HOUSTON – The Julia Ideson Building opened in October 1926, offering Houstonians a beautiful new place to read, learn and gather. One hundred years later, the Spanish Renaissance Revival landmark continues to welcome visitors—and today, Houston Public Library is celebrating the people, stories and memories that have filled its halls across generations.
A timeline of the Julia Ideson Building
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1904: Houston opens the Carnegie Library
The Houston Lyceum and Carnegie Library opened at Travis and McKinney streets. It served as Houston’s main library, but the city was growing so quickly that the building soon could not meet the community’s needs.
1922: A new library site is chosen
The city purchased the Bagby family home site as the location for a new main library. The site would eventually become home to one of Houston’s most recognizable historic buildings.
1923-1926: A vision takes shape
The library’s Board of Trustees chose architect Ralph Adams Cram of Boston to design the new building. Cram was known for his work at West Point, Princeton, Rice University and Houston’s Trinity Episcopal Church.
Inspired by a six-month trip to Spain, Cram designed the building in the Spanish Renaissance style. Its L-shaped layout reflected the wishes of Julia Ideson, Houston’s first professional librarian: flexible rooms, good ventilation for Houston’s climate and plenty of windows to welcome in natural light.
Local architects William Ward Watkin, J.M. Glover and city architect W.A. Dowdy oversaw construction.
October 1926: The library opens
The new building was completed in October 1926 and became Houston’s main library—a place where generations of residents could discover books, pursue knowledge and share in the experience of learning together.
1903-1945: Julia Ideson serves Houston
Ideson served as Houston’s first professional librarian for 42 years. Her work helped guide the city’s library system through a period of tremendous growth and change.
1951: The building is named for Ideson
Houston City Council voted to honor Ideson by naming the main library after her. Her name was carved above the front entrance, creating a lasting tribute to a woman whose work helped make the library a vital part of Houston life.
1976: The Central Library opens next door
A new Central Library was completed beside the Julia Ideson Building. The historic structure then began a new chapter as home to the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library’s first archival branch.
2007-2011: The building is restored
The Julia Ideson Library Preservation Partners launched a $32 million capital campaign in 2007 to help protect the building’s future. The project included restoration of the original structure and construction of a new archival wing based on the building’s original plans.
The archival wing had never been completed after funding ran out during the Great Depression. Restoration of the original building was completed in December 2011.
Today: A place where Houston’s history lives on
The Julia Ideson Building is now a City of Houston Protected Landmark, a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark and a Texas State Archaeological Landmark. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
As home to the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, the building preserves the documents, photographs and stories that help Houstonians understand where their city came from. Its halls remain connected to the same purpose that shaped the building a century ago: giving people a place to learn, remember and imagine what comes next.
Today’s 100th birthday celebration
Houston Public Library’s celebration includes a screening of The Julia Ideson Building – Celebrating 100 Years, historic tours and exhibits including One for the Books: Julia Ideson Building at 100 and The Intrepid Julia Ideson.
Visitors can explore vintage fashion displays, use typewriters, print postcards with a letterpress and take photos in a themed booth. Families can also enjoy crafts, giveaways and Vintage Storytime featuring selections from the library’s historic children’s book collection.
Guided tours are available in English, Spanish and bilingually. The first 200 registered guests to check in will receive a commemorative gift. Free Saturday garage parking is available for visitors, with entry from Lamar Street.
Activities run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.