This was my go to library when my daughters were young. Bluebonnet books. Lone Star books. Name That Book competition books. So easy to reserve books online and then pick them up. Perfect for my zoom Yelp book club monthly readings. Cute and cozy reading areas. Could even renew your passport here. Plenty of parking. The MyLink Library Card is free with proof of Texas residency. Still a great library to pick up a book or two. read more

See all

My kids (ages 2 & 5) love coming to the library and playing in the kids corner while I'm browsing for books to check out for them. There are a variety of toys and board books for them to safely play with and my 5 year old loves making new friends there. There are computer stations and a lot of different areas for reading or studying. The check out process is very easy using the computer and you can return the books at the drop off slot outside the library doors or right inside the library on the left side after you enter. The restrooms are very clean. There is plenty of parking and the staff are very kind. Every time I needed help, they would be friendly and quick to help. read more

See all

We signed up for toddlers story time and it was very well done, songs and stories. They also have a large play room where toddlers can play with toys and each other. We'll be back, our grandbaby liked it. read more

See all

Studied here for weeks to take an important board exam. It is definitely a "family-friendly" library, which basically means it's always packed with small children that run around screaming. While it is known for being family-friendly, I think libraries are still supposed to be relatively quiet. Otherwise there's ample seating and charging! read more

Very quiet. Nice spacious. Room to spread out and really be alone in your thoughts or whatever you may be concentrating on. read more

McGovern Stella Link Neighborhood Library - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

Passport services review! I already had a bad experience with passport renewal recently. I mistakenly marked two of my kids appointments at 230 and 300 on my calendar when it was really 200 and 230. I arrived at 230 and they would only see one child.... even though one child only took 10 minutes to process and they were both getting renewals.... So I finally get another appointment but chose this library due to its availability and the convenience between her school and my work. I told the story of my mishap to the clerk and she was appalled that they did not take both kids in that 30 minutes slot. (And the price jumped $20 after that appointment!) I just wanted to give the library a shot out because my daughter was running late but they still allowed me to get started without her and they also were super patient because I couldn't remember where I put the birth certificate. Even with my scrambling and daughter's tardiness, we were still out in less than 15 minutes. Definitely will be coming back here for all our renewals. Superb friendly fast service! read more

the staff here are rly nice. the selection isn't very vast. plenty of room to chill but the architecture of the building is sad and dry. nothing crazy. decent hours. read more

McGovern Stella Link Neighborhood Library - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

I really wish they opened earlier on Mondays in particular, because I am in a club that meets there Mondays at noon sharp. Other than that it's been fantastic so far! read more

Not only is this a fine library branch, they are fantastic at other activities like getting passports. Ultra efficient and professional. Special shout out to Abner: I didn't know librarians had such great passport chops! read more

A really great place to study - lots of natural light, plenty of outlets, a good number of desks/tables, free WiFi, clean bathrooms. The only bummer is that overall its not a huge library so it can be hard to find an empty table and sometimes it can get loud if there are lots of kids around. There aren't many comfy couches to read on, just armchairs and desks. Checking out books is a breeze. Find your title in the computer catalog then locate it in the stacks. Things are pretty well organized by topic: adult fic/non-fic, juvenile fic/non-fic, childrens, DVDs/videos/tapes. All the checkouts are self-checkouts using your library card (all you need is a TX drivers license to sign up). I couldn't find many of the titles I was looking for but I got them via interlibrary loan instead. There are about 5-10 computers available to use as well and they hold free classes on various topics too (photography, website design, ESL etc; see the website for more details: http://www.houstonlibrary.org/mcgovern-stella-link-neighborhood-library) The employee who helped me was very friendly and polite; he explained everything about the library system, inter-library loans (you can request books that aren't at that branch and they'll arrive in about 4 days; they'll email you when it's ready to be picked up), and lending (typically 2 wks but you can request it up to 6wks w/o renewal). They also started doing passport documentation here, which is convenient given the nice location...and if you're waiting, you can always read a book! :) Check the hours for passport services online before you go, they're different than the library hours. read more

McGovern Stella Link Neighborhood Library - Interior - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

The front desk staff are not helpful--I don't think they are trained for service jobs. I was unable to self check out a book and the guy didn't offer to help. read more

It's been forever since I've been to the library. Boy, did things sure changed. It's all fancy & high tech now. Very nice library & community events I saw on their calendar. Anyways, I didn't come to check out books. Came to get my passport done. Thank You!! For making my life convenient ! Didn't had to take a day off, No lines, & was out & about in 15 min. It costed me $110 for passport & another $60 to expedite. The library fee was $25 read more

This library would be wonderful if the parents that take their small children here would actually parent them instead of allowing them to scream across the entire place. It's very distracting and RUDE to those who come here for a quiet place to study or read. The librarians don't ask the parents to quiet their kids. It's unfortunate because I really enjoy this library but I guess I'll have to steer clear of this place after 2:30 pm. read more

Great library for children's resources. The literacy activity kits you can check out are creative. Best to go during the week. If you need passport services to NOT go on Saturday. Ever. The line is 50 people long 15 mins before they open. read more

McGovern Stella Link Neighborhood Library - People waiting outside on Saturday likely for passport services. - Libraries Near Me - Houston, Texas

Overall not bad. I go here to study and get work done so I can't say much regarding book selections or anything. The biggest issue by far is how loud it gets. It's great that they're very family friendly and have a kids section but that kids section is in the middle of the library which leads to kids running screaming throughout the whole library. The staff doesn't seem to enforce any kind of rules about noise level and parents will just let their kids run loose. There's also a very limited number of tables available to study and read at which fill up extremely quickly. If you're looking for a quiet spot where you're guaranteed a table... probably not the place for you. read more

This library is wonderful. Helpful staff, convenient to place books on hold and run in and pick them up. I love this library.

So glad the city renovated this library after hurricane harvey. I love how I can request books and put them on hold and walk right in and grab the ones they are holding for me. The library is a decent size and has computers for kids to play on. On a Friday afternoon. When computers were all taken the librarian even offered to open one of the classrooms so kids can play on the computer. I love this library. read more

Nice library, but it can be a madhouse. Immigration services should NOT take place there. Also, kids are unruly. It's a great idea to have services for kids, but parents/staff do not control them. Also, I find that their book selection is rather limited. Wasted space. New library is under construction in Westbury, where I live. Hope it is better. For now, I use Bellaire. This is much better run place! read more

How do you gush over a public library? This branch sits squarely in Old Braeswood, a well-heeled residential neighborhood, surrounded by a fire station, elementary school, Sheltering Arms social service agency, and the Weekley Family YMCA. While convenient for flaming items, I've often wondered how un-fun it would be to live across the narrow street from the firehouse. Pros: Hot firemen washing their trucks. Home insurance discount for being 30 feet from the station. Cons: Screaming trucks at odd hours. Net result: Big negative since the screaming sirens happen more often than either (a) my home burning or (b) firemen washing their trucks shirtless. Anyway, this branch is pretty new having opened in 2004. Lots of computer terminals, good selection of recent books and magazines, and seating areas. The operative word is "operating": the machinery and furniture are all in good working order, which is more than half the battle in public buildings. Another great thing is the lack of homeless people stinking up the place: don't get me wrong, I'm a Texas liberal, but I like to enjoy my public facilities with less of the public smell. One of my favorite features of the library is you can search the online catalog and reserve books that suit your fancy. When an item is not at your local branch, you can have them ship it to this branch and they will email you once it is in. At that point, you can waltz in, pick up your book, and breeze right out into your waiting limousine. No need to rub elbows with your fellow citizens: adults, children, elderly, even the obnoxiuously loud Billy Mayes - you can ignore them all and take your book back to your final destination. The downside is the library's parking lot is exceedingly small for its popularity. The Sheltering Arms agency (serving an elderly clientele) gets the "Geezer Grinch Award" since they post all manner of menacing "We will tow you away. Srsly." signage. Yeah, those library patrons are just a step above arsonists, gang members, hedge fund managers, and other unsavory characters. In these tough economic times, save cash and get your read on by stopping in at the local library. Mind the parking, though. read more

Remember when the first rule of the library was "Be quiet?" Yeah, those were the good ole days, because that's not a standard here. Consider yourself warned. This location is very modern looking and pretty, but the parking lot is RIDICULOUSLY tiny. You want to go early and prepare to sit and wait or circle the lot several times. They offer self checkout which is pretty easy--and quite efficient. The front desk lines get long pretty quickly as it is, so they try to keep things moving. I like that! They offer lots of programs for the community, including a baby/toddler story time, so be prepared for the sound of screaming children. And now that it's summer, there are kids aplenty running around with parents that are too worn out or just too indifferent to even attempt to get their children to behave. Smh. That said, the employees are pleasant and very helpful. Since my laptop went on the fritz, I've been using the computers here to take care of some things, and it's nice to have a place close to me where I can do that. You can even print for $ .15/page. If you need a passport, this branch offers passport services. If you've never had a passport and need one, this is a great alternative to the passport agency downtown (which is great, but costs an extra $60 just for showing up there). There's usually a line, so come early--especially now that it's summer. read more

This place is newly renovated. Close to my house, and open on Saturdays! Perfect get away from the normal studying. It is my last semester of school...I hope, unless for some crazy reason I decide to go back for a PHD. Best of all it's free with all those student loans to worry about soon. read more

We were looking for a place to study other than coffee shops, so we stopped by here since it is near our place. It's in a cute neighborhood and there is plenty of parking! The building of the library looked pretty new and it was clean. We came on an early afternoon during a week day and this place was pretty packed, mostly with kids. It seemed like a lot of kids stop by here after school. We were able to find a table and there were plenty of outlets on the floor next to each table, which is a plus! Since a lot of kids were there, it was pretty noisy. Also, there were people watching videos on their laptops and even though they were using earphones, I could still hear extra noises. I got the Houston Public Library card for the first time and the process was pretty easy. I just had to show them my driver's license with current address on it. I had a list of books that I wanted to read, so I got excited about getting a library card... But this location didn't have any of the books on my list. I ended up searching for the books on the Houston Public Library catalog and put some books on my "hold" list. I think once the book is available, they bring the book to your preferred library location and notify you. read more

The place is bumpin' on a Monday evening -- that has to say something. The only requirement for a library card is a Texas driver's license with current address. Selection is surprisingly large and up to date. If you can't find a book in the stacks but it is within Houston Public Library catalog, request it online and you'll get an email notification when it has arrived. They hold classes here regularly, on topics like basic computer use to Chinese language and digital photography. Self-checkout, email reminders of due dates, the ability to renew by phone/online, and a 24hr drop off slot makes the whole process short and sweet. Computer terminals are reserved for those with an access code, reducing "loiterers", porn surfers, and other inappropriate users that have been the bane of public libraries everywhere. Free wi-fi available. read more

Tried to get my kids passports renewed. Office closes at 7 pm and they had Already closed the line for applications. Unbelievable, because I saw one individual in line for the payment office. I think my tax money could be better spent elsewhere. If I could give negative stars, I would, Do not advertise that you are open till 7 if you plan on closing more that 2 hrs prior, Super disappointed. read more

I've been to few Houston library's so far and this is my favorite library around here. It was very clean and spacious. I really liked the large glass windows and the setting of the study table. The chairs were actually pretty comfortable also. The only down side is that the children's room is on the same floor as the study tables and it can get a little loud during "story time" and after school this place can turn into a zoo. Just wish the librarians would try to help keep the noise down. I usually try to come here in the mornings and almost always leave around the time the school ends. read more

Easy to check books out / in. Seems to be a decent place to read / study. However the book selection is fairly limited. On the plus side, you can request books from other Houston public libraries and they will be delivered / held to pick up. read more

I visited this library to study for the CPA exam, and it was hugely disappointing. The biggest problem is the noise level! When I was growing up (as recently as the 2000s), we were taught to be quiet in the library. That is not the case here. Children are singing, playing tag, and BARKING throughout the facility. The layout does nothing to curb the noise, and the children's section is not separate as it is in most other libraries. I had earbuds in which didn't help. The wifi was slow which was frustrating but wouldn't have been a big deal on its own. There isn't much room for studying or reading, just one section of wooden tables that I imagine fill up quickly during busy time. If you would like to actually get work done or READ, I would recommend going elsewhere. Try the Fondren Library at Rice (parking is $1), or even go to a Starbucks. read more

Recently I've been reserving books online and picking them up at this location! It's super convenient to walk in and get your reserved books from the shelves in the back left corner of the foyer. You can even do self checkout. The hours are pretty good, but change daily, so make sure you check on their site first. read more

The best thing about this library location is the variety of community events they have available. Chinese lessons, toddler/kid story & song hour every day of the week, etc etc. The book and dvd selections are pretty standard, and the library isn't too spacious, but they do a great job making this a community center. read more

The library itself is fine, but I would recommend going elsewhere for help with your passport. The guy at the front desk who checks your paperwork before meeting with the Passport agent is a total jerk. His response to a friendly, "Hello!" was greeted with stone silence, a look of distain, and no eye contact. It went downhill from there. He looked for every way possible to reject my paperwork which was perfect, requested information that had nothing to do with the requirements. It's a shame that one person can ruin one's experience in what appears to be a fine facility. read more

It can get very loud sometimes and gave me a hard time to study. Other than that, I like it here. It's not the best but definitely not the worst. They should separate the kids activity area. When they sing together with the loud music, I feel it's not a library but a daycare. read more

Passport Services: After trying, unsuccessfully, to get a passport through the postal service I stumbled upon the libraries website mentioning they are a passport service location. There were three people ahead of me, and I was still in and out in 20min. Everyone was super friendly. Best of all, you don't need an appointment. If you're applying for a passport in Houston it doesn't get any easier than this. read more

Don't go here on a Saturday for passport services. The line is several hours long. Parking lot is small to accommodate people here for the library and passport services. read more

Great location. Bright and clean with a friendly staff. I went to get a library card so I could use the digital apps. The representative walked me through all of my options and event told me his preferences. Love it! read more

Very nice library I don't know why I never stopped by after all his time I searched it!!! I came her on a weekday to study. They open late and the facility is welcoming! Very quiet until student get out of school of course, they come there to either read books with their parents or hang out.. The have an open view since they do have glass walls makes for a great scenery rather than a wall. Will definitely come back her to study! Be aware that after 3:30 it gets a bit noisy. read more

Although they do not have a huge selection of the genre that I prefer, I love the atmosphere and location.

Amazing library. This library is creatively decorated and organized, and it has floor to ceiling windows that are always so clean that it looks like you are outside (except that you aren't... you are in a comfortable, air-conditioned library)! This library is also very popular... I've gone on different days at different times, and it's always packed (but still quiet). There's all different kinds of books, and many are in Chinese or Spanish. There's several touch-screen self-checkout stations. It's also in a great community... near the middle school and the YMCA, close to shops and places to eat, all situated in a residential area with beautiful homes and lots of trees. I always thought of going to a library as a necessary task (to study or to look for a specific book), but every time I enter this library, I feel inspired. Cheesy, I know, but it's true. Check it out for yourself; you will be amazed. read more

Great facility, however; the staff could do a better job in regulating noise in the facility. Between the hours of 4pm - 6pm, the library becomes filled with middle and elementary school students. The staff and security could better assist patrons by actively patrolling to maintain noise and cell phone conversations. It quickly becomes a playground and a distraction for those looking for a quiet place to study and reflect. read more