Fondren Library — Attraction in Houston

This is such a great space in the heart of Houston. There was construction all around the library on Rice’s campus when I visited. I was disappointed that I wasn’t able to wander more outside.

I also stopped by when almost every empty space was filled with students studying for upcoming exams. It was such a full library!! I will definitely have to stop by again when there aren’t so many students occupying the space. I enjoyed wandering around the stacks.

I was so excited to stumble upon the art library. It is common for me to find the art section intuitively. They have current publications and so many books that I look forward to exploring in the near future.

The art exhibited inside was a surprise. I had no idea that I would get to see two paintings by Dorothy Hood. There were multiple other artworks all over inside as well. I enjoyed the smaller exhibition in the cases found on the third floor.

It is convenient to be able to grab food so quickly just outside the building. I wonder if students can really fathom how wonderful that library is. There is plenty to do around the rest of the...

When Ralph Adams Cram created the designs for Rice's original buildings, the school was too poor to build the library, so it sold the design to the University of Southern California where it was built (as Doheny Library). Instead, Rice got this box which, quite frankly, leaves a lot to be desired architecturally. Not only does it abandon all elements of the Beaux Arts tradition that informs other buildings on this quad, but it also doesn't contain any open, ceremonial reading or study spaces. There's no "reading room" like you see in so many other college libraries. It's all low ceilings and darks corners. As bad as the building is, the institution itself serves Rice pretty well. The collection is good and the staff are knowledgeable...

Amazing library! I go to an online school, so I go to this library when I need to study. The librarians are very helpful even though I’m not a Rice student, and they have almost every single book and article that I need that isn’t available on my schools online catalogue. Truly an impressive collection. Very quiet and peaceful, and the grounds are beautiful as well. Check WorldCat before you come to see if they have what you need, and then call ahead and a librarian will make sure it’s on the shelves and not...