Here you have the reviews of real people like you who are purchasing the products of Houston Public Library - Central Library (Library) in Texas.
Currently this firm receives a rating of 3.6 out of 5 and the score is based on 196 reviews.
As you can see it has an average rating is very good, and it is founded on a high number of scores, so we may say that the assessment is very credible. If people have bothered to give their feddback when they are pleased with the service, is that it works.
You know that we do not usually bother to place tatings when these are good and we usually do it only if we've had a problem or issue...
This Library belongs to the category of Public library.
The homeless population hang out at this place which isn't that big of a deal besides I'm scared to use the restroom because it's disgusting.
I came here for the first time last week to get a library card, as I only have a Fort Bend library card and wanted something for close to where I work downtown. The woman who helped me wasyoung, around my age, and was very sweet and helpful and gave me all the info I needed and got me a library card right away. I was excited to browse! Not 10 minutes into browsing the 2nd floor, a homeless man started following me, jeering at me, making noises at me like I was a dog. He followed me literally the entire time I was in the library, whispering and cat calling at me, and did not stop until I flipped him off. I left soon after, I dont think I was in the library for even 15 or 20 minutes. I will not be going back by myself ever, I felt so uncomfortable and upset to have been harrassed at the library while on my lunch break in the middle of the day in front of other people at the library. It made me nervous to even leave and walk back to my office. I will say that the library card itself is awesome and I now have access to their online services and ebooks which is fantastic. Again, thank you to the employees and staff who were nothing but kind and helpful, I'm sorry I was just so shocked and angry and embarrassed about being harassed that I dont plan to come back to this location. I shouldn't be too surprised since the area is infested with homeless and mentally unstable individuals. There needs to be a better system for helping them in Houston.
I've been visiting this library for years and I really love it. And although I have a closer location I prefer to go this one.
Must visit ... nice collection of books
Extremely disappointed!!!! I brought my kids here today during spring break. I was told i had to leave the teen section cause I'm an adult. Only my 16 yr old could stay. I told her my daughter doesn't stay alone anywhere. (There were 5 teens there ,with what seemed no adult supervision, n they we all guys) I wasn't about to leave my daughter alone with them or anyone else. I was on my phone (fb)sitting quietly while my daughter chose her books. My sons (22 n 18) also went n my oldest one was told to leave. I'm sorry but, my sons are very close n they go everywhere together. Not only are they brothers, they're best friend. My oldest one knows what the youngest one likes to read n was helping him look. This place is NOT family friendly. They cater to the homeless only. I'm extremely insulted n disappointed. I'll NEVER go back. N if you cherish your time with your children n family, I suggest you stay away also! I only gave it 1 start because I couldn't place a comment otherwise.
Kind of dirty, kind of smelly, and an old slack jawed yokel named Rodger chastising me for not seeing the closed sign for the 3rd floor when there is no such sign. It says pardon the inconvenience, which is not the same thing and it's way …
This library is disgusting. When you step foot inside the bathrooms here(any floor) it smells like someone placed cow manure on a semi truck and hit you at 100 MPH. Then when your hour is up you have to get up and log in and get a new computer. I'm from Columbus, Ohio and you have the option to log on the log on computer or any computer that says available on the screen. Also when your time runs out you don't have to get back up to log on again, the computer automatically gives you another hour as long as there is no reservations made for the computer, which Houston public libraries doesn't allow this. So you can be on same computer all day. Also in Columbus Ohio public libraries, they provide you with sanitation wipes to wipe the keyboard and mouse down. I brought my own wipes and was distraught at how nasty the computers were. There's a lot of homeless, mentally ill, people here as well. I don't have a problem with them except when they smell, looking at porn on a public computer, and doing other nasty things.
Love coming here. They open the earliest out of all the libraries.
There are lots of homeless people here.
Open on Sunday's can't beat that
They would not let me in with my skateboard, which is a form of my own transportation. I did not have an option to leave in front with security guard or anyone who works there. I was told either to leave my skateboard outside for it to get …
I was excited for somewhere to go in the downtown neighborhood to read and enjoy. The majority of the people were homeless, or definitely not there to read or study. They were at times loud and using vulgar language with each other. When they would cough, I would leave the area as to not acquire Tuberculosis. They were allowed to bring their 'suitcases' or 'bags of clothes' with them into the building. The bathroom on the 3rd floor had persons having intimate relations in the stall, so I left and went down to the 1st floor bathroom that smelled so bad it made me gag. There was no soap and a homeless showering in the sink. Really Houston and Mayor Turner? Isn't City Hall just across the street? Can't we afford some tax money for a shelter with AC and places to wash? This library is disgusting and should be shut down if it's going to continue to act as a day shelter. There were few students and no children while I was there. Do NOT let your children go here unattended.
Super super great staff, very clean lots and lots of books computers and tables available. Came her for passports and I was and out in less than 30minutes their are 2 employees doing passports (make sure you have all your paperwork rady) items arrived in 3weeks.
The bathroom smells like a stale crackhouse from last week. When the shelters kick the residents out they run to the library and hog the case computers till it's closing. The staff is ghetto. They're all walking around on they phones at work lol.
Wifi 5mbps . Not enuf table with outlet . Friendly staff
Other than the bathrooms, it's a pretty good place. Good selection, friendly staff, and cool events.
Horrible Staff/Security Guards and $h!ty hours compared to other libraries in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio.
I am amazed at the limited selection that the Houston Public Library offers the public. I think that their interlibrary loan system is broken as you have to wait sometimes MONTHS to get a title available. It's like the entire city of Houston is trying to share 1 set of titles! Shameful for a city this size!
Great place to find ☮️!
Absolutely dreadful Brought my little nephews to this library because they let u play video games. But I had to get a library card. And after filling out the application they tell me I can't get a library card without a id from texas. Mind you I only wanted my nephews to play video games. Went through a whole process to get a card only get told no I can't have one. I got no help or assistance. Everyone here literally didn't care and my nephews are sad. Houston library this has been a horrible experience . Your staff sucks .Don't come to this library ever. Avoid coming here
Houston's downtown library. It's pretty big, though also a little dated. Check out the historic part next door.
Had a pretty good selection of books, been there a couple of times and was relatively satisfied. Only problem was that there were a lot of homeless people that took up areas like the restroom, and that it also smelled a bit.
This place is smelly with a lot of homeless people. Don't feel safe because of the area
Best in Houston, except for the many unfortunate people who try to sleep there. This library has a serious "homeless" problem.
Friendly staff and looks of good books
I go here often they helped me find a job this is the best library I even been to and I’m from California so basically keep it up team
I have use this library because if the main library of Houston, but know it's the main one it should be more organized and clean, every time I visit this library, i'm always approach by homeless people asking for money. It makes it worse because it's next the city hall.
Amazing iy has a lot of book even manga i am such am anime freak that for real im gonna go there every saturday to read interesting books and well comic books,anime/manga books,plus try to make new friends~
I yelled and they told me to stop
On my sixteenth birthday aparantly i was to short for the teen section I was litterally told "your to short to be here" lol tgt was a couple jus four years ago Second worst birthday evr lol
The Julia Ideson Library is gorgeous!!! We have hosted numerous events there; always beautiful! They also host weddings!!!
Dirty.. no wipes after homeless bums use the computers.. risk of serious infection or disease .. unpon speaking to the manager. She stated it was the end of the fiscal year and no funds were available to purchase cleaning supplies during the day. so they only clean them in the morning. Disgusting and Dirty without any care or " Proper Maintenance", even if you wanted to clean it yourself.
Large selection of books, large computer area, nice view, and interesting displays. Not the fanciest or most interesting library, but it gets the job done.
Liked this place very much. Big and separate section for kids is indeed helpful
Library is closed on Friday. Building and courtyard is great.
The city public library staff are good at their jobs. Lots of books to just sit there and read
Great use of space. The computers are blazing fast. Even offers cheap earphones if you need it. So easy to check out and reserve computers! Printers always available!
Kind people at the counter. Very helpful.
I love this library! The staff is friendly there are many levels and there is also a great outdoor area in front where you can read, if the weather permits.
BUM'S BUM'S BUM'S It would be an ok library but this place has 90% homeless people. They pee in the elevators and the book area.
Quite a nice library. They have quite a bit of access to quite a bit of different literature. If its not available then the ILL will be quite useful.
Large building, wifi speed is excellent, and there is plenty of space to spread out and have some privacy.
If you want to spend a quiet and relaxing afternoon reading or just surf on the Internet, go to the TX Public Library. You will find all the books you can think of. The building itself is beautiful (don't forget to take pictures of it).
Posting for both HPL & Passport Services. City of Houston should do more to provide an area for homeless people. There are a lot of homeless but from my little observations they keep to themselves and are just looking for a place to keep cool. Children's section is on the 4th floor. Only saw a few families and enough staff for helping. The passport services were easy. You apply for an appointment online & they text you the availability. Got several time updates by text. Easy, fast and efficient. Friendly staff. Bring your checkbook to pay for fees. 2 checks needed.
Convenience, svcs., hospitality
This library is great for all ages. Only downside is the homeless that stink up the men restroom and the disrespect by them but this library get a five because of the outstanding workers that make the library a great place.
The best and worst of the Houston Public Library. Many things we don’t have at other libraries, but a major drawback for those who need to use it. See below
A nice public library. Worth a visit if you're in the downtown area.
It's a super place for all to learn and improve!!!
It takes forever to set up a library card.
This is a beautiful building, not to be missed. It really is spectacular, the most beautiful library I have ever visited. The history of the building is so interesting and the interior is amazing. It's free to visit too.
Lots of drug addicted homeless people who smell like they just soiled themselves. ..
I don't have any problem with the homeless. .but...usually the libraries are quiet... nobody keeps the order... noisy library...
I love coming here just to do my homework and relax. This is what I do with my weekends.
Really great place and excellent customer service!
The staff are doing what they can, but obviously the city does not invest in services for the homeless so they come here. The bathrooms are third-world, with no soap or towels and a horrid smell. The homeless are "showering" in the sinks. There are police and security patrolling the library so it's reasonably safe, but rather than spend all those resources on that, why not build a real homeless shelter instead of making the library do double duty? I would not take my children here, as it wouldn't be safe for them and they could not use the bathroom.
Love the book selection here. The bathrooms are clean. It is constantly filled with homeless people and it is hard to find a place to sit
Real nice library go there all the time. I like it.
Great place to be in! There's obviously a variety of books. For people who need a quiet place to be at, this is the right place.
The reference librarian there is outstanding and most helpful
The building is fabulous, they allow the homeless to sit inside and outside and they smell of weed and pee. While using the computers people were talking on their phones and listening to loud music that you can hear through their earphones. There are security guards and police officers on the property to control the large homeless crowd and make sure they are not stealing. The bathrooms are very disgusting, and since the majority of there customers are homeless......be prepared to flush a toilet full of feces. I don't recommend this library, but if you have to go; grab your books and get out.
I fail to see the rational behind limiting borrowing of video to 2 per month. I suggest making the limit 2 borrowed regardless of time.
Huge library. One of USA’s biggest.
Decent library, would be 5 stars except the smell of piss, the homeless wines, and the drug dealing going on upstairs in the teen section
Doesn't even deserve 1 star. DO NOT bring any electric devices expecting to be able to plug them up when they start running low on battery, because the local homeless have taken over the entire facility. I don't even feel safe here anymore.
Let me try rating again, since the first time I rated it was graciously deleted. The building and its collection of reading material is respectable and quite nice. The staff seemed to be knowledgeable. It is by far and without a doubt the "patrons" that frequent the establishment. Many of the homeless or population that is down on their luck enter the building to get out of the Houston heat and with them they bring their foul odors and stench. More than twice I have noticed them use the restroom and they don't even bother to flush their excrement. I truly feel if they don't pay taxes then they shouldn't use the taxpayer's funded facilities. You can also pay to park under the building or metered parking is available. Bring change, many "patrons" ask for that.
Comfortable seating, plenty of computers.
This library is beautiful. I went here to study once before since the book I needed were not allowed to be loaned out. I am in love with the ceiling and the marble steps are absolutely gorgeous. Definitely a must see place!!
Went to apply for a passport. The whole process from the minute I walked in took 10 minutes. Came with the form filled out and all my needed documents and had no line. Everyone was so helpful and nice. Loved it!
Many reviewers constantly complain about the homeless here. Honestly, it's not as bad as many say it is. Every major city has them and every downtown library in major cities encounter these same issues. Although there is a fair amount of …
Clean place and friendly staff. Just wish the parents teach their kids to use their inside voices.
Very friendly staff went out of their way to help me find what I was looking for and answered all of my questions. Books and categories were all clearly marked. I was able to start checking books out the same day as I got my library card. I was also interested in seeing what the view from the highest floor open for public was like, so I went over to the fourth floor, which was the books and game area for teenagers. It had been divided into different sections, small tables for studying in one corner, very comfy seats around TV, computers and video games, etc. everything you could imagine teenagers to want.
It looks so nice l
What a great resource to have downtown. Unfortunately, it seems that the only people who frequent this location are folks who are a bit down on their luck. So, at times it can be a bit awkward here, although security does a good job about making sure you are are solicited for money (although it might still happen). Lots of great resources from books to CDs to DVDs to newspapers. I would go here on my lunch break from work and pick up books/media that I requested from other locations. Self checkout was quick, easy and very convenient.
A great resource, but the librarians in the stacks can be a little rude.
My computer was not properly hooked up to the printer. Staff was unhelpful; she was too busy texting in order to fix the problem and did not explain the nature of the technical difficulty. There's another man who works there who is a patronizing sob who needs charm school. Nobody there is a librarian so good luck. Reading materials are subpar and most do not serve any educational purpose unless one thinks that Jesse James' and George W Bush's autobiographies are instructional. Open hours are no good unless you are a child, elderly, unemployed or a welfare recipient.
Nothing but high marks. The staff is Friendly and helpful. If you ask questions they will share the availability of resources you may have overlooked.
quiet .. plenty of computers
i love the library system. it offers a lot. especially for somebody like me with low income, 20 years!!.. and the resources are amazing. Thank You!!
They are nice all the time <3
Campus used to be unnecessarily loud. Not very useful for studying or anything that requires a quiet environment. You can see that they're trying to make an effort to improve. It's still loud at times, but the librarians now acknowledge it and try to correct it...for the most part.
The beautiful library of Houston, TX is a place to come together in a perfect mix of culture, art and architecture. Do not miss the chance to visit from the library, the exposure of one of the most important documents in American history: an original copy of the Declaration of Independence handwritten by Thomas Jefferson himself.
Large building, fantastic selection of books. Go on a Sunday with kids and family for an enjoyable day. Comics for Ricky, Books for Casey, Textbooks for an exam, it's got everything. Just park yourselves there with a nice big pile of books and hours can pass without u noticing it. Also every Texan res can get a free membership. Get one, the library's amazing. All in all, GREAT experience!
This library is a HOMELESS SHELTER! Filled with homeless people and their bags of stuff!
You'd be better off at an harris county library. The front desk clerk is something out of this world rude. Early 30's caucasian female dressed like a Butch had every opportunity to help me in a polite manner. She had a smart word and tone to everything I freaking said like she was a teen on her 24/7 period. (No offense to the real ladies). I don't know how bad a day I have but when I work in customer service and I sign up for that job. You should provide great customer service minus the rude undertones
Went in for a passport and they were nice and helpful. Very patient.
Just chillin' at the library.
Out of town tourist, intown for a local event I was competing professionally in. Last night in town out here for the weekend and All my buddies scattered around the area at different bars across town. So I wanted to buy a drink and kick it. I was at a few bars before this one buying myself drinks and others. I Walk up to the "library" Approached the front door, guy ID me and said sorry we don't allow basketball shorts. I come from Utah where it's winter and it's actually snowing right now and I didn't even expect Texas to be so dang hot. So I had breathable clothes for myself so I could be comfortable and have a good time. I even had fresh-in style shorts and I'm 6'4. So after he said this I peaked my long neck in there to see if any of my friends were even there?Guess what, one of my friends was in there and he's kind of a lone wolf. Not in a bad way. It was super slow, low energy and a bunch of guys. Seriously, I saw 20 + guys, factually no girls at all. Only females I saw were the tourists walking by the building outside lmao. The Crib wasn't even poppin. Y'all want good memories and to mingle with the opposite sex. Dead serious, there's a few good bars not too far with high energy and cute girls. I can't believe they'd have that kind of rule in a hot state. I even had a few hundred dollar basketball shoes on and a nice shirt. Oh well, lmao instead I let Them curve me and tweeted out! Haha the rest of the people that knew me, which is a lot of people. That's hundreds in profit down the drain. Ego people that are athletic ... is just straight dumb , especially someone that knows people and brings people. Facts
The good: large building with 4 floors, lots of tables to work, obviously huge library with good selection , parking available in underground garage ($2 per hour). The bad: the bathrooms smell and on my recent visit, I had to go to a different level just to get soap. The ugly: there are homeless here, and some areas may smell like pee. I'm assuming it's a homeless person with pee on them. And... When I sit down, I have to think to myself, "did someone pee in my seat??"... Yikes! Verdict: good place to work if you happen to be downtown and need quiet and need to spread out. However, there are other libraries that I'd rather work and research at.
I do not recommend this library! Filled with homeless people and a smelly environment../:
nice place, furniture, books, good staff but unfortunately smelly (dirty restrooms) and a lot of homeless persons
Just to be aware need to take money order ready and log in on the phone to get service and don’t waste any time we were the first ones there but dint know how it works and we’re like the last one to take care off and they open at 10 am but today they did open till 1030 and for the passport at 11 FYI
Wow! This place is pretty incredible, and surprisingly nice. Yes, it is frequented by indigent people. I, myself, have witnessed first-floor bathroom sink showering. Who cares? What would you have them do? Public libraries are meant to be public spaces, and our infrastructure and community welfare programs are woeful. I don’t fault the library for that. There are tons of computers, tables, seating area. It definitely gets obnoxiously loud - I bring headphones when I come here because people are frequently shouting at one another. That is definitely annoying, and if the people I heard shooting at one another last night when I was there were on Google Maps, I’d give them 1-star reviews, but I’m not advocating for policing the space more stringently. There’s already a great, big, fat security guard who struts around telling people they can’t sleep - maybe let them sleep quietly for an hour or two and they’ll shout less. It’s a terrific library, well-stocked/equipped. If you find yourself annoyed by low-income/indigent individuals claiming sanctuary, steer clear. But if you’re not bothered, it’s actually a gorgeous space and a terrific resource.
Reasonably friendly staff. Professional and caring.
Huge library with a large selection of books. There are way too many homeless people outside though.
I love this place. One of my favorite in Houston. More collections in international languages. I always try to visit whenever I find time.
Pay for parking... terrible 2.00 to start and 1.00 every 1/2 after...
Large variety of books and films.
A great place to go read and check out books and other media! The people are always courteous and I love the building! Last time I was here a few years ago they overcharged me due to their own error. 4 stars! coulda been 5!
It is quiet but it doesn't have many books that I like. I still like it though
No bueno. Showed up for scheduled baby story time and because we were the only ones to show up they canceled it. Go to the heights library for baby friendly activities.
Very kind and helpful staff!
this library is awesome!!! great choices of book and very big. there is alot of "homeless" ppl but they are kind and respectful. i dont understand why these comments are so mean to the homeless bc they are human being. they dont bother anyone.
The staff is ok but the restrooms are awful.
Unclean restrooms in the ladies and the toilet had lots of toilet paper inside and having pee and smells bad too.
I needed to charge my phone a few minutes and there was nowhere to do it
Unfortunately I have to agree with most of the negative comments listed. There should be more regulations for the crowd control as they bring food, leave the remnants of their food and their packages on the benches inside the library, also they do not even bother washing their hands so it is concerning in terms of health.
It was alright, the people were very kind. I loved the set up, how its built three stories.