
A quick guide to making the most of your visit to the library.
This is where you will find a lot of the stuff that will make you ask "The library does that?" HCPL is a 21st-century library and as such our library services are not limited to reference questions and copying machines. Here you will information about income tax services, proctoring, and a lot of other services you might not know we offer!
Services
Many HCPL branches have meeting and/or study rooms available to the public. You can reserve a space online or by calling the branch directly.
Please visit our Meeting and Study Room Policy for full details.
Meeting and Study Room Policy on the Library Use Policies page
When branch libraries are open to the public, branches offer printers and photocopiers for self-service use at minimal cost.
Mobile Printing allows you to upload and pay for print jobs to be picked up at your nearest branch library.
Visit Printing and Copying page for details.
Besides computers, laptops, and printers, many HCPL locations have an assortment of equipment for in-library use. These range from scanners, DVD players and typewriters to CAC readers for military personnel and 3D printers. Visit your branch page for a full list of available equipment.
To learn about borrowing laptops, kindle e-readers, CAC readers and our gardening tool library, go to Frequently Asked Questions: Special Equipment
The Harris County Public Library system offers free proctoring services for individuals at most of its branch libraries. The availability of personnel, facilities, technology, and hours of operations vary from branch to branch. Please contact a librarian at your preferred location well in advance of your exam to determine if the branch will be able to accommodate your request.
For full Proctoring Guidelines, Go to Library Policies
UPDATE: February 15, 2021: Because of the ongoing pandemic, AARP is unable to provide in-person tax preparation services the way they have at many HCPL locations in the past. AARP Tax Aide will, however, provide informational packets at four HCPL branches Packets will include instructions and locations where you can submit documents for offsite tax preparation.
Please call the nearest branch to reserve your packet and to schedule a pick-up time.
- Fairbanks Branch Library (832) 927-7890
- Katy Branch Library (281) 391-3509
- Maud Marks Branch Library (832)-927-7860
- Parker Williams Branch Library (832)-927-7870
Print IRS Tax Forms & instructions: irs.gov
For more information and Free Tax Preparation Locations in your Area, visit our Tax Services Page
SCORE Small Business Counseling
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, with more than 10,000 volunteers in 300 chapters. As a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE has helped more than 10 million entrepreneurs through mentoring, workshops and educational resources since 1964. Go to Score Small Business Counseling in Events
Small Business Reference Center
A collection of state-specific resources (including videos) supported with demographic data and other local information Go to Small Business Reference Center in Research
Disaster Relief Centers
HCPL works with Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) on an agreement to designate HCPL branches as official Disaster Recovery Centers. HCOHSEM Disaster Recovery Centers are where people can access the assistance and services they need most in times of emergency. Representatives from government agencies like FEMA, Small Business Administration and social services will be on hand, as well as aid organizations like the American Red Cross.
HCOHSEM will announce when and if Disaster Recovery Centers will be activated.
Find all the information you will need to apply for your U.S. passport book and/or passport card: HCPL Passport Services