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Library Card Policies and FAQs

Get a Library Card | | Types of Austin Public Library Cards | Library Card Benefits

Policies

  • 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).
  • If an item is lost or damaged, the account is billed the cost of the item, as set by the Library.
  • Most items can have holds placed on them and can be sent to a specified Austin Public Library location for pickup.
  • Holds not picked up or canceled within the 10 calendar day hold period will be charged a $1.00 fee per item.
  • Information about paying Library fees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long can I borrow materials?

How long can I borrow materials?

Physical Materials

  • Books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays, LPs
  • 3 weeks, two renewals (unless another customer has placed a hold on the item or the account is not in good standing. See Renewing Items)

Wi-Fi Hotspots

  • 3 weeks, no renewals, limit 1 Wi-Fi hotspot per card

Laptops

Physical Material Due Dates

  • ​​​​​​​When items are renewed, the new due date is calculated from the date of the renewal.
  • Library materials are not due on holiday closure dates.

eBooks, eAudiobooks, Streaming Videos

  • ​​​​​​​Varies by platform, please check the platform's Digital Resource page for renewal information.
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What kind of fees should I be aware of?

What kind of fees should I be aware of?

APL does not charge overdue fines for items returned or renewed past the due date, however, customers should still return materials upon their due date. 

Lost or Damaged Material Fee

  • The account is billed the cost of any item lost or damaged, as determined by the Library. Any item 28 days overdue is assumed lost.

Devices

  • The cost of a lost or damaged laptop will also include a $150 non-refundable service charge.

Refunds for Lost Fees

  • Refunds are only eligible for up to 1 year from the billed date for LOST items paid for in full. To receive a refund, the Item and a receipt showing payment in full must be presented.

Expired Hold Fee

  • Holds not picked up or not canceled within the 10-calendar day hold period will be subject to a $1.00 fee per item.

Delinquent Accounts

  • Accounts with unreturned material and/or unpaid fees totaling $25 or more that are 56 days past due will be submitted to Unique Management Services and a service charge of $10 will be added to the balance. All fees must be paid for the card to be used again.
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How can I pay for the fees I owe?

How can I pay for the fees I owe?

Online

  • Credit card or eCheck at this link.

In Person

  • Visit any Austin Public Library location (except the Austin History Center) with:
    • Cash
    • Credit/Debit Card
    • Personal Checks
    • Money Orders 

By Mail

  • Austin Public Library Customer Service Office
    PO BOX 2287
    Austin, TX 78768-2287
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Are there other acceptable forms of ID

Are there other acceptable forms of ID

APL accepts the following types of valid (or expired for one year or less) photo IDs:

  • Texas Driver License
  • Texas Department of Public Safety ID
  • Non-Texas State Issued License or ID
  • Passport
  • Military ID
  • International Driver License
  • Non-US Driver License or permit
  • Credencial Para Votar ID (Mexico voter registration card)
  • Non-US Consular ID
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Austin Police Department ID
  • Texas Offender ID
  • Texas Concealed Handgun License
  • Educational Institution Photo ID
  • Service Point / Clarity ID
  • Workers Defense Project ID
  • Government issued ID with an identifying number
  • Austin Public Library Enhanced Library Card
  • Written verification issued by a homeless service agency, hospital, health clinic, social services agency, or faith-based agency within Austin confirming residency (original, signed copy on official letterhead)

*Digital forms of identification are accepted

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Are there other acceptable proof of address documents?

Are there other acceptable proof of address documents?

All acceptable proof of address

  • Driver license, temporary Texas Driver's License or Learner’s Permit
  • Texas Department of Public Safety ID
  • Austin Public Library Enhanced Library Card
  • Bank or credit union statement
  • Utility deposit receipt or utility bill from the past 60 days
  • Credit card bill from the past 60 days
  • Current Voter Registration Card or notarized temporary Voter Registration Permit
  • Current vehicle registration or liability insurance
  • Official rent receipt; rental agreement, contract or lease
  • Employment pay stub from the past 60 days
  • Written verification issued by a homeless service agency, hospital, health clinic, social services agency, or faith-based agency within Austin confirming residency (original, signed copy on official letterhead)
  • Mail postmarked within the last 60 days (if none of the above is available)

*Digital forms of proof of address documents are accepted

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Will my Library Card expire?

Will my Library Card expire?

Resident Library Cards:

  • Good for 3 years from the date issued/renewed.

Digital Library Cards:

  • Good for 1 year from the date issued/renewed.

Annual Non-Resident Library Cards

  • Good for 1 year from the date paid.

Quarterly Non-Resident Library Cards

  • Good for 3 months from the date paid.

TexShare Borrower Library Cards

  • Good for up to one year.
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What can I do if I lost my card?

What can I do if I lost my card?

If your Austin Public Library Card has been lost or stolen, notify the Library as soon as possible. 

Ways to Report Your Library Card Lost or Stolen:

Cardholders are held responsible for any items checked out and any fines incurred before reporting the card lost or stolen.

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