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Opened in downtown Houston circa 1926, the Julia Ideson Library is one of the most beautiful hidden spaces in the city. Embodying Spanish Renaissance architecture, the historical library is adorned in arched windows, ornate stonework, and red-tile rooflines. This weekend, the library celebrates its centennial with a day full of literary activations.
About the Julia Ideson Library
Named after its first head librarian and longtime leader, Julia Ideson, the library is one of the most distinctive civic landmarks in Houston. Designed by Ralph Adams Cram, the 1926 Spanish Renaissance Revival library previously served as Houston’s main library until 1976, when the Central Library opened next door.
Presently, the library is home to the Houston History Research Center. a major public archive for researching the city, its neighborhoods, families, institutions, and built environment.
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The library preserves extensive rare-book and archival holdings documenting Houston and Texas history. Its collections include approximately 150,000 architectural drawings, millions of historic photographic prints and negatives, rare books—including a 1520 edition of The Odyssey—and more than 300 rare maps of Houston and the Southwest.
One of the most notable fixtures of the library is the original Reading Room. Located on the second floor, the formal, Old World-style space is adorned in sophisticated wooden fixtures, Spanish-influenced detailing, and a high, intricately carved floral wooden ceiling. Today, the Reading Room caters more to corporate parties, private galas, and weddings.
Julia Ideson Library’s 100th birthday
The Julia Ideson Library will celebrate its centennial this Saturday, August 22. Throughout the day, 12 pm – 4 pm, the festivities will include 1920’s-style craft activations wherein guests can use a letterpress to print their own postcard, tap away on a typewriter, create paper dolls, and snap pics in a themed photobooth.
Additionally, officials will host a number of exhibits that include The Intrepid Julia Ideson, One For The Books, Julia Ideson Building at 100, as well as highlights of the 1920’s from Houston Community College Fashion Archives, and more. Guided tours will also be available at various timeslots until 3 pm.
Photo credit: Houston Library Foundation
At 1:30 pm, a City Proclamation and Screening of The Julia Ideson Building – Celebrating 100 Years will take place.
In addition to various craft activities throughout the day, for the kiddos the library will host a vintage story time from 12:15 pm – 3 pm.
The library will also reward the 200 first registered guests to check in with a commemorative gift. For more information on the Julia Ideson Library’s 100th birthday, see here.
When and where to visit the Julia Ideson Library
The Julia Ideson Library is located at 550 McKinney St. in downtown, Houston. Its regular hours are as such: 12 – 5 pm Mondays; 10 am – 5 pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 11 am – 6 on Thursdays; and from 10 am – 5 pm Fridays and Saturdays.