HOUSTON — A neighborhood library nestled in the heart of Montrose is getting a second chance after Houston leaders had a change of heart about closing it for good.
Houston Public Library announced Tuesday that the Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library will reopen on Monday, April 15.
Editor's note: The above video originally aired in March when the city announced the library was closing for good.
A mini-event will kick off the reopening festivities starting at 10 a.m. and include brief remarks from city officials followed by a story time, craft time, 120th-anniversary limited-edition card sign-up and book giveaways.
In March, HPL announced the library on Montrose Boulevard near West Main Street would shut down permanently because of safety concerns. The news caught a lot of people by surprise, including staff members, library users and City Councilmember Abbie Kamin, who represents Montrose.
After the closure, Mayor John Whitmire asked members of the library administration to meet with stakeholders and create a plan to safely reopen "the cherished institution."
"After careful consideration and invaluable customer feedback, the operations were extended at the Freed-Montrose Library, reaffirming HPL's dedication to providing continued access to the library's invaluable resources and services," HPL announced. "Customers will have access to a collection of books, e-resources, engaging programs, a meeting space, computers, print services, and outdoor Wi-Fi."
Certain areas will be restricted for safety reasons, according to the library system.
Library officials say construction continues for a "better-equipped, more accessible" new library at a mixed-use shopping center on California Street near Montrose and Westheimer. Its delayed opening is now set for this fall.