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Library (STAR) Card FAQ

How do I get a Library Card?

A customer must have a valid Austin Public Library Card (Star Card) in order to check out materials. A Star Card is free for Austin residents who live inside the city limits. To get one, you need to fill out an application (available at any library location or you can print one from the Library's web site), and present it in person at the circulation desk of any Austin Public Library. In addition to the form, you will need to bring a valid photo ID and printed proof that you reside within the City of Austin. Acceptable IDs include:

• Driver's license
• Texas Department of Public Safety ID
• Mexican Consular ID
• U.S. passport
• Resident Alien Registration Card
• Military, school or employee photo ID
• Non-U.S. passport with a Social Security Card


Acceptable proof of current address in your name include:

• Driver's license
• Texas Department of Public Safety ID
• Personalized check, bank or credit statement
• Utility deposit or bill
• Voter's registration
• Vehicle registration or liability insurance
• Official rent receipt
• Official City of Austin clinic card
• Mail postmarked within last 30 days if none of the above is available

When will I get the Card?

If you qualify, your Star Card will be issued at the time you apply. You may check out two items. After we’ve entered your Star Card information online (within 48 hours), you may borrow more items.

Can I apply for the card online?

No, you need to present the application and necessary ID in person at any Library location.

How do I get a Library card for my child?

Youth Star Cards are free to children under 17 years old, regardless of residency. A parent or guardian with acceptable identification should accompany children applying for Star Cards, or a parent or guardian with acceptable identification may apply for a Star Card on behalf of a child by presenting the child’s Social Security card. An adult is required to sign an application for a Youth Star Card. Youth Cards are good for one year, or until the borrower’s 17th birthday, whichever occurs sooner. To apply for a new Card or to renew an expired existing Card, you must provide proof of the child’s current address.

What it if I am not an Austin resident?

If you don't live within the Austin city limits, you can buy a Star Card for $60 for a year, or pay $20 for a three-month card (quarterly). Customers of Austin Energy are eligible for a discounted nonresident fee of $30 per year. Senior citizens 65 and over are eligible for a discounted nonresident fee of $27 per year. Austin Community College students and faculty presenting current ACC ID or paid fee receipt may register for a free Austin Public Library nonresident Star Card good for the current semester, courtesy of ACC.

You can also present a Texshare card from another Texas library system to get a free Austin Public Library card.

What should I do if I lose my Library card?

Please notify the Library as soon as possible if you lose your Library Card to prevent someone else from using it. Call Customer Service at 974-7475, Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8:55 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:55 p.m. You will need to visit a Library location to reapply for a card. There is a $5.00 replacement fee.

How long can I keep the items that I have checked out?

You may keep books, compact discs, audiocassettes, cd-roms for 21 days. You may have videocassettes and DVDs for 7 days. We no longer stamp due dates on library materials, but you can view your due dates online, or you can call 974-7400 and ask a staff member to look up the due date.

How many items can I check out?

There is no limit on the number of books that may be checked out on a valid Library Card. Videocassettes and DVDs each have a limit of 5 items per Library Card. CD-Roms, CDs, audiocassettes and recordings each have a limit of 20 items per Library Card.

Can I renew the items I have checked out?

Austin Public Library materials may be renewed once, except for items that other customers have placed on hold. You can renew your items via the Library’s online catalog. Click on My Account at the Library's homepage to create a PIN so that you can renew and request materials online. See "Using My Account" for more information. We do not renew materials over the telephone.

Can I return materials to any Library location?

Library materials may be returned to any Library location. All locations have outside book drops.

What happens if I return an item late?

The Library charges fines for materials that are returned late. For adult books, audiocassettes, cds, CD-ROMs, LP recordings, and maps, the fine is 25˘ per item per day to a maximum of $18.25 per item.

Fines for juvenile books, audiocassette, cds, and CD-ROMs are 5˘ per item per day to a maximum of $10 per item.

Any videocassette or DVD is $1 per day to a maximum charge of $22. This includes juvenile videos and dvds.

No library materials are due on dates the Library is closed for holidays, but overdue fines do accrue during holiday periods.

Can I pay a fine online?

No, right now Library customers cannot pay overdue charges online. You can pay at any Library location or mail your fines to:

Customer Service
Austin Public Library
P.O. Box 2287
Austin, TX 78768-2287

Four Library locations accept credit cards: Central, Hampton Branch at Oak Hill, Milwood, and Spicewood Springs. You must come to the library to pay by credit card.

What happens if I lose an item?

Charges for lost or irreparably damaged items include the cost of replacing the item plus a $10.25 non-refundable service charge per item.

What do I do if I returned the item, but it's still on my account?

You should call the branch where the item was checked out if there is any question about the status of the item’s return. For any question about fines, lost items, or overdue items, call 974-7400 Monday - Friday 10am to 5 pm. You may also send email to Customer Service and remember to include your name and Library card number.