Digital Archive of the Harris County Public Library

A living collection of photos, articles, and media celebrating library service across Harris County since 1921.
Advanced Search
A woman exits the Crosby Library, which is a small one room building, not much more than a shed.

Origins of HCPL

A tale of ingenuity and strong women

Trace the early years of the Harris County Public Library from 1920 through 1939, as the library system grew from a handful of locations in schools to having full branches and a thriving bookmobile service.

Books from Harris County Public Library Collections, 1921-1945

A small sample of books that Harris County residents checked out from HCPL during the system's first 20 years.

LSC-Tomball Community Library

Celebrating 104 years of service!

The Tomball branch started in the 1920s in a post office. The bookmobile later served the community until support grew, and a branch was built in 1962. Since 2005, the library has partnered with Lone Star College to provide exceptional service to the Tomball community. 

Highlands Stratford Branch Library

Celebrating 99 years of service!

The Highlands Stratford Branch Library has been a cornerstone of the Highlands community for many years. The area's first public library opened in 1927 in a storefront. The first freestanding Highlands Library was established in 1937. In 1966, a new building was made possibile thorugh a generous donation from Highlands residents Anna Stratford.

Browse by category

Want to explore the collection?  Build your browse using the categories below.

Skip to main content

HCPL Digital Archive is an online archive of historical and cultural materials that illustrate the continuing story of the library, our partners, and our community.  Our collections are curated by the Harris County Archives and the Harris County Public Library. The site, exhibits, collections, and individual items are managed and maintained by the Harris County Public Library. Learn more about the project on our About page.