Houston Public Library
Houston Public Library
Interest in a Houston Public Library began in 1837 sparked by Benjamin Franklin's subscription library in Philadelphia. Throughout history the Houston Public Library has been a growing institution influencing minds all over Texas. Currently, the Houston Metropolitan Research Center houses predominantly information on the history of Texas as well as local history. It also holds archives, manuscripts and special collections. The Houston Public Library system has also grown substantially with regard to its locations. As of 1990, the library system had over 30 branches and collections housing near 4,000,000 volumes, 1.6 million microforms, 679,000 government documents, and 130,000 films and audiovisual items.
