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 architectural drawings of the building from the 1980s.
Take a look at the 1983 furniture sample book to see how the branch was furnished when it first opened.
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 architectural drawings of the building from the 1980s.
Take a look at the 1983 furniture sample book to see how the branch was furnished when it first opened.
