Katherine Tyra Branch Library at Bear Creek Collection

Katherine Tyra Branch Library at Bear Creek Collection

Browse all items in the collection.  Or visit the digital exhibit Katherine Tyra Branch Library at Bear Creek.

 

Branch History

 

Before the 1980s, the only library on the west side of Harris County was in Katy.  In a 1971 study of the HCPL system, the Houston City Planning Department recommended a new branch built in Precinct 3.  The 1979 Library Bond Referendum provided the library with the funds to create a new branch. The groundbreaking for the Bear Creek branch was held on September 7, 1982, at 16400 Clay Road.

 

On May 15, 1983, the branch held its dedication ceremony and grand opening, presided over by Commissioner Robert "Bob" Eckels.   

 

On Saturday, November 21, 1992, a tornado hit the library, with 75-100 patrons and staff inside. The building took significant damage and would remain closed for a year, reopening in December 1993.

 

The building was rededicated as the Katherine Tyra Branch at Bear Creek in October 1999. A passionate reader, Katherine Tyra had served as the Harris County District Clerk from 1991-1995.  

 

In August 2017, the branch was flooded due to the effects of Hurricane Harvey. As a result, a majority of the collection, furnishings, and equipment were lost. After seven months of construction and repair, the branch reopened with a new collection on April 30, 2018, just in time for its 35th anniversary.

 

Further Exploration

 

View an architectural drawing of the building from the early 1980s.

Browse by decade:                                 Browse by subject:

 

1980s                                                                                             All Images

                                                                                     

1990s                                                                                             Children's Programs  

 

2000s                                                                                            COVID019 Curbside and Virtual Service  

   

2010s                                                                                             Holidays

 

2020s                                                                                             Katherine Tyra @ Bear Creek in the News 

                                                                                     

                                                                                                           Katherine Tyra @ Bear Creek Staff  

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                           Photos of the Building