Some Houston Libraries Reopening Today for ‘Express Browsing’

Some Houston Libraries Reopening Today for ‘Express Browsing’

HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARIES were closed to visitors for more than a year (although many offered curbside pickup!) thanks to Covid. But starting today, several locations are reopening for "express browsing."


Eleven neighborhood and regional libraries will operate at 50 percent capacity, with no appointments necessary; opening hours are Monday, 12-7pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 12-4pm; Wednesday and Friday 9am-4pm; Saturday, 10am-4pm. Customers are permitted to visit for up to one hour, and can check out materials and use facility computers during that time. There won't be any public seating areas or meeting rooms available, as reading, studying and relaxation are discouraged until a later date.

Temperature checks, face-coverings and physical distancing of at least six feet will be required, and all items returned or handled by patrons will be "quarantined" for 24 hours before redistribution, according to the website. The reopened libraries will also continue to offer the curbside HPL To Go service; appointments can be made online.

Here are the libraries reopening today, and more will be added in the coming weeks:

    People + Places

    What is your mission? The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC) provides healing services to over 6,300 child sexual abuse victims and their families each year. We offer forensic interviewing, family advocacy, mental health services, medical care, and court services at no cost. We facilitate community outreach and prevention training to raise awareness about child abuse in our community and how to keep children safe. Last year, we provided prevention training to over 35,000 community members, including 23,500 children in schools.

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    What year was your organization launched? Urban Harvest’s Saturday Farmers Market started in 2004 with just seven vendors, providing an outlet for local farms, community and backyard gardeners to sell fresh produce harvested directly from their soils. Now in its 20th year, the market has grown to be one of the largest markets in Texas, supporting over 100 local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans all from within 180 miles of Houston. The market draws 3,000 customers every Saturday morning and includes many original vendors like Animal Farm, Atkinson Farms, and Wood Duck Farm.

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