Houston History Research Center at the Julia Ideson Building — Local services in Houston

This building is absolutely remarkable. It was built in 1926 as the most state of the art library in the country, outside of New York City. This place has wonderful studying facilities that Rice University has nothing on. It is free and open to the public and THANKFULLY the downtown "patrons" stay in the pig pen next door at the public library where it is overcrowded, filthy with germs, and homeless strays come in to get out of the heat and leave their excrement in the bathrooms then not wash their hands or flush.

Back to this timeless and wonderfully restored building, it has a pretty terrace and a study room with study chairs that one could get lost in research for hours and then find themselves right back in bustling downtown Houston. There is also a museum in the building as well. Such a Wonderful...

Come for the architecture and stay for the unique maps, books and photos. Admittedly if you’re in the area this is a great place to relax and think. If you have specific research needs on Houston and or maybe Texas and the adjourning Houston Public Library doesn’t have it then by all means try them out. However I would say most people should come to the HPL first or search online before trekking down...

This is a really beautifully restored library. The ceiling in the room prior to entering the Reading Room has a remarkable amount of intricate details. The floor however is EXTREMELY SLIPPERY and an accident...