Walter Neighborhood Library

I’m just thankful this library isn’t my go to library or I’d be messed up. First off, its way too cramped to do any studying or even reading. It feels like you are rubbing elbows with the next person.
Secondly, there is no areas to read or even study which leads me back to the first issue. I mean, how are you expecting to get things done here if you don’t have any space to accomplish anything?
The computer space is even limited as on the adult side it is all in one area and not spaced out. There’s only one computer where you can reserve a computer. They do have a few computers for the teenagers and some for children.
Thirdly, they do have a wide variety of books for every language you can think of and oh, the ladies restrooms were clean. Those are the only two good things about this library.
This is the second Houston public library I’ve been to that were very limited with spacing. It seems that Harris County libraries are a lot more open with spacing and accommodate to the needs of the patrons.

I LOVE Houston Public Library. Generally, all libraries are amazing. But this is the worst branch I’ve ever been to. Terribly rude and unhelpful staff, old and worn-​down premises and poor selection in books. I even felt unsafe because I went with my daughter and there was a middle-​aged man in washed-​out clothing sitting in the children’s section, hidden from public view. If that’s not a red flag I don’t know what is!
Word of advice: pick ANY other branch when visiting HPL. You’ll thank me.

Here to pick up a hold, and I saw a few books that I found interesting not too far away. Since I’m in my car often, I like to try different audiobooks to keep my mind active. I love HPL!

It’s a small neighborhood library full of loud and inconsiderate people. You can tell the kids it’s a library and they need to be quiet, but if you try that with the adults they’ll want to fight you. So do it at your own risk!
The toilets aren’t flushed and there’s piss all over the bathroom floor. I’d venture to guess there’s more piss on the floor than in the toilet bowls.
You can study there when the kids aren’t out of school yet, otherwise avoid.

My neighborhood library. I come here every now and then when I need a place to study without distractions, but I only come out of convenience. My main complaint is that the noise level is way over what you would expect out of a library — there are always people talking on their phones, playing music without earbuds, or just generally being loud. The staff rarely, if ever, try to correct this.
Otherwise, the literature selection is pretty standard, and the staff are helpful and courteous. I give this library two stars simply for the noise issue, which continues to be a problem.

Behind Sharpstown/​Plaza de Americas Mall lies this bastion of knowledge and learning. I’ve been around this area before, as I’ve never noticed it among the usual convenience stores and eateries.
It’s not the greatest neighborhood, but everyone needs a library!
The second I walked in, I could smell a musk to the place. It wasn’t the old book smell but more like a mildew smell. After a while, you got used to it, but definitely not the most pleasant greeting.
Half of the library is dedicated to the children’s section, so this is a big plus to families. The other half on the left has the internet PCs and fiction/​non-​fiction. The Young adults section was at least three rows of shelves, as compared to the regular selection which compared to other libraries was not as big.
However, as with all Houston Public Libraries, you can check out a book on-​line and have it shipped here. Usually it happens within a week, and plus it’s free!
There wasn’t too much seating, but there were some chairs along the walls which made reading by yourself more enjoyable instead of having to share a table.
There’s a pretty big selection of Chinese and Vietnamese literature here as well to cater to the local community. So take your parents here or try brushing up on your reading skills!