What can I do at the Houston Public Library?
- Sign Up for the MyLink Houston Public Library Card
- Avail of Houston Public Library On-site Services
- Borrowing Books
- Computer and Wi-Fi Access
- Device Rentals
- Room Reservations
- Utilize your MyLink Card to Tap into Their Online Resources
- EBooks and Audiobooks
- Movie Bank
- Freegal Music
- News Publications and Magazines
- Programs and Events
- Access TECHLink
- HMakerSpace
- Graphic Design and Multimedia Area
- Music Studio
- Tiny Techs
- Video Studio
- Workshops
- Explore the Library of Things Collection
Libraries seem to have lost their allure in the age of technology and modernity, especially in bustling cities filled with so many activities to do and places to be. So, is Houston’s public library still worth visiting?
This public library system has way more to offer than most people know.
Whether you’re a bookworm trying to get your fix without breaking the bank with weekly book purchases or just looking for a way to go analog for a while, this guide on the Houston Public Library system is for you.
Sign Up for the MyLink Houston Public Library Card
You can apply for a MyLink Houston Public Library Card in person by going to any of the 41 locations under the Houston Public Library system across the city.
For Houston and Texas residents, library cards are completely free. You just need to present a valid photo ID, proof of residency and fill up some forms on site.
Residents outside of Texas have the option to purchase a library card for a fee of $40 per year, granting you full access to the library’s resources and services. Temporary residents are also eligible with limited privileges.
Parents or guardians can complete a minor’s application, as long as the adults agree to take responsibility for all activities relating to the use of the card.
For a hassle-free experience when applying for the card, you can easily do it here through their websit
Avail of Houston Public Library On-site Services
At the Houston Public Library, a wide range of services that cater to diverse interests and needs is available to library card holders.
Borrowing Books
With a library card, you can make use of the vast collection of books covering various genres, from classic literature to contemporary bestsellers, non-fiction to graphic novels.
They’ll most likely have what you’re looking for, but if they don’t, they even have a cross-library loan system where you can have the book you need sent over from another location.
Computer and Wi-Fi Access
The Houston Public Library offers access to computers and Wi-Fi, making it a valuable resource for those seeking connectivity and digital access. Whether you need to browse the internet or work on projects, there’s a space equipped with computers and reliable Wi-Fi.
Device Rentals
Unlike other libraries, the Houston Public Library offers an innovative service of lending tablets and laptops to library cardholders! This enables individuals who may not have access to personal devices to experience the benefits of technology.
Room Reservations
Another noteworthy service offered by the Houston Public Library is the option to reserve rooms within the library. These rooms provide a convenient and comfortable space for various activities such as studying, meetings, workshops, or group discussions.
Utilize your MyLink Card to Tap into Their Online Resources
Your MyLink Card can also grant you access to a multitude of online resources offered by the Houston Public Library. From ebooks to special event access, it’s a powerful account that keeps on giving.
EBooks and Audiobooks
One of the most popular services is the access to eBooks and audiobooks through various partner apps like Libby, Kanopy, hoopla, TumbleBooks, Comics Plus, and Axis360.
With these apps, you can dive into a vast collection of eBooks on travel, language studies, sci-fi, kids and teen books, comics, manga, movies, TV shows, magazines, and music.
Movie Bank
Movie enthusiasts like us can rejoice with Kanopy, an online platform that allows you to download and watch movies on your favorite device. With your MY Link card and hoopla, you can borrow up to 10 items per month and keep them for 72 hours.
You can create an account in Kanopy using your MY Link card number and indulge in a wide selection of movies, documentaries, foreign films, and educational videos.
Freegal Music
For music lovers, Freegal Music is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Sign in with your library card and immerse yourself in the world of music. Stream up to 5 hours of music per day and even download and keep up to 5 songs per week.
You can discover new artists, explore different genres, and stay up to date with the latest trends in the music industry.
News Publications and Magazines
You can stay informed and up to date through historical and current newspapers from Texas and around the world. Your MY Link card unlocks access to reliable publications like the Houston Chronicle, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and more.
PressReader, an online platform that grants you access to a vast collection of magazines offers everything from fashion and entertainment to technology and travel.
Programs and Events
The Houston Public Library is also a hub of engaging programs and events for people of all ages. Families with young children can delight in playtime and story sessions specifically designed for babies and toddlers.
Interactive activities and educational classes cater to kids of various ages, offering a fun and enriching experience that sparks curiosity and learning.
The library also hosts a diverse range of entertainment events from live performances to cultural celebrations. Additionally, adults can benefit from helpful seminars and workshops that cover a wide range of topics, including business, employment, and career development.
Access TECHLink
The Houston Public Library card also grants its members access to TECHLink, a library systems collection of software and multimedia technology which offers an array of cutting-edge equipment and resources across 3 locations in Alief, Dixon and Scenic Woods.
HMakerSpace
In MakerSpace, you can get hands-on with virtual reality headsets, 3D printers, laser cutters, embroidery machines, and more for bringing your designs to life, creating personalized items, or diving into the world of 3D scanning and printing.
Graphic Design and Multimedia Area
For graphic design enthusiasts, the Graphic Design and Multimedia area is a haven for digital artistry. You can explore interactive tablets and top of the line software for image creation and editing. The poster-size printing services can then bring your art to life.
If you want to bring some precious memories into the 21st century, you can also convert old VHS tapes to DVD and digitize documents and photos.
Music Studio
Calling all music aficionados! The Music Studio offers amateur and even professional musicians, singers, and DJs a space to do everything related to making music by giving them a place to produce music from composition, recording to editing.
These spaces come equipped with various electric and acoustic musical instruments, digital audio workstations and other audio tools. There are also rehearsal spaces equipped with amplifiers and studio monitors.
Tiny Techs
For the little ones, Tiny Techs provides hands-on activities to stimulate their young minds and foster creativity.
Through educational programs and collaborative play, children can explore kid-friendly handheld tablets, engage with award-winning educational software, and have a blast in a collaborative kids space.
Video Studio
Lights, camera, action! The Video Studio is a user-friendly environment for beginner and seasoned videographers. You can create presentations and produce short movies, stop motion animation and music videos.
These studios are equipped with high-definition video cameras, green screens, teleprompters, lightning, and DSLR cameras.
Workshops
TECHLink also hosts a variety of workshops to help you enhance your skills and learn new techniques. These include workshops for embroidery, 3D modeling, animation, designing logos, and even laser cutting and engraving.
Explore the Library of Things Collection
The Library of Things (LOT) is a non-book related collection available for borrowing under the Houston Public Library system through their website. You can choose up to 5 items from the site and choose location for pick-up and return.
Some of the things you can borrow from the collection are baking tools, board games, card games, to name a few. Kids can also borrow Discovery Kits and Flip Kits, that allow them to explore a range of subjects through crafts and flip books.
If you don’t find a specific item you’re looking for in the Library of Things collection, the Houston Public Library welcomes suggestions for new additions to the collection.
Houston Public Library
Address: 500 McKinney St., Houston, TX 77002, United States of America
Phone Number: +1 832-393-1313
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube
