Central Library At 500 McKinney St.

[jtmbin]

Cheesy is good.

At least it doesn't have that red, white and blue big bird looking sculpture (now in front of GRB in Discovery Green).

That's progress in and of itself.

A bit of info on the "cheese". The patterns and colors in the plaza are themselves the result of a civic art project, not a planning meeting. Sorry to disappoint you, H-town. The pattern is a super-graphic of the floor tile pattern in the historic Julia Ideson Building, the former central library adjacent to the plaza. It is meant to show a connection between the old and new central libraries. The colors are the same colors that will be used in the upcoming LED light sculpture that will be installed in the plaza this summer. The lights in the plaza will be programmed in part by software designed by students at UH-Clearlake. The software uses the library's online computer activity to activate the light patterns. The busier the system, the more active the lights. In effect, the lightwall becomes the LED heartbeat of HPL's electronic/internet/online life. At least, these were the artist's intentions.

Additionally, the plaza has been wired for performances and concerts. Three shading devices will be installed in a few weeks that spell out "Houston" "Public" "Library" in the varying gauge of the screening. The shadows of those words created by the screening will move across the plaza has the sun moves across the sky. It will be a cool visual from all of the neighboring skyscrapers.

The edges of the plaza will be lined with very red planters filled with very tall-growing bamboo. There will be outdoor seating for the new Inversion Cafe, and new decking has been added under the oaks adjacent to the Ideson.

Some may think its all cheesy, but compared to the lifeless half-city block of brown brick pavers inhabited by nothing but the homeless that was there before, some may welcome it.

[wernicke]

Sounds very interesting... I look forward to seeing how it turns out.

Here is a Chronicle article on the grand re-opening being held this weekend.

Edited May 30, 2008 by wernicke

[sevfiv]

Does anyone that has been have any comments about the library?

Here's Lisa Gray's article on it:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/ar...ay/5847086.html

Unfortunately, the upgraded flagship library lacks the Web site's competitive edge. The library can't compete with the retail establishments it emulates

[marmer]

YI just did a search of HPL's card catalog of 12 randomly chosen books from the Modern Library list of 100 Best Novels and HPL had all 12 of them... 100%. That rather strongly suggests that, rather than a "small portion" as you assumed, they have a huge portion, if not all of them. And so what if they are "scattered all around the branch libraries? That is the way library systems are supposed to work... make the books available to the largest number and widest variety of people.

Coming late to this discussion, I know. But I would be very surprised if 100% of both lists are not widely available at numerous branches throughout the system. Same with the Brazoria County Library System.

[jtmbin]

Coming late to this discussion, I know. But I would be very surprised if 100% of both lists are not widely available at numerous branches throughout the system. Same with the Brazoria County Library System.

AND you can have any (circulating) book from any HPL library sent to any other HPL library in the system, typically overnight, to be picked up at your leisure with just a few clicks from your home/work computer. You can check it out for up to six weeks. All for FREE. (yeah, yeah I know your taxes pay for it) Try that at Borders.

[jtmbin]

AND you can have any (circulating) book from any HPL library sent to any other HPL library in the system, typically overnight, to be picked up at your leisure with just a few clicks from your home/work computer. You can check it out for up to six weeks. All for FREE. (yeah, yeah I know your taxes pay for it) Try that at Borders.

It is amazing that the Library Dept manages to accomplish anything at all with these numbers:

"According to federal statistics for 2006, Houston's library system spends $17 per capita to operate each year

[RedScare]

Typical for Houston. All hat, no cattle. But Hey, we're gonna build a new soccer stadium to go along with the billion dollars worth of other poorly designed sports facilities we've thrown up in the last few years! We've got our priorities in order as usual.

Typical Houstonian. The City just finished spending $15 million on renovating the main library, and you complain about how little they spend.

[jtmbin]

Typical Houstonian. The City just finished spending $15 million on renovating the main library, and you complain about how little they spend.

Not to confuse you Red, but I wasn't complaining about the money spent on the renovation, bond funds, although I could. I am complaining about how little we appropriate for operating the system, annual budget from tax revenues, because it is too little for a city this size.

[RedScare]

Not to confuse you either, jt, but I tire of the schizophrenic Houston complaints of not enough spent on _______(insert slighted pet project here), while complaining about high taxes somewhere else. And, you don't even give the City credit for the 15 million. The numbers you cite do not include the bond money, only the operating budget. If this gripe doesn't apply to you, ignore it, or add to it. But, I am tired of people who gripe about taxes then complaining about services. THEY are the REASON the services suck. This is analogous to picking a fight, then claiming self-defense. One cannot have it both ways.

BTW, this year's budget is $18 per per person.

[jtmbin]

Not to confuse you either, jt, but I tire of the schizophrenic Houston complaints of not enough spent on _______(insert slighted pet project here), while complaining about high taxes somewhere else. And, you don't even give the City credit for the 15 million. The numbers you cite do not include the bond money, only the operating budget. If this gripe doesn't apply to you, ignore it, or add to it. But, I am tired of people who gripe about taxes then complaining about services. THEY are the REASON the services suck. This is analogous to picking a fight, then claiming self-defense. One cannot have it both ways.

BTW, this year's budget is $18 per per person.

Doesn't apply to me. I'm one of those people who actually understands that ALL of the things that I want government to provide like libraries, roads, police, etc. have to be paid for and that the currency is taxes. I've not once ever advocated for tax cuts because for 1)ta xes here are incredibly low, and 2) tax cuts equal service cuts and there is not much I want to see cut. I do argue for greater efficiency and less waste - anything and every process can be improved. Frankly I wouldn't mind a tax increase if it resulted in better library service, more streets with sidewalks, more streetlights, more police, better schools, better parks - not just brown fields and rusting equipment, more rail sooner than later, etc, etc. Bring it on, I'll vote for it. No, I'm not one of those lunatics whose home value doubles and then complains about his property taxes increasing. Those people should be shot. Just kidding, sort of.

[Houston19514]

It is amazing that the Library Dept manages to accomplish anything at all with these numbers:

"According to federal statistics for 2006, Houston's library system spends $17 per capita to operate each year

[citizen4rmptown]

nice interior

hate the outside, but hey what can you do

great "views" from the 2nd and 3rd floor

saw the childrens and teen section: modern

[dbigtex56]

I'm at the central library now. I'm not loving it.

The library has much quicker internet access than I have at home. There are approximately 60 stations grouped on the ground floor, most of which are usually occupied. That's great.

What's not so hot is the utter lack of supervision. Some of these patrons are loud. Not just a little conversation here or there; I"m talking full-out singing along with whatever Youtube video they're repeatedly watching, thrashing around, etc.

There's a group of young men, commenting LOUDLY on the freaks at a porno site. Their descriptions are crude, but vivid. And LOUD.

Oh, good. Someone's ring tone has drowned out the tone-deaf diva sitting next to me.

Closer supervision, HPL?

[houstonmacbro]

I'm at the central library now. I'm not loving it.

The library has much quicker internet access than I have at home. There are approximately 60 stations grouped on the ground floor, most of which are usually occupied. That's great.

What's not so hot is the utter lack of supervision. Some of these patrons are loud. Not just a little conversation here or there; I"m talking full-out singing along with whatever Youtube video they're repeatedly watching, thrashing around, etc.

There's a group of young men, commenting LOUDLY on the freaks at a porno site. Their descriptions are crude, but vivid. And LOUD.

Oh, good. Someone's ring tone has drowned out the tone-deaf diva sitting next to me.

Closer supervision, HPL?

Okay, that is just not cool. When I used the library during the aftermath of Ike, it was not like that. People were quiet and respectful and I used the 2nd and 3rd floors with WiFi on my laptop. It was really a nice experience.

Sorry to hear about the masses on the first floor. I did notice it was like a cattle-call when they would open and people would rush the machines.

Nothing like public porn viewing.

[Houston19514]

I'm at the central library now. I'm not loving it.

The library has much quicker internet access than I have at home. There are approximately 60 stations grouped on the ground floor, most of which are usually occupied. That's great.

What's not so hot is the utter lack of supervision. Some of these patrons are loud. Not just a little conversation here or there; I"m talking full-out singing along with whatever Youtube video they're repeatedly watching, thrashing around, etc.

There's a group of young men, commenting LOUDLY on the freaks at a porno site. Their descriptions are crude, but vivid. And LOUD.

Oh, good. Someone's ring tone has drowned out the tone-deaf diva sitting next to me.

Closer supervision, HPL?

Any chance you've shared your comments with the library staff or administration?

[dbigtex56]

Any chance you've shared your comments with the library staff or administration?

Yes. Offenders have been asked to quiet down or have been removed at my request.

In other news: Inversion Coffee House is now open.

At the moment, I don't see it getting much traffic...

[Houston19514]

Yes. Offenders have been asked to quiet down or have been removed at my request.

That's cool. Not too big of a problem then, really... although it is a shame you have to ask for some semblance of quiet.

Edited January 9, 2009 by Houston19514

[LTAWACS]

Blah... sounds like it's not even worth going there. No thanks.

[TexasVines]

Blah... sounds like it's not even worth going there. No thanks.

so if you can't eat, drink, make noise, talk on your phone, and look at porn you are out huh

[LTAWACS]

so if you can't eat, drink, make noise, talk on your phone, and look at porn you are out huh

LOL you're such a funny girl. But no... I should have specified that I like peace and quiet... something I prefer and would expect when going to any library.

[trymahjong]

Gulf Coast Reads: On The Same Page

"One Book, One City" Reading Initiative Kick Off

Kick Off Event

Saturday, August 27, 2011

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Houston Public Library Central Library

500 McKinney , Houston , 77002

832.393.1313

You are invited for a special day of entertaining activities to officially launch the Houston area's new reading and programming series, Gulf Coast Reads: On the Same Page. The program will begin with a book discussion of "One Amazing Thing," followed by the official opening featuring special guests and an interactive presentation from "One Amazing Thing" author Chitra Divakaruni. The afternoon will be filled with fun ongoing crafts, presentations and cultural entertainment, all related to the theme of the book.

Activities:

11 a.m.: Book Discussion, featuring special guest, Connie Lewis from Houston Great Books Council

Noon: Official Opening and Author Presentation

2 p.m.: Ongoing Activities

This educational and fun citywide reading initiative is being presented in partnership by the Houston Public Library, Fort Bend County Libraries, Harris County Public Library, and Montgomery County Memorial Library. The goal of Gulf Coast Reads: On the Same Page is to cultivate a culture of reading in Houston by encouraging people to come together in libraries, bookstores, community centers, homes, places of worship, schools and parks to discuss the book. This program will take place Saturday, August 27 through Friday, September 30, 2011.

For more details visit www.gulfcoastreads.org. More information will become available on events, book discussions and author visits. Please revisit for the most up-to-date information.

Houston Public Library - Phone: 832.393.1313

http://www.houstonlibrary.org/

[Urbannizer]

 

[gto250us]

Just what all of the bums at the library need.

[UtterlyUrban]

Why does the library need a performance stage?  Will this be a small stage for, maybe "puppet shows for kids?"  Or something else?

 

I'm curious as to why the library wants to move into the arts realm.   Could this stage be for book or poetry readings?  Anyone know the size of stage that they are planning?

[mollusk]

With the research skills I learned in a library, I found this link:  http://houstonlibrary.org/get-involved/building-future#Central Library Plaza

 

h/t the above link:  This project includes placement of a new steel/glass stage area including lighting dedicated for concerts, plays, programs and other events. 

Also, pavers to cover the concrete and replace the wooden decking.

[UtterlyUrban]

Thanks for this.  And your point is correct.  I should have google myself.

 

anyway, this "performance stage" is exactly what a libary doesn't need to spend money on.  We have LOTS of arts institutions who do this but only one library system.  The library needs to spend money on what they do so they can do it better or more efficiently.

[tigereye]

2 hours ago, UtterlyUrban said:

Why does the library need a performance stage?  Will this be a small stage for, maybe "puppet shows for kids?"  Or something else?

 

I'm curious as to why the library wants to move into the arts realm.   Could this stage be for book or poetry readings?  Anyone know the size of stage that they are planning?

 

Some weekends when I ride by, I've come across poetry readings on the steps of the old library during book sale events. Surprisingly, the poetry readings I've encountered do draw a small crowd (and not of bums) so a small stage seems like a good idea for these types of events.

Edited September 7, 2016 by tigereye

[Urbannizer]

From last week:

 

[BigFootsSocks]

On 9/7/2016 at 4:27 PM, UtterlyUrban said:

Why does the library need a performance stage?  Will this be a small stage for, maybe "puppet shows for kids?"  Or something else?

 

I'm curious as to why the library wants to move into the arts realm.   Could this stage be for book or poetry readings?  Anyone know the size of stage that they are planning?

I mean, a library already exists in the "arts realm." Literature is one of the several basic forms of art. Think of this as an expansion to the other forms of art.

[Urbannizer]