Q. I am not an Austin resident. What are my options for registering for an Austin Public Library Card?

Full Access Non-Resident Library Cards (paid)

Non-Resident Library Cards are available for $120 annually or $30 quarterly. They must be applied for in-person. These cards provide full access to all the Library’s physical materials as well as the Digital Resources (eBooks, digital magazines, databases, etc.). $120 yearly Non-Resident Cards are good for 1 year from the date paid. $30 quarterly Non-Resident Cards are good for 3 months from the date paid. The non-resident fee will be waived for any student who is either enrolled in any school in or lives in Travis County- including private school, daycare, charter, and home school students- until completion of high school.

Learn more about getting an APL card.

Limited Access APL TexShare Cards (free)

Non-Resident customers can apply in person for a free limited access APL TexShare Card by presenting a current and valid paper TexShare Card from a participating library system, along with a valid photo ID and proof of current residence address. With it, you get:

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

Learn more about getting an APL TexShare Card.

Non-Resident eCards (paid)

Texas residents 18 or older who don’t reside within the city limits of Austin can purchase a Non-Resident eCard to obtain one year of access to APL’s Digital Resources. You must be an adult resident of Texas to qualify for a Non-Resident eCard. The fee is $22 and the application process is entirely online.

Learn more about getting a Non-Resident eCard.

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.