Updated 8/16/2011
Construction is complete on the new archival wing and reading garden (first phase). It opened on April 5, 2010. The second phase (renovation) is underway and is expected to reopen to the public on December 5, 2011. For additional information about the project, please visit the Julia Ideson Library Preservation Partners web site at www.ideson.org.
This project is to make repairs and alterations to the interior vestibule caused from water infiltration from heavy rains. Included in this project will be a floor drain, more durable materials in the vestibule along with some canopies to help prevent water from coming inside during heavy rains. The library is expected to close at the end of the day on August 26, 2011 and should involve an approximate four month closure.
The Oak Forest Neighborhood Library re-opened to the public on Monday, April 18, 2011. The renovation added 4,500 square feet to the existing building and created new adult and teen wings that surround an outdoor reading room under oak and pine trees. The Oak Forest Neighborhood Library is also the recipient of a 2011 AIA Houston Design Award for Renovation/Restoration.
This project created a clearly defined Teen Area at the library. The new Teen Room provides an enclosed area for study and collaboration. It includes a lounge area for reading, a study/work area, and a gaming area. Furnishings in this space include a flat screen television for the gaming area, bar height tables for the study/work area, and new shelving.
A glass wall was added to provide a physical division for the Teen Room, and to minimize the noise for customers in other areas of the facility. New chairs were provided for adult and children’s reading tables, and a reconfiguration allowed the addition of 8 public computers and an additional early literacy station.
HPL's Planning and Facilities Division is working on replacement of the roofs at several library locations. Clayton Genealogical Library's roof repairs are complete. Roof repairs at Hillendahl and Jungman Neighborhood Libraries are planned for fiscal years 2012 and 2013.
Design work is complete for the Stanaker Neighborhood Library. The library closes June 2, 2011. Construction has begun and and expectations put the completion of this renovation in Fall 2012.
This project includes plumbing work, interior upgrades and other enhancements to improve service at this location and add a teen area. The library closed at the end of the day on April 30, 2011 to begin construction and the library will reopen to the public on September 6, 2011.
LEEDTM Certification for Houston Public Library Projects
For more information about LEEDTM and the US Green Building Council,
please visit www.usgbc.org.
Achieved:
- Looscan Neighborhood Library – Certified
- Clayton Center for Genealogical Research – Silver Level
- The African American Library at the Gregory School – Gold Level
- Kendall Neighborhood Library and Community Center – Silver Level
Pending:
- Vinson Neighborhood Library (Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center) – Silver Level
- Bracewell Neighborhood Library – Silver Level
- Julia Ideson Building – New Archival Wing, Reading Garden and Renovation – Silver Level
- Oak Forest Neighborhood Library – Gold Level