Library Cards

Library Cards

Get the library card that's right for YOU!

The Knowledge Card

The HCPL Knowledge Card is our full-service library card. It's free at any branch location with proof of address and gives you access to all of our online and in-library collections.

Enhanced+ Card

The HCPL Enhanced+ Card is a full service library card and a verified photo ID in one

iKnow Digital Access Card

The HCPL iKnow Digital Access Card gives you instant access to our huge collection of online resources including research tools and eBooks, as well as streaming video and music. Get your iKnow Card now!

The Knowledge Card

The Harris County Public Library Knowledge Card is the gold standard.

With your Knowledge Card, you have total access to the library's ever-growing collections of books and DVDs, streaming video and music, eBooks and eAudiobooks, and our second-to-none selection of online research and learning tools. Your Knowledge Card also lets you borrow materials from partner libraries across the region including Bellaire City Library, the Montgomery County Memorial Library System, and Pasadena Public Library

The Knowledge Card truly is the only library card you will ever need.

 

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HCPL Connected

Enhanced+ Card

​The Harris County Enhanced+ Library Card is a full-service library card and verified photo ID in one!​

Enhanced+ cards contain your full name, date of birth, gender, address, library card number, expiration date, and photo. Enhanced library cards can be used as a supplemental form of Photo ID. The Enhanced+ Library Card does not replace the HCPL full-service Knowledge Card. It is simply an additional option for library users who might benefit from another form of photo ID.

Updated 8/15/2023

FAQs - Enhanced+ Card

  • The Enhanced+ Library Card is a full-service Harris County Public Library Card and a verified photo ID in one that includes your library card number, photograph, address, date of birth, gender marker, and the expiration date on the front, and a scannable barcode on the back. 

    The card is available from all full-service Harris County Public Library locations except Baldwin Boettcher Branch @ Mercer Park, Texas Medical Center Library, and Harris County Law Library.

    The card can be used at all Harris County Public Library locations, as well as online to access our eBooks and other digital resources. It may also be used to borrow eligible materials at all of Harris County Public Library’s reciprocal partner locations: Bellaire City Library, Lone Star College Libraries, Montgomery County Memorial Libraries, and Pasadena Public Library.

  • In order to apply for the Enhanced+ Library Card, library staff will need to verify your identity and residency. Here is the list of eligible documents: Documents for Proof of Identity and Residency. You may need to bring more than one document to prove your identity. Read the information on the list carefully. 

    You will need to present original or certified copies of the required documents when you apply for a card. 

    You must be present to verify documents and have your photo taken.  Images that have been printed or provided digitally by yourself will not be accepted.

    Only Texas residents are eligible for the Enhanced+ Library Card.   See the application form. 

    For customers who don't have permanent address in Texas, alternatives are listed in the Proof of Residency section.

    Proof of identities | Documentos para prueba de identidad y residencia

  • Enhanced+ Library Cards are printed on-site at all full-service Harris County Public Library locations at the time the application is accepted and the applicant’s photo is taken. You will leave with your Enhanced+ Library Card after your application is accepted. It should not take longer than 15 – 20 minutes to apply for and receive your Enhanced+ Library Card. There is no need to make an appointment.

Library Card FAQs

  • HCPL offers five different types of library cards including 1) the full-service Knowledge Card available with application and proof of residency at all HCPL branch locations, 2) the iKnow Digital Access Card (signing up online for Harris County residents) that gives you instant access to all of our online resources like eBooks, and streaming video, 3) the Enhanced+ Library Card that is a full-service library card and verified photo ID in one, 4) Military Library Card for active duty military personnel and 5) Texshare Card. Visit our My Account & Library Cards page to find the card that is right for you. 

  • The Enhanced+ Library Card is a full-service Harris County Public Library Card and a verified photo ID in one that includes your library card number, photograph, address, date of birth, gender marker, and the expiration date on the front, and a scannable barcode on the back. 

    The card is available from all full-service Harris County Public Library locations except Baldwin Boettcher Branch @ Mercer Park, Texas Medical Center Library, and Harris County Law Library.

    The card can be used at all Harris County Public Library locations, as well as online to access our eBooks and other digital resources. It may also be used to borrow eligible materials at all of Harris County Public Library’s reciprocal partner locations: Bellaire City Library, Lone Star College Libraries, Montgomery County Memorial Libraries, and Pasadena Public Library.

  • Yes, you can get a full-service HCPL Knowledge card in person at any HCPL branch. You must have a photo ID.

  • In order to apply for the Enhanced+ Library Card, library staff will need to verify your identity and residency. Here is the list of eligible documents: Documents for Proof of Identity and Residency. You may need to bring more than one document to prove your identity. Read the information on the list carefully. 

    You will need to present original or certified copies of the required documents when you apply for a card. 

    You must be present to verify documents and have your photo taken.  Images that have been printed or provided digitally by yourself will not be accepted.

    Only Texas residents are eligible for the Enhanced+ Library Card.   See the application form. 

    For customers who don't have permanent address in Texas, alternatives are listed in the Proof of Residency section.

    Proof of identities | Documentos para prueba de identidad y residencia

Military Library Card

Military Library Card

If you are active duty military personnel, you can get eBooks, stream video and music and do online research wherever you are stationed.

Texshare Card

Texshare Card

The TexShare card allows HCPL cardholders to borrow materials from other participating libraries in the State of Texas.

iKnow Card

Apply now and start reading, watching, listening and researching in minutes!

If you already have an HCPL Knowledge Card, you do not need an iKnow Card, but if you don't and you want to

  • Download eBooks or Audiobooks
  • Stream videos and music
  • Read your favorite magazines on your phone, tablet or desktop
  • Research and learn anything from artificial intelligence to zoology

HCPL iKnow Digital Access Cards are limited to residents of Harris County Texas.

Visitor Cards

Whether you are just visiting or just settling in, you can get a short-term library card that's right for you.

Visitor Cards

  • Check out books from our print collections
  • Check out CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays
  • Download eBooks & Audiobooks
  • Stream videos & music
  • Read digital magazines
  • Valid for 3 months with the option to upgrade to a full-service card at any time with accepted proof of residence

Temporary Digital Card

  • Download eBooks or Audiobooks
  • Stream videos and music
  • Read your favorite magazines on your phone, tablet or desktop

You got the card, now get the apps

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