Montrose Library to open this December – Houston Public Media
The Houston Public Library (HPL) system announced this week that its newest location will be opening in the Montrose neighborhood next month.
The new Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library will be located at 1001 California St. and the grand opening is set for Dec. 14. The library's facilities will feature new computers with high-speed internet, dedicated spaces for children and teens, reading areas and meeting rooms for community educational programs, an outdoor terrace for open-air events and an art installation by Houston-based Filipino American artist Kill Joy.
Ahead of the new opening, the current Freed-Montrose Library at 4100 Montrose Blvd. will close on Nov. 14 as it undergoes more than $14 million in renovations to update the building's safety and technology needs.
In March, the Montrose Boulevard location was closed temporarily due to safety concerns . Shortly after the closure, Houston Mayor John Whitmire replaced HPL Director Rhea Lawson with former educator Sandy Gaw. Lawson had previously held the position for 19 years. Less than a month later, Whitmire voiced that he wanted to find a use for the historic library building once the new location opens.
Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin, who represents the Montrose area as part of District C, said in a statement that the neighborhood is appreciative of the new HPL facility.
"The neighborhood could not be more thrilled to have such a beautiful and welcoming space for all ages where innovation meets Montrose's love for books," she said. "This opening comes on the heels of years of extensive community engagement and involvement by residents. On behalf of our district, I am so grateful to the Houston Public Library staff, and all those involved, for their partnership in realizing this very special day."
In the same statement, Gaw said city and library leaders hope to preserve the old library's historic character while it is renovated.
"I am optimistic about the possibilities as we strengthen our relationship with both the Montrose community and the University of St. Thomas," she said. "Our commitment is to ensure the best possible outcome for the community."
