catalog | locations | research | services | youth | news

Library Card Application Information for Adults

To Apply

To apply for a Library Card, complete an Austin Public Library Adult Star Card Application and present it at the circulation desk of any Austin Public Library location with a current photo I.D. and proof of your current residence address. For answers to the most frequent questions about Library Cards please see the Library Card FAQ.

Adult Star Card Application (PDF, Adobe Acrobat required)

For youth cards see APL Youth Card Application Information.

Acceptable Photo ID

• Driver's license, temporary Texas driver's license or learner's permit (with additional photo ID)
• Texas Department of Public Safety ID
• Passport
• Resident Alien Registration Card
• Military, school, or employee photo ID or non-U.S. passport and Social Security Card (if available)
• International Driver's Permit
• Mexican Consular

Acceptable Proof of Current Address in Your Name

• Driver's license, temporary Texas Driver's license or learner's permit
• Texas Department of Public Safety ID
• Personalized check, savings passbook, bank or credit union statement
• Utility deposit receipt or utility bill
• Current credit card bill
• Voter's registration or notarized temporary voter's registration permit
• Vehicle registration or liability insurance
• Official rent receipt; rental agreement, contract or lease
• Mail postmarked within the last 30 days (if none of the above is available)

Checking Out Materials

You may check out two items when you first apply. You may check out additional items when your record has been entered on-line within 24 hours. This card should be presented each time materials are checked out. Please see the brochure "Austin Public Library Circulation Policies" for additional information regarding loan policies.

Overdue Charges

The fine for any adult book, audio cassette, compact disc, recording, map, CD-ROM, or pamphlet is 25¢ per item per day. The fine for any youth book, audio cassette, compact disc, recording, or CD-ROM is 5¢ per item per day.

The fine for all videocassettes and DVDs is $1 per day.

Note:

Initial Adult Library Cards are free for those who live in Texas. There is a $5 charge to replace a lost card.

For those living outside of Texas there is a $60 annual fee. Nonresident cards are valid for one year from date of purchase. Nonresident cards are also available on a quarterly basis for $20 per quarter. Nonresident card information.

Austin Public Library cardholders, who have had their Austin Public Library Card for at least 2 months, and are in good standing are eligible to apply for a TexShare pass to borrow materials at other participating library systems.

Group Library Cards are available for educational, nonprofit, or service groups.

A Gold Card is available for a donation of $25 or more.

For more information call (512) 974-7400, Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 noon to 6 p.m.