday. I drove around for 15 minutes one time, but it hasn't happened since, and the weekdays are less crowded. Friendly, accommodating staff. Be sure to bring your Power Card and utilize the convenient and fast self-checkout kiosks. read more

Love this place. Take my kids out here almost every other Saturday morning to have them pick out books. The building is really modern. I haven't used any of the services for myself but the 3rd floor is sectioned off for children/teens so the kiddos enjoy themselves. They check out the Nintendo DS to play some old school video games. After that they sit there and read to each other while I perfect the art of sleeping with my eyes open. read more

For such a big building there is a minimal selection yet inside is layed out nice. The one thing that was a huge negitive was the lawn was grown up waist high how can the city's code enforcement hand out tickets with this being by far the shabbiest locations around. The staff was busy yet quite helpfull. read more

Was very disappointed in my experience today. I went in with my kids (12, 5 and 2) to break up the day and get some new books to read. This library is three floors and the elevator is broken. So now I'm walking up three floors which was whatever I really felt my kids needed a change in scenery. I get to the third floor and we are looking around for some books and it's loud like it always is in the kids area. No bother it's the kids area. Well my daughter babbles and sometimes words come out but she does not have an indoor voice yet. Katherine the librarian turned around and scolded my child and said "Little girl you need to be quiet!". My son who is 12 came to me and was telling me how my 2 year old is being scolded (she just turned 2, its not like she's close to turning 3 no she just turned 2). I told him to ignore it and gathered my books and said we will be leaving because I'm not trying to have problems (even though it's exceptionally loud already). Never had I had this problem but whatever I was ready to go anyhow. So I go up to the counter and lay my books down and I'm getting my card out and she said use the self check out. I said "Well do I really have to?" She said very abruptly and condescendingly "No!". I then slide my books and card towards her. She scanned them all and then slapped my library card and receipt on my books and and turned back to her computer where she was surfing the web. I then said "What is your name by chance?" She said "Katherine and I was just trying to show you new software!" Still she's being condescending and just plain rude. I said "Oh it's no matter. " and walked away. I dragged all three of my kids back downstairs to the front desk and asked to speak to a manager or supervisor. The guy behind the desk looked like he wasn't understanding a word I said. Once he understood he said you have to walk up to the second floor and talk to them there. I said "Absolutely not. I will not be dragging my kids back up the stairs I will just yelp instead." Well he understood yelp and was like no no I'll call them or tell me your complaint. I said "No I'll just yelp" and walked out. I was in there less then 10 minutes and not only were my kids treated terribly I was too. After I return the books on whatever day because I haven't looked at my receipt and Katherine didn't say anything I will not be returning. I will find a new library. Beauty of Harris county is that libraries are everywhere and I will surely never return here. read more

My son and I love this library! It is clean, well stocked and organized. The staff is amazing! They are so very helpful. I hadn't been to a public library for years until I dropped in at this location. The employees showed me how I could transfer books from other libraries and how to navigate through the online resources. It is refreshing when people stop and take their time making sure guests get the most out of their visit. The library was flooded extensively by hurricane Harvey. I hope it opens soon. read more

This library have some unprofessionals working here. When I needed to use the 3rd floor computers because the second floor was full they tried to tell me I couldn't because the 3td floor was for kids. Dude, it's a computer. I have seen other adults use the computers it is was not a problem. Why is it a problem when I need to use it. Not to mention all eight computers were not being used by anyone. I was the only person on the floor. Smh. When you black they try to stop you from doing anything. Plus the white lady at the desk is only asking blacks the reason they are in the building. I'm watching her right now. read more

Great place to work and be social. The staff are really nice especially Ms. Nina! I will continue to go here thought I live in a different area! ! read more