My home computer is acting up. I need a new one now, so I came in to use the computer here. I'm…read moreglad I can. Everyone is so helpful here. Ten stars.

I am so happy that one of my favorite places is back open. I was able to place some books on hold…read morefor pickup. They have a number you can call and someone brings the books out to you or you can go inside and pick them up from the hold section. I chose to go inside. I didnt know where I placed my library cards but the clerk was able to help me. She even renewed my cards and checked me out. There is also a drive up book return box in the front of the building now. Seems like they are open at full capacity now.

Excellent library!! They also allow non-Rice students to enter which is nice (just need to present…read morephoto ID) with guest WiFi. Plenty of study spaces with outlets. They even have a seed garden! (Can take 3 seed packets per person). Very cool!

My go-to study spot on campus as a Rice student! They stopped being 24/7 since the pandemic (sad),…read morebut still a solid place to work. It gets quieter as you go higher up in the building, so adjust your sound levels accordingly.

One would think that as someone who doesn't read, the library is the last place I'd be. However,…read moreI'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.

5 stars for Ms. Deborah at the front desk. I entered the library 7 min before closing (no worries…read more-- 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!

What an amazing experience the library and the chapel. Like and oasis in the busy world of Houstonread more

I had heard about this place being a little far from Houston, but it wasn't too bad. It took me…read moreabout 30 minutes in the middle of day, but I had to make an appointment the day before and they asked me when I was coming for. I actually needed a quiet place to study that was away from my home because my husband works from home so I picked this place. When you get to the gate, you have to call them and then they confirm that it's you they let you in and then there's a designated parking area which has a lot of spaces. They also check your ID once you walk into the library and then give you a sticker. After that you are good to go and study wherever you want. I even walked around the grounds for a little bit on my way out. It looks very English countryside, even though I've never been to the English countryside. I think this is what it would look like. Library is beautiful and clean and temperature is perfect. Everyone working there is extremely friendly and it's such a beautiful place.

One of my favorite historical building that is open to the public. On the first floor. You can do…read moreresearch on Houston history. But the second floor is my favorite spot. There is a quiet room and an art gallery that is all free. There is an elevator if you are not able to take the stairs and restroom in the building.

I'm always looking for beautiful, quiet places to explore, and this building really hits the mark…read more It's just old and gorgeous inside, full of history. There's interesting exhibits to browse - I really enjoyed the map exhibit on the first floor. The second floor has a lovely reading room to spend time in. Paid street parking is generally available right out front.

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.

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 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.

Body peaceful when I visited. My visit was during the day so not sure how it is after school hours…read more Parking is a little small but the library itself small as well. Just really nice and peaceful.

Always a wonderful visit. The personnel are always pleasant, patient, and professional. Exemplary.read more

Come for the architecture and stay for the unique maps, books and photos. Admittedly if you're in…read morethe area this is a great place to relax and think. If you have specific research needs on Houston and or maybe Texas and the adjourning Houston Public Library doesn't have it then by all means try them out. However I would say most people should come to the HPL first or search online before trekking down to facility.

This library and archive is one of three special collections libraries within the Houston Public…read moreLibrary system. Founded nearly 40 years ago, the extensive collections document the history of Texas and--primarily--the Houston area. The collections include: books, maps, photographs (approximately 4 million), architectural drawings, oral histories, Hispanic, and many archival collections. If you are interested in learning more about any aspect of Houston's history, this is the GO TO place. The staff is very knowledgeable and attentive and the research room (known as the Texas room) is located in the historic Julia Ideson building, the crown jewel of Houston's historic public buildings.