Library Services for Everyone

Library cards are free to all Texas residents.

Adults

You must provide a valid photo I.D. with your current address. The following types of photo I.D. are acceptable if they are not expired:

• government agency issued identification card
• passports from any country
• any state driver's license
• any state or city identification card
• METRO identification card
• school identification card

If the photo I.D. does not include your address, you will need to provide a separate document that includes that information.

Children under 18

Parents or guardians must sign applications for children under 18; if the child is not present, the parent or guardian must provide one of the following:

• a current identification/document in the child's name issued by a government agency, school, or social services provider
• OR the child's birth certificate
• OR the child's immunization record 

For details about acceptable alternative forms of identification, you may call the Circulation Department at (832) 393-2222, M-F 10-6 and Sat 10-5 or email us at circinfo@hpl.lib.tx.us.

Library cards expire every 3 years and must be renewed in person. Lost cards should be reported as soon as possible, as cardholders will be held responsible for any materials checked out on their card. There is no charge to replace a lost PowerCard.

Library PowerCard Registration Form

Print this form in advance and bring it to any Houston Public Library location to sign up for your Power Card and get full access to all library services, including the ability to check out books, audiobooks, DVDs, and CDs and renew them online.

Registration by Mail

If you are a Texas resident and unable to physically come to the library to register for a PowerCard, you can register by mail. Please print out the PowerCard registration form and send it, along with a good quality photocopy of your photo I.D. with your current address, to:

Houston Public Library

System Circulation Department (Power Card)

500 McKinney

Houston, TX 77002 

Computer Use Only Cards

Computer Use Only Cards allow computer access, including Internet access and access to licensed databases. To obtain a Computer Use Only Card, the following is required:

Adults

• Name
• Photo I.D. that includes birth date

Children under 18

• Name
• Birth date
• Name of school (or an indication that they are homeschooled)

Birth date is required to help prevent duplication of records.

Computer Use Only cards must be renewed every year. There is a $1 replacement fee for lost Computer Use Only cards.

Non-resident Cards

If you live outside of Texas, you can obtain a card by paying a non-resident fee of $20/6 months or $40/year. You can apply in person or by mail (see section above).

Search the Catalog and Place Holds

Place your holds from home and get email notification for pick-up.There is a maximum of 15 holds per library card at any one time.  Ask any HPL staff member if you need help with this service. Pick-up and check-out your items at the library location you choose. Holds will be held for 10 days. Check-out period is 2 weeks.

ILL requests have a check-out period of 3 weeks and will be held for 5 days.

Check Your Account

To renew your own items, view or cancel holds, or update your account information.

Other Ways to Renew Your Books

• Renew items in person at the Central Library or any branch.
• Call the Library's 24-hour renewal line (832) 393-2280.
• Call any hpl location library during their operating hours. (Check our Library Card FAQ before renewing after hours. You must have your library card number to renew by phone.)

Fines and Fees

Overdue Items (Checkout Period is two weeks)

• Adult items .20/day
• Young adult items .20/day
• Juvenile items .10/day
• Non-circulating Items $1.00/day 

Replacement fee - item cost plus

• Processing fee $10/item
• Partial processing fee* $ 5/item

Laptops and iPads** - in library use only

• Lending Guidelines
• Checkout Period: 2 Hours
• Overdue Fine: $25/hour (or any part thereof)
• Replacement Fee: item cost ($1500 for laptops, $699 for iPads)
• Processing fee: $150

* Items requiring partial processing include uncataloged paperbacks
** iPads available at select locations only at this time

Questions About Your Library Card or Account?

• Read the Library Card Frequently Asked Questions.
• You may call the Circulation Department at (832) 393-2222 M-F 10-6 and Sat 10-5 .
• You may also email us at circinfo@hpl.lib.tx.us.