Beautiful library nestled in a residential area with ample seating and charging. There's even a…read moresection with a self-serve coffee machine and vending machine for drinks, making the area seem like it's intended for eating, although my friend and I ate our food outside of this area, which wasn't formally designated for food anyway. There is a water bottle refill station next to the individual bathrooms. The ambiance is stunning and modern, not exactly silent but not too loud despite the presence of a children's section. We didn't try out the other amenities of those library, as we had a lot of studying to do. Would highly recommend as a place to quietly meet up with a friend, get some remote work done, or escape the Houston heat for free!

I criticize Houston a lot for its poor public planning, but the Public Library System is one thing…read morethey've done marvelously. This library is sleek, modern, and absolutely beautiful. Color tinted windows brighten up the gloomiest and rainiest of days. Artsy geometric themes line the walls, ceilings, and furniture. Whatever your reason for visiting, the interior provides an abundant amount of space for it. More importantly than aesthetics, this library goes above and beyond in the resources it provides. It has passport services, computers, printers, study spaces, and books, similar to most libraries. What most libraries don't have though? Video recording studios, podcast rooms, and sound engineering booths. All fully equipped with instruments, all soundproof, and all FREE. OF. CHARGE. I absolutely love seeing this available. It provides people a creative outlet and a chance to feel heard. Other available gadgets include 3D printers, Cricut machines, and premium media editing software. C.J. and several other employees are at your service if you ever need a tutorial. According to the American Enterprise Institute, library visits have decreased by roughly 31% since 2000. I wouldn't have been able to tell based on my visit today. I saw plenty of parents, kids, and students lost in their own worlds. Free third spaces (locations other than work and home) have become increasingly rare; turns out that if you build a pretty library that's valuable to all, the community will come. I can't emphasize enough how cool this library is. It's a rare sight of tax dollars being utilized incredibly effectively. This isn't some privileged resource in River Oaks or Memorial Village; it's located in the unassuming suburbs of Westbury just outside of I-610. You'll leave this library impressed one way or the other. See for yourself.

Favorite place to study in Houston. Always quiet, fast Internet and plenty of outlets.read more

As my Yelp colleague, Chris C, has pointed out, this branch is very small and dated. Normally, I…read morestick with my own local branch (McGovern-Stella Link branch: holla!) but it was temporarily closed for some wall renovation. Since I had to get my literacy fix in paper form, I had my reserved book routed here for pickup. Upon my email notice that it was ready, I hoofed it down there to (a) check out another branch of the Houston Public Library system, (b) collect my reserved item, and (c) enjoy a little quiet time reading some of the magazines. Arriving at the location, you can see that it is an older building. As soon as you open the door, you're greeted with old-school security barriers that reminded me of the TSA gauntlet at Bush Intercontinental airport. Luckily, these checkpoints do not beam naked pictures of you to any library employee (yuck - at the thought of dumpy City library employees seeing my fantastic junk). Bookshelves were crammed with books, there were a few computer terminals with large CRT screens, and the magazine reading area had an appropriate number of chairs, albeit said chairs were tatty and didn't offer an encouragement to staying a while. The actual collection of magazines could be described as Soviet-era: the titles present were not appealing to really anyone and the ones you wanted to read were out-of-stock, even with your ration card. I guess you could apply the label of "vintage" to the Meyer Neighborhood Library. Unfortunately, vintage does not automatically equate with clean, pleasant, or welcoming. Though, if you were an Iron Curtain refugee, then this place would remind you of home. So, I guess there is the possibility of nostalgia. Or revulsion. Finding my book on the shelves to the far right of the entrance, I was out of there in less than 10 minutes. I'm hoping some of the bond money from last year's election will rehab this place. While they're at it, hire one of the many unemployed designers to chic up the space. Otherwise, just pick up your books and leave by the quickest means available. Mind the security beacons, though.

I went for story time with my sister and her kids. The parking lot was packed. They did a very nice…read morejob on the presentation and even brought some animals in for the kids. It seems clean, lots of computers and a nice atmosphere.

I am slowly growing into a library aficionado, so in my mission to find the library with the…read morebrightest natural light, most comfortable and cleanest seating, and most reliable inventory, I'm making my way through the Houston and Harris County Public Library system. Looscan Library is charming in a vintage, historical way. There are plenty of open spaces, private rooms, and cozy nooks to settle into with a book. On this visit, I was excited to find a fill-a-bag book sale--an unbeatable deal. $5 and you can fill the bag (they provide) with as many books as you can fit. While nothing caught my eye this time, the selection had a little something for everyone. Printing and information stations are easy to access, and the overall space feels welcoming and home-y. Its Westheimer location makes it an easy five-minute stop from home. With all that sunlight streaming through the building, it's definitely going on my libraries to work from home whenever I need a break from my own place!

A quaint library on Willowick/Westheimer that feels somewhat hidden. I found this place on Yelp…read morewhile looking for a place to study during midday. The first floor's noise level may necessitate headphones since it has a prominent kids section and the library is somewhat small. I went up to the second floor which felt much quieter. The tables were sufficient enough for the sake of productivity, but nothing out of the ordinary. While the library certainly has an old-fashioned charm to it, the interior could use some renovating. Some of the floors look dusty and the library needs some more optimally designed study tables/work spaces. However, the first floor has some really cool individual pod seats for reading (not pictured). Not a bad library. I would return if in the vicinity and needing a free productive space. To be honest, I expected something more out of a library in River Oaks, as the Houston Public Library system has established some absolutely beautiful buildings in less prosperous neighborhoods. It still gets the job done if you need a place to focus though.

This was my go to library when my daughters were young…read more 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.

My kids (ages 2 & 5) love coming to the library and playing in the kids corner while I'm browsing…read morefor 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.

I love a great library…read more The Robinson Westchase Neighborhood Library is truly a gem! Needed to get a book for my Newcomb Alumnae Association Book Club. It was available at the Robinson Westchase Library, so I made the trip to pick up my book. The library is a treasure. Open and airy, it just invites you in to check out books. Lots of shared parking spaces. The librarian pulled my book to the front desk. Walk across the bridge to Camden Park. This urban park is so nice. Worth it to cross the bridge and have a walk or sit on a swing.

My kids loved this library! The automated book return was cool, they loved the different sections,…read moreeverything was clean and the staff was knowledgeable! I also felt very safe here! My daughter was throwing a fit in the restroom (screaming was involved) and the security officer came in to check if she was ok.

I really enjoy visiting this branch of HCPL! It's conveniently located and I've visited several…read moretimes as of late. Typically I place my holds through the app, then pick them up in-person. I find the process convenient and easy. One thing to note about this particular branch is that it's very small. You have the area downstairs with holds, computers for working, and self-checkout kiosks. Upstairs there's the childrens books, other materials to checkout, and some areas for seating. The staff are welcoming. I recommend checking this library out if you're in the area. It's obvious that I'll return, as I have books on hold as I type haha!

Love the library, the service and the staff, but the place is going downhill because of drunk…read morehomeless people passed out on the benches outside, sleeping on the fire escape, and now infiltrating inside the library and leaving their bags of garbage on the sidewalk while they take up space meant for patrons.

Librarians like Regina & Joelle are the reason that I make it a priority to regularly visit…read moreneighborhood 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 :)

I came to the Jungman Neighborhood Library off Westheimer in the Galleria area hoping to find some…read morepeace 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.

Love this library! I bought my upcoming 1st grader a workbook for this summer and I wanted a change…read moreof scenery for him to work on it so, I came here with him 2 weeks ago and we can't stop coming back :) It's spacious, organized, and clean. Plus, the staff are friendly and helpful. There are so many books (duh,), learning games for toddlers, and computers with so much educational games. If you have a toddler and a school-aged kid, you'll like it here. Your toddler can play with the toys while you can guide your scholar with some learning games/activities. There are 6 study rooms you can use for up to 2 hours at a time. It's a first come, first serve basis and you'll need your library card or ID to get a room. I personally like this especially when we start working on his workbook. This gives us space and freedom discussing (we talk a bit loud sometimes). Definitely recommend this place.

Friendly and professional staff. Very clean space and well equipped conference room with small…read morekicthenette. Highly recommend. Thanks Erin and team.