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Answered By: Maddie Vaughn
Last Updated: Mar 13, 2024     Views: 2760

Image of an orange Austin Public Library TexShare card.

Many Texas libraries—public and academic—participate in TexShare, a library consortium. If you have a Library Card from a library in the TexShare group, you may be eligible for a TexShare Card. This acts as a voucher that can grant you borrowing privileges at other Texas libraries, including us.

Austin Public Library (APL) TexShare Cards are free, limited access cards for non-Austin residents who have an active TexShare Card from another library. With it, you get:

  • 10 physical item checkouts (books, DVDs, etc.)
  • 7 holds
  • No interlibrary loan
  • No Digital Resources* (no OverDrive, hoopla, databases, etc.) 

 

To get an APL TexShare Card:

  1. If you have a TexShare Card (the paper one from a different library), go to Step 2.

    If you need a TexShare Card, contact your library to learn if it participates in TexShare and if you're eligible for a TexShare Card. This would be any Texas library other than us with which you have a Library Card.

    If you don't have a Library Card anywhere or your library isn't in the TexShare program, find a TexShare library near you with the list of Metro Area Libraries under Links & Files at the bottom of this page or search here by city, county or zip. After selecting a library, look for this:

    "TexShare Card: Yes" is circled on a screenshot.

    Visit that library's website or call them to learn specific requirements for getting a Library Card and a TexShare Card. Policies will vary. 
     

    Please note: After getting a Library Card, you may need to wait 3-6 months or so and pay off any outstanding fines before you are eligible for the TexShare Card.


  2. Visit any of our Library locations. Fill out an online application in advance or an online or paper application on site.
     
  3. Show your paper TexShare card plus a valid/acceptable photo ID and proof of address. You will get your APL TexShare Card on the spot.

*Learn about our eCard for access to our Digital Resources. Non-residents pay $22/year.