Library · Houston
Libraries in Houston
Houston Public Library serves Houston’s 2,314,157 residents from 38 locations. Last year it logged 2,124,114 visits, about 0.9 for every resident, and lent 6.5M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Houston Public Library
500 Mckinney St., Houston 77002
44 hrsopen a week
333,620sq ft
2.4Mbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Auto-renews loansBooks renew on their own if no one’s waiting
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#169
#169 of 183 · Most-used libraries in TX →Among TX towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#117 · Most library borrowing →#135 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
2.1M
visits
0.9 per resident
6.5M
loans, print + digital
2.8 per resident
10K
programs & events
158K attended
2M
library cards
86% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 100,000+ people
Per-resident numbers, compared only with libraries of a similar size across the country, because a tiny town’s library always looks busier per person.
Visits per resident
0.9 visits · typical 2.1
Lower than most similar-size libraries (8th percentile)
Borrowing per resident
1.4 print items · typical 3.2
Lower than most similar-size libraries (14th percentile)
Digital borrowing
1.4 e-items · typical 1.4
Higher than 50% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
0.9 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Lower than most similar-size libraries (22th percentile)
Program attendance
0.1 attendees · typical 0.2
Lower than most similar-size libraries (5th percentile)
Cardholders
86% of residents
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
6.5M loans last year
Books & media (adults)19%Kids’ books & media31%E-books, audio & streaming50%
Who the programs are for
10,179 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$21 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $5M.
Local 95%State 0%Federal 1%Gifts & other 4%
Locations
Other libraries in Houston
And 35 more in Houston.
About these numbers
How to read this page
Hours are an averageThe survey reports a building’s public hours for the whole year. We divide by the weeks it was open, so check the library’s own site for today’s hours.
Compared by size“Similar-size” means libraries serving about as many people, nationwide. Per-resident numbers always flatter the smallest towns, so they’re never compared with big cities.
One year, the library’s own countLibraries report their own visits, loans and programs for fiscal year 2024. A library that didn’t respond keeps its address and hours here, with no numbers.
Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services, Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024. Distances are straight-line from the town center.