Houston gets its first drive-thru library

Houston is getting its first library for lazy people.

Construction began earlier this year on the Belle Sherman Kendall Neighborhood Library and Community Center on west Memorial near Terry Hershey Park. The facility, a joint project between the Houston Public Library and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, will replace the current Kendall Library and will be double the size of the old building.

Best of all? The library will have a drive-up service window. Never again will Houstonist need to make the excruciating walk from the parking lot to the front doors to pick up that copy of "The South Beach Diet."

Sandra Fernandez, HPL's manager of public relations, said the window won't provide fast food-style service. Book-lovers will still have to do some work.

"They can’t just drive up and say 'Can you pull this book for me?' If you have gone online, or called ahead to reserve a book, then you can pick it up at the window."

Fernandez said significant community input went into the building plans for the new library. If the drive-up window is successful, it may be included in future renovations for other Houston libraries.

A press release about the groundbreaking refers to the building as a "green facility." The new Kendall Library is expected to open early next year, at 609 N. Eldridge, 77079.

Photo courtesy flickr user Houston Public Library