CLOSED for Easter Sunday, March 31

 

Spicewood Springs Branch is currently closed due to a water main break

Terrazas Branch is closed until May 13 for renovations

Answered By: Maddie Vaughn
Last Updated: Mar 13, 2024     Views: 36881

Austin Public Library card, showing an image of Austin's skyline.

Full Access Library Card:

Your Library Card is your key to checking out books and Library materials at any of APL's 21 locations and our Digital Resources. You will need to apply in person for this card. 

  1. Check your address at City of Austin’s Jurisdictions Web Map to find out if you are eligible for a free Austin resident Library Card. (If you reside at an address in the Austin Full Purpose, Austin 2 Mile ETJ, Austin 5 Mile ETJ, or Austin LTD jurisdictions, you qualify for a free Library Card)
  2. Fill out the online application
  3. Bring your photo ID and proof of residence address to an APL location

 

eCard:

The eCard gives you 24/7 access to Austin Public Library’s Digital Resources including eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, streaming video and more. eCard accounts cannot be used to check out or place holds on physical materials, including laptops, tablets, and ILL requests. You can apply online for this card. 

eCards are available to Austin residents who are 18 or older and who don’t have an Austin Public Library Card. eCard accounts are valid for one year.

  1. Complete and submit the online eCard Application, which can be found in the eCard section of our Library Card page.
  2. Upload an image of your photo ID and proof of current address.
  3. Your application will be processed within 2-3 days and, once approved, you will be sent an email with your eCard account number. 

 

Library Cards are free for Austin residents. Learn how to verify your Austin residency.

Not an Austin resident? Full access Non-Resident Library Cards are available for $120 annually or $30 quarterly. The non-resident fee will be waived for any student who either lives in or is enrolled in any school in Travis County - including private school, daycare, charter, and home school students - until completion of high school. Non-residents can alternatively apply for a free limited access APL TexShare Card by presenting a valid TexShare card from a participating library. APLTexShare Cards are for physical items only. Learn more about APL TexShare Cards. Non-resident adults can also apply for a Non-Resident eCard for an annual fee of $22. The eCard gives you access to APL's Digital Resources, but excludes physical items. Learn more about Non-Resident eCards.  


Youth Cards

Available for applicants under 18 years old. Youth must have an adult co-signer present at the time of application.

 

Enhanced Library Cards

The Enhanced Library Card is a full-access library card for Austin residents (18 or older) that includes your library card number, photograph, address, date of birth, the expiration date, and a scannable barcode. 

The card can be used at all Austin Public Library locations, as well as online to access our eBooks and other digital resources. The Enhanced Library Card is accepted by many local organizations and government agencies as a valid photo ID. 

You can apply for the card in person (not online) without an appointment at nine Austin Public Library locations, which include:

  • Central Library, 710 W. César Chávez St.
  • Cepeda Branch, 651 N. Pleasant Valley Rd. 
  • Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Ln
  • Menchaca Road Branch, 5500 Menchaca Rd.
  • Milwood Branch, 12500 Amherst Dr.
  • Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd.
  • St. John Branch, 7500 Blessing Ave.
  • Southeast Branch, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd.
  • Terrazas Branch, 1105 E. César Chávez St. 

 

Library Group Cards

Available for educational, nonprofit or service groups. 

For questions regarding your Library Card, please email circ.link@austintexas.gov or call the Customer Service Office at 512-974-7475. Also see the Library Card and Circulation Policies for additional details.