Types of Cards link
Austin Public Library has a variety of membership options that allow cardholders to borrow APL materials and/or access the Digital Resources.
Adult Library Cards
Adult Library Cards link
Adult Resident and Non-Resident Library Cards are issued to applicants 18 and older. To apply for a new or replacement Adult Resident or Non-Resident Library Card, the person whose name is on the account must complete a Library Card Online Application or Adult Library Card Application and bring in person a valid/acceptable photo ID and proof of current residence address in their name to any Austin Public Library location. For extenuating circumstances that do not allow for regular Library Card registration or renewal, please call the Customer Service Office at 512-974-7475.
- Adult Resident cards are good for 3 years from the date issued/renewed.
- $120 Yearly Non-Resident cards issued/renewed are good for 1 year from the date paid.
- $30 Quarterly Non-Resident cards issued/renewed are good for 3 months from the date paid.
Renewing Adult Cards
To renew an expired Adult Library Card, the person whose name is on the account must either:
- Visit an Austin Public Library location and present the Library Card, a valid and acceptable photo ID, and proof of their current residence address in their name, or
- Use the Library Card Renewal Form and then upload their photo ID and address documentation.
Adults renewing their Library Card will need to pay any unpaid fees owed on the account down to $24.99 or less. However, if the account has been referred to collections, all fees owed must be paid in full. Non-residents have to pay a non-resident fee in full to renew their Library Card.
Note: Name changes require another library card application to be completed and signed.
Youth Library Cards
Youth Library Cards link
Youth Resident and Non-Resident Library Cards are issued to applicants who are under 18 years of age in the presence of an adult parent/guardian signee. To apply for a new or replacement Youth Library Card, the adult parent/guardian signee must complete a Library Card Online Application or Youth Library Card Application and bring in person a valid/acceptable photo ID and proof of current residence address in their name to any Austin Public Library location. If the child is not present when applying for a new card, the parent/guardian is required to present either the child's birth certificate, photo ID, or Social Security Card. A child can only have one Youth card account. For split households, please call the Customer Service Office at 512-974-7475.
- Youth Resident cards are good for 3 years from the date issued/renewed, or until the cardholder's 18th birthday, whichever occurs first.
- $120 Yearly Non-Resident cards issued/renewed are good for 1 year from the date paid.
- $30 Quarterly Non-Resident cards issued/renewed are good for 3 months from the date paid.
Student Cards
The non-resident fee is waived for any student who either lives in or is enrolled in any school in Travis County - including private school, public, daycare, charter, and home school students - until completion of high school. These students are eligible for a Student Library Card. For more information and frequently asked questions, check out our Student Library Card page.
Renewing Youth Cards
To renew an expired Youth Library Card, the parent or guardian listed on the account must either:
- Visit an Austin Public Library location and present the Library Card, their valid and acceptable photo ID, and proof of current residence address in their name, or
- Use the Library Card Renewal Form and then upload their photo ID and address documentation.
Adults renewing a Youth Library Card will need to pay any unpaid fees owed on the account down to $24.99 or less. However, if the account has been referred to collections, all fees owed must be paid in full. Non-residents have to pay a non-resident fee in full to renew their Library Card.
Note: Parent/Guardian changes require another library card application to be completed and signed.
Enhanced Library Cards with Photo
Enhanced Library Cards with Photo link
The Enhanced Library Card is a library card for adults (18 or older) that includes your library card number, photograph, address, date of birth, the expiration date, and a scannable barcode.
The Enhanced Library Card can be used to check out items from APL's physical collection and/or access to APL's Digital Resources, depending on your membership type.
Enhanced Library Cards are available 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. (closed for renovations until May 13, 2024)
eCards - Access to Digital Resources
eCards - Access to Digital Resources link
Library eCard
The Austin Public Library eCard gives homebound adults or just plain busy Austin residents (18 years and older) access to the Digital Library Resources. If you have an Austin Public Library Card, you already have access to the Digital Library Resources.
- Fill out an online eCard application, then upload your photo ID and residence address documentation
- The application will be processed within 2-3 business days; once approved, you will receive an email with your eCard number
- The Library eCard gives you 24/7 access to the Digital Library Resources.
Group Cards
Group Cards link
The Austin Public Library offers special Group Library Cards for use by faculty at schools and educational/service groups in Austin and Travis County, such as public, home and private schools, day care centers, group homes, or nursing homes.
Group Cards are used to checkout materials for the institution, not for personal use.
The Group Card is issued in the name of an individual. That individual is legally responsible for items checked out on the card regardless of any agreements he/she may have with the school or institution involved.
The individual applying for the Group Card must complete a Group Card Application at any Austin Public Library location and present it along with their valid/acceptable photo ID, proof of address, and proof of current employment/affiliation with the institution that the card will be used for. A letter from the director, coordinator or principal of the institution, or a recent pay stub is acceptable current proof of employment/affiliation. Applicants who home school will have to present a letter stating that they home school. (Digital proof of current employment/affiliation is acceptable.)
Group cards are good for one year. To renew an expired Group card, proof of current employment or affiliation with the institute is required. (Digital proof of current employment/affiliation is acceptable.)
Adults applying for a new Group Card or renewing an existing card will need to pay any fees owed on their own account down to $24.99 or less. However, if the account has been referred to collections, all fees owed must be paid in full.
Benefits include a 6-week loan period for books and CDs. (DVDs/Blu-Ray have a 3-week loan period.) With the exception of DVDs/Blu-Ray, items on Group Cards can’t be renewed.
For additional information and requirements, please ask at any Library location or call 512-974-7475.