Benefits
Benefits
The benefits of a valid Austin Public Library Card allow you to:
Borrow Materials
Borrow Materials
Most items are loaned for 3 weeks, with up to 2 renewals (unless another customer has placed a hold on the item or the account is not in good standing).
Physical Materials
- Library Cards (full-access) can have a maximum of 50 items checked out at one time.
- APL TexShare Cards can have a maximum of 10 items checked out at one time.
- Digital Library Cards are not able to check out physical materials.
eBooks, eAudiobooks & Digital Resources
- Access is available to Full-Access and Digital Library Cards.
- OverDrive/Libby: eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and streaming video
- Check out 10 items at a time and have 7 holds.
- Audiobooks and eBooks check out for 7, 14, or 21 days.
- Magazines check out for 21 days and don't count towards your 10 item limit!
- hoopla: Movies, music, TV shows, audiobooks, eBooks, and comics
- Stream content via browser or download the app for iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, or Roku.
- Check out 4 items per month.
- Movies and TV shows for 3 days
- Music for 7 days
- Audiobooks, eBooks, and comics for 21 days
- BingePasses for 7 days
- Instantly available borrowing
- No hold queues
- See the full list of Digital Resources.
The duration of borrowing materials varies. Visit the Library Card Policies & FAQs page to learn more about the different duration periods.
Copy link to sectionRenewing Items
Renewing Items
Physical Materials
If your account is in good standing, you can renew items online by logging in to My Account with your library card number and your password. You can also renew items in person at an APL location or by calling Customer Service at 512‑974‑7475.
When you renew an item, the new due date is three weeks from the day you renew it. You can renew Austin Public Library items two times, unless:
- Someone else has a hold on the item
- The item was checked out for 6 weeks on a Group Card
- Your account is not in good standing
Automatic Renewals
The library will try to renew items for you automatically in the morning on the day they are due. Items will not be renewed automatically if:
- Another person has requested them
- You already reached the renewal limit
- Your account is not in good standing
If you have an email address on your account, you will get an email with your new due dates when items are renewed. If items cannot be renewed, you will get the usual reminder email instead.
eBooks, eAudiobooks, & all Digital Resources
Varies by platform, please check the platform's Digital Resource page for renewal information.
Copy link to sectionPlacing Holds on Items
Placing Holds on Items
Physical Materials
You can place a hold on items that can be checked out.
- The library will send the item to the Austin Public Library location you choose.
- You can have up to 15 holds at one time on a valid library card.
- To place a hold, log in to My Account with your library card number and your password. Your account must be in good standing.
If you do not pick up your hold within 10 days, or if you do not cancel it, you will be charged $1.00 for each item. This rule helps reduce unclaimed holds and long wait times.
If your account has a valid email address, the library will email you when your item is ready for pickup. To make sure you get these emails, add sirsi@aupl.sirsi.net to your contacts or safe sender list. If you do not have an email address on your account, the notice will be sent by U.S. Mail.
eBooks & eAudiobooks
The hold limit for Overdrive titles is 7. Once you are notified that an Overdrive hold is available, you have 72 hours in which to check it out.
Copy link to sectionDrop Off at Any Austin Public Library Location
Drop Off at Any Austin Public Library Location
- Return Austin Public Library materials to any Austin Public Library location (does not include the Austin History Center)
- Book drops are available after hours and during holidays.
- Automated return machines are available at Central Library and Milwood Branch. These machines check in your items immediately.
- Mail materials to:
Austin Public Library Customer Service Office
PO Box 2287
Austin, TX 78768-2287