Northwest Branch Library — Attraction in Jersey Village

This place can get a bit noisy occasionally, though I would attribute that to people these days generally having a lot less respect for other people than they used to. I suppose the librarians could seem a bit abrupt and/or unfriendly at times, but I would imagine that has a lot to do with the way that they are typically treated by their customers. As a third-party delivery driver, I generally find that it's best to approach people in the kindest, most forgiving manner possible, despite the look on their face may seem to say before you do so. I am consistently surprised by how friendly a lot of people actually are who don't look like it when I simply put a smile on my face and refrain from giving them any attitude before I start talking. The children's section does indeed get noisy; that's mostly because kids are kids; and, personally, I think we should let them be that way. That probably also has a lot to do with the fact that it is completely unacceptable nowadays for any adult (even another parent) to say anything remotely corrective to anyone else's child, for fear of allegations of abuse or pervertedness. The children's section being disheveled probably has much more to do with the fact that so many parents tend to be completely unconcerned with their children's behavior these days and fail to teach manners and human decency-- which becomes less and less common as the world moves on.

My only critique on the library's part is that perhaps someone should occasionally walkthrough to see if the people at the computers are actually using the computers. On my last visit, there were two young men sitting next to me the whole time I was trying to work on the internet, whom I had to politely ask to discontinue their graphic conversation, not on the grounds that I have any judgement toward them for what they choose to talk to each other about, but simply because I would like for it to be acceptable for me to choose not to hear that kind of talk. They were not at all pleased, but fortunately they did comply.

I completely understand if the librarians do not really have the time or desire to monitor the computers as such. I mean, if you worked there, would you really want to take on a task like that, given the way that a lot of people probably treat you during the day?

I think all of the criticisms against this location would easily work themselves out if we, the public whom the library is there to serve, would consider that it might just be in our best interest to serve each other (including our public servants) over and above being expected to be served ourselves.

Keep up the good work guys 💙 Your service is much appreciated, if not undervalued.

P.S., there is some graffiti in the men's bathroom (photos below). As it says on the graffiti itself, kindly do not erase it, as it is one of the most beautiful sights I have seen in a public...

Updated 7/29/22 to 3 stars from 2 stars...

Truthfully, I am very happy to change this review as soon as I actually get to go inside but was frustrated at this experience along with (no exaggeration) 4 other cars of people.

Called today at 4:40pm to inquire about capacity and how to get a library card. Lacy was so sweet and very helpful.

My husband and I drive over and arrive at 5:18pm, plenty of time to get a card and leave, right? Wrong.

We walk up along with another lady who looks upset and is on the phone - try the door and find it's already chained. The lady explained she was also expecting it to be open so she could print something off. We tried to call again but it went straight to voicemail. As we are walking back to the car, another couple is parking and getting out and we let them know they closed early. Then ANOTHER car pulls up to park and we let them know as well. A final car was pulling in as we left but we were already pulling out.

I realize a longer weekend is ahead with the holiday but come on, I had called not 30 minutes before and had no mention it would close an hour early today, if it was supposed to at all and it seems like we were not the only people with the same sentiment.

*Update : have been inside quite a few times. The workers there have always been nothing but kind. The selection for books is poor but expected since it's a small branch. Clean and...

We visit a handful of the Harris County Libraries and are happy with many. This location would get a higher rating, but I cannot give more than one star due to the noise. It tends to be a busy location with many people coming and going. The foot traffic is not what gives the location a low rating. It is the amount of talking and volume of the conversation that makes this the WORST in terms of NOISE. If someone needs to study or have any level of reasonable quiet - this is not the place. The library is a smaller branch, which is fine, but BOTH the patrons and the STAFF make way too much noise for anyone to have a decent level of concentration. It's not even the "children's section" that is the problem. I have a level of tolerance for little ones - but adults should know better. There are patrons on cell phones in the library, librarians speaking to patrons and each another at a volume that can be heard across the entire library. I always end up leaving frustrated. I have come to this branch many times to do some research and work and have been disappointed 100% of the time. You are thinking, "Why do you come back then?". This library is the closest to my kids' school and it is central to many of our family activities, so the pain of driving 25 minutes to the next closest HCPL location and then returning to the area to drop off/pick up is...