Q. Why is there a Non-Resident Library Card fee?

The Library is funded through the City of Austin's general fund. In lieu of paying Austin property taxes and other City fees, non-Austin residents have the option of paying for Library services with one of the following card types:

• Full Access Non-Resident Library Card: $120 yearly or $30 quarterly (3 months)
• Non-Resident eCard: $22 yearly

Fees were determined through a cost analysis of Library services:

• The cost of placing, processing, and transporting holds.
• The cost of checking materials in/out.
• Technology costs such as our online catalog.
• Customer service and Digital Resources help.
• The average cost of materials checked out by the average Library user.
• The cost for our Digital Resources, including eBooks, eLearning, streaming videos, online tutoring, and more.

Learn about Library Card options for Non-Residents, including a free, limited access TexShare Card.

Please see our Library Card and Circulation Policies for more information.

As of March 11, 2024, you qualify for a free Austin Public Library Card if you live in an Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction. Use the City of Austin’s Jurisdictions Web Map to see if you qualify. If your address description shows Austin Full Purpose, Austin 2 Mile ETJ, Austin 5 Mile ETJ, or Austin LTD, you are eligible for a free resident Library Card.