Libraries aren’t just a thing of the past. No, sir. In Houston, libraries are alive in well. Here in the city, residents have a number of wonderful literary facilities that match any mood. From the newly-re-debuted Montrose-Freed Library to the historical Julia Ideson Library and everything in between: here’s where to find the best libraries in Houston!
1. Lanier Theological Library
Opened in 2010 by Lanier Law Firm CEO, Mark Lanier, the Lanier Theological Library is a 17,000-square-foot, Oxford-inspired library. Situated on cobblestone roads on Lanier’s 35-acre estate, the Lanier Theological Library is one of our favorite libraries in Houston, housing over 100,000 books, artifacts, and historical documents. Its burnished wood shelves, suspended chandeliers, and historical design makes the library a cozy setting to read, study, or visit.
đź“Ť14130 Hargrave Rd.
2. Julia Ideson Library
Dating back to 1926, the Julia Ideson Library is a historical library in the Houston Theater District. Housed in a beautiful Spanish Renaissance-style building, the Julia Ideson Library features stunning domed ceilings, classical architectural detailing, striking columns, and vibrant murals.
In addition to its architectural splendor, the Julia Ideson Library features an expansive selection of books, photographs, drawings, and rare editions. Furthermore, the Houston library features a sizeable Reading Room to work, study, and/or read as well as cutting-edge technology features and more to facilitate your visit.
đź“Ť550 McKinney St.
3. Montrose-Freed Library
Reopened this past year, Montrose-Free Library is on to its next chapter following $14 million of renovations. Now open, the venue features new dedicated reading spaces for adults and children as well as enhanced technology, and outdoor terrace, and program for community literary activities.
đź“Ť1001 Caroline Blvd.
4. Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library
Originally opened in 1991, the facility underwent a major renovation and reopened with a contemporary look and environmentally conscious upgrades, earning LEED Silver certification. The new design features ample natural light and openness, with expansive glass walls, recycled materials, and spaces for children, teens, and adults.
Inside, the library offers a wide-ranging collection of books, audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese—catering to the area’s diverse population. A large portion of the building is dedicated to youth services, featuring interactive spaces, kid-friendly furniture, and access to technology.
đź“Ť3223 Wilcrest Dr.
5. Looscan Neighborhood Library
Looscan Neighborhood Library in River Oaks is a 21,000-square-foot facility opened in September 2007. Here, visitors can find a collection spanning over 60,000 books, digital resources, and periodicals. The library features a large, 120-person meeting room, 14.-seat private conference room, as well as dedicated areas for children, teens, and adults. The venue also regularly features seasonal events, story-times, and other community activities.
đź“Ť2510 Willowick Rd.
6. Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library
Located in Westbury, Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library has replaced the former Meyer Neighborhood Library with an impressive 23,260-square-foot facility equipped with high-tech, next-generation technology. In addition to a cafe, space room, and children’s arts and crafts area, the library features a complete recording studio, podcast space, as well as video recording room for aspiring artists.
đź“Ť5505 Belrose Dr.
7. Heights Neighborhood Library
The Heights Neighborhood Library is an historic branch of the Houston Public Library System established in 1925. The building, designed by architect J. M. Glover in Italian Renaissance, features a high ceilings, arched windows, and eye-catching pink stucco facade.
Here, visitors can enjoy a wide range of fiction and nonfiction books in both English and Spanish. Furthermore, the venue features proper seating as well as an expansive meeting room for group studying, meetings, or your neighborhood book club.
đź“Ť1302 Heights Boulevard
9. Woodson Research Center
Established over 50 years ago, the Woodson Research Center at Rice University’s Fondren Library houses a wide collection ranging from politics, to architecture, women’s history, special collections, and fine arts.
It also houses specials collections of manuscripts, Houston folk music, Houston Asian American Archive, and Houston Jewish History Archive as well as archives of Rice University, documenting the institution’s academic, administrative, and student life over the decades.
đź“ŤFondren Library MS 44 at Rice University
10. Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus
Situated in Houston’s Museum District, Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus is a premier destination for family history enthusiasts. The library, part of the Houston Public Library system, offers vast ancestry-tracing resources as one of the top genealogical research centers in the country.
đź“Ť5300 Caroline St.