Search results are ordered based on the best match. The items at the top of the search results will be those that contain your exact search text, in the exact order you typed them (if you used more than one word). After exact matches, words in the title are given a priority, followed by author name, headings, and tags. Popular titles appear ahead of less popular ones.
You can filter your search results by selecting from the headings on the left side of the page
A list is a collection of titles related to a specific topic or idea of your choosing. Best Italian Cookbooks, Best Travel Guides are examples of lists you could create. A good list is a curated topic guide. A list shouldn’t be just a group of titles by an author, since you can do that just by searching, or a list of titles you want to borrow, since you have a For Later shelf for that.
Your shelves gather in one place all the titles you’ve read, watched or listened to (Completed), are currently reading, watching or listening to (In Progress), or want to borrow in the future (For Later).
You have these shelves and there is no limit to the number of items you can put on a shelf.
This will replace the My Lists functionalities from previous catalog.
A username is a name that you can use instead of your barcode to login to your account.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Uploaded documents will be stored online for 24 hours. If you are unable to come to the library to have your items printed within 24 hours, you must re-upload them. You will not be charged for unprinted uploads.
CHANGES TO PRINTING & COPYING AT HCPL
To ensure our libraries' security, copy card dispensers have been removed from all Harris County Public Library branches. The library is working toward a replacement system that meets the needs of our patrons.
Printing and copying are available, please visit or contact any HCPL branch location for assistance.
NOTE: Printing and copying costs may vary at the LSC - CyFair Branch Library, LSC - Tomball Community Library, Harris County Law Library, and Texas Medical Center Library.
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.
Tools are available for borrowing from two HCPL branches: Evelyn Meador Branch Library in Seabrook and Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library @ Mercer Park in north Harris County.
Tools available at Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library
Tools Available at Evelyn Meador Branch Library
Tools include:
All of our tutors are volunteers and may not have the skills and knowledge needed to help you meet your reading goals. We can, however, put you in touch with other groups who might fit your needs better. Call (713) 274-6600 for more information.
Find the classes and events that works for you.
Call your nearest HCPL branch library
Call the Literacy Services Specialist: 713-274-6600
To start using the machines we offer in our maker locations, just follow these steps to get started:
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.
Interlibrary Loan is a system that allows libraries to share resources with one another. For items you could not found from our library catalog, ILL staff will try to locate a potential lending library and send a request to borrow the item you seek. The lending library photocopies articles or checks out the material in the name of Harris County Public Library. It then mails it to HCPL for you to pick up and check out on your library card.
Reserving materials or placing "HOLDS" is a free service provided by Harris County Public Library. You may request copies of items that are owned by HCPL but not currently available.
How to place a hold online Watch a YouTube video
Other ways to place holds:
You will need:
Starting October 3, 2023, your physical items checked out from the library will be automatically renewed up to 5 times if no one else has placed them on hold.
To renew items online
Updated Sept. 25, 2023
You must have a valid library card in order to check out materials. We have some materials such as reference items that may not be checked out. If you have library fees on your account over $25.00, you will not be able to check out materials until the total fines are below $25.00.
OverDrive wants to make checking out ebooks and audiobooks simpler by having only one app. With Libby, they can add more features and enhancements.
HCPL offers eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, digital newspapers, streaming video and access to learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning. Most of these are accessible on personal computers, smartphones and tablets.
A database is a paid-subscription resource that you can't use unless you pay for a personal subscription or have access to it through an organization like your university, school or public library. It often includes digital versions of print journals, magazines and reference books. Websites are free resources and need to be evaluated for reliability/trustworthiness before being used as a resource for research.
Harris County Public Library offers books, audiobooks, DVDs, Blurays, newspapers, magazines, eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, digital newspapers, and streaming movies.
The passport card is the wallet-size travel document that can only be used to re-enter the United States at land border-crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The card provides a less expensive, smaller, and convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or by sea. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.
Currently, eight (8) branches offer passport services.
Passport Service hours vary from location to location and are not the same as library hours. Visit the Passport Services page for more information
The Summer Reading Program is open to readers of all ages! There are four separate age groups for the program: Early Literacy (0-4), Kids (5-11), Teens (12-17), and Adults (18+).
No! You do not need a library card to sign up for the Summer Reading Program or to attend any library programs. However, you need a library card to borrow materials from the library or from the Digital Media Catalog. Visit the library card page and find the right card works for you.
PIN stands for Personal Identity Number. Your PIN is used to keep your library account secure. You will use it
Here are a few things you can try if your first search isn’t successful:
Shelves are a place to gather together all of the titles that you have read, watched or listened to (Completed), are currently borrowing (In Progress) or would like to borrow in the future (For Later). You can add as many items as you want, you can make all or some of them private, and you can filter a shelf using the categories in the left sidebar.
Lists are for more focused collection of items on a particular topic (for example, My Favorite Chicklit of 2017). Lists can also include links to Web pages. You can create as many lists as you want, but you are limited to adding 100 items per list. You can make the list public (viewable by others) or keep it private.
You will be able to transfer them to your account. When you first log in to your account, your shelf is empty. You will see the message "Import Content from Previous Catalog". Click on button "Request Import"
Your lists will be added to the Lists. It's intended to be a one-time process, so the button disappears once the process has been initiated.
Username registration is a one-time process you will be prompted to do when first logging to this new system. It allows you to create an easy-to-remember login name, or username, that you can use instead of your barcode to check your account. Registration also allows you to get personalized recommendations and contribute ratings and reviews.
You can login with your username or your library card number. That’s up to you. The reason we require all customers to select a unique username is because the new catalog has additional optional functionality, like commenting on books and keeping track of your reading on shelves. And to support this, we need all customers to create a username.
Yes, you can change your PIN. See I forgot my PIN. What do I do?
It’s the same. If you change your PIN and log in using the old system, or to any other system that uses your library card, you’ll need to use your new PIN.
Yes, you can get a full-service HCPL Knowledge card in person at any HCPL branch. You must have a photo ID.
Anyone with a Harris County Public Library card without blocks on their account can borrow tools.
You must sign a Harris County Public Library Gardening Tool Waiver before you can check out tools.
First, we need to find out what you need help with so we can design a learning plan that fits your needs. Call the library branch closest to you and ask for a reading assessment.
Visit the library to fill out a short registration form
After you have been certified to use one or more HCPL maker machines, follow the steps below to book a time.
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
Harris County Public Library does not request interlibrary loans for items currently owned by Harris County Public Library or one of our partner library systems: Bellaire City Library, Montgomery County Library System and Pasadena Public Library.
The library will not borrow:
ILL requests can be placed by anyone with a valid Harris County Public Library full-service card. Group and visitor cards do not have ILL borrowing privileges.
Yes. You can call any HCPL branch during library hours. Please have your library card number and PIN handy before you call.
Replacement costs will be charged for lost or damaged items. If a lost item is found within a year of payment, the customer can request a refund. The original receipt will be needed.
You may have a total of 75 physical items checked out at any one time.
You need to have an HCPL library card. We offer several different types of cards. Visit Get a Card page to find out which library card is best for you.
The Overdrive app has officially been discontinued as of 5/1/2023. You can read more about it on this FAQ site created by Overdrive.
This varies based on each service, but most of them offer tutorials and/or technical support. You can also reach out to your local branch or via Ask Us for additional assistance.
Most of the database vendors have provided video tutorials or other support tools. When available, we have linked those on the listing for that resource on our website. Please visit the A-Z Resources page, click on the title of the resource. The tutorial for that resource is displayed when available. Please Ask Us for additional assistance.
HCPL is a popular materials library, meaning that we provide materials for pleasure reading and lifelong learning. All items added to the collection are evaluated by professional staff to ensure that the library’s collection is dynamic and evolving to reflect the needs and interests of our customers and diverse communities. Factors that may be considered are value to the existing collection, balance of viewpoints, timeliness, the accuracy of the information, literary and/or artistic merit, format, durability, and cost.
For more detailed information about HCPL collection purchasing, see Collections Policy.
Purchase suggestions for all formats can be made using this form. Check the catalog to see if we've added your suggestion so that you can place your hold. Common reasons for not being able to purchase items include price, the format you requested is not available for purchase, or it does not align with our collection policy.
You use the same form that you would use to apply for a passport book (DS-11 or DS-82). There is a checkbox on the form for you to indicate that you are applying for a passport card.
If you already have a passport book and you are eligible to use Form DS-82 (renewal by mail), you may apply for a passport card using DS-82 even if this is your first passport card. Otherwise you will need to use form DS-11 to apply for a passport card.
Yes. Passport services are available by appointment only. Visit the Passport Services page to schedule an appointment.
Participate in the Summer Reading Program by creating an account on Beanstack.
You may use facets on the left side of the search result screen. They are a series of clickable headings. You can select a specific format, or view only new items, currently available items, or electronic resources. You can also see only those items available at a specific branch, handy if you want to pick up something immediately.
In addition, you can filter by:
You can search for all titles in a specific format, or for a format in combination with an audience or language.
Instead of looking for these words in titles or author names, search returns the entire library catalog, and then applies filters based on what you type. You can use:
Yes. By searching -- there are two ways to do this. The fastest way is to just type harry potter dvd in the search box. If you prefer, you can use the advanced search options. In the Includes box, type what you want to find, then select DVD from the Format options at the bottom of the page.
By Facet -- you can filter the search by format using the Format facet. This is available for all searches, though which formats are displayed will depend on the search you performed.
On the menu, click Lists to go to your My Lists page.
There is no maximum. You can have as many titles as you like.
If you’re logging in for the first time, you’ll need your library card number or barcode, and your PIN. The barcode is the number on the back of your library card. PIN is normally 4 digits selected by you when you registered for a library card. If you’ve already logged in successfully, you have a username, so you can log in with the username or barcode. Contact your branch if the card number entered does not work.
Go to the Log In page. The link is at the top-right of the screen. Enter your barcode and PIN or password. If you haven’t registered before, you’ll be taken to the registration page.
Please call your local branch or contact us online. Staff will deactivate your account. Please note: you are responsible for all materials checked out to your account.
To receive a replacement card, please visit your local branch with a valid photo ID.
Once we know what level you need, we will place you with a tutor as soon as possible.
It varies from location to location. For information about ESL class schedules:
Use ILL only when the item you wish to check out is not owned by Harris County Public Library System and the item is at least six months post-publication or post-release.
Borrowing privilege will be suspended if the fines are $25.00 or more.
Customers can have a maximum of 30 holds per library card at one time.
The time to receive a hold will vary depending on if copies are available immediately, or if there is a wait list on the item. HCPL makes all efforts to make your wait for your item as short as possible.
Items are due 14 days after you check them out. Items can be renewed in some circumstances. See the Renewing section below for information.
Yes. The Overdrive app has been officially discontinued effective 5/1/2023. You can read more about it on this FAQ site created by Overdrive.
This varies based on the service and please check the help guide for each resource. Overdrive is the most frequently used resource and the titles can be checked out up to 2 weeks.
Academic editions are usually written with an academic (university level) or professional reader in mind, so it might use language that is not as easily understood by somebody not studying or working in that field. Consumer editions, often found in health-related resources, are typically written with the everyday person in mind and uses language that is easier to understand for those outside the field.
If you have concerns about an item in our collection, please feel free to share that concern with staff at your local branch or contact HCPL Collection Development at ms@hcpl.net. HCPL Collection Development policy includes a process for reconsideration of materials. Customers wanting to begin this process may fill out the following form: Citizen's Request for Reconsideration of Material.
Yes, simply check the appropriate box at the top of the form to indicate that you would like to apply for both products.
If you already have a passport book and are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for your new passport card by mail using Form DS-82. You may renew your passport book at the same time using the same form.
This varies depending on the circumstances of the applicant, but for a standard passport application you will need the following:
Check current processing times - U.S. Dept of State
Updated per State.gov communications, 10/11/24
Yes, you can reset your password and username.
Reset your Beanstack password here.
If you do not have an email attached to your account, please visit, or contact your local library branch to get help resetting your password.
Up to 100. However, to be truly effective, a list of no more than a dozen is probably a good idea, unless the list is just for your own use.
Of course. If the title is in your library’s catalog, you can add it. If you wish, you can use the Edit Details sidebar to mark items you own.
With large lists, the import process occasionally doesn't get every item or the import may time out. You will not see the import button after reloading the page. Please talk to a staff before retrying.
No, unless it contains both letters and numbers. A username can’t consist entirely of numbers. You can always use your library card number to log in if you prefer.
That’s entirely up to you. Keep in mind that when you add comments or summaries to titles you’ve borrowed, your name will appear next to the comment, and be visible to other members. Also bear in mind that the name you choose may be indexed with your public contributions in search engines such as Google as they crawl the web.
Demand for reading instruction is high. Some areas of the county may not have enough volunteer tutors to meet the demand. We match students and tutors as quickly as we can.
Most classes meet once a week for two hours. Most courses last 12 or 16 weeks.
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.
You will receive an email when your hold is ready for pickup. If you haven’t added your email address to your account, you’ll receive a notification by phone.
As of 2/23/2022, the Overdrive mobile app is no longer available in the Apple App Store, Google Play, or the Microsoft store. Effective 5/1/2023 the Overdrive app has officially been discontinued. You can read more about it on this FAQ site created by Overdrive.
That varies based on the service and many of them are unlimited access, but below are a few that have check-out limits.
Full-text means the entire article is available through the database rather than just an abstract or bibliographic listing. You can usually tell that it's available in full text from listings within your database search results. It should say "HTML Full Text" or "PDF Full Text" or some combination of those. You can also choose to limit your search to only articles available as full-text.
Each HCPL branch has a collection of magazines and newspapers tailored to the wants and needs of the surrounding community. Print magazines are becoming increasingly harder to provide, but your local branch staff are happy to share which titles are available locally. You can also check out our digital magazines & newspapers.
We have a small collection of items available in Braille, including board books. Ask staff at your local branch about the availability of these items and they'll be happy to help. In addition to the eAudiobooks available through our Overdrive collection, staff at your local branch can assist you with getting set up for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's Talking Book Program.
Reset your Beanstack password here.
If you do not have an email attached to your account, please visit, or contact your local library branch to get help resetting your password.
By default, search results group all available formats of a title together in a block. This grouped view allows you to easily determine which formats the library owns, so that you can choose the one you want.
If you prefer, you can show each format as a separate item in your search results. The list view and cover view along with the grouped view buttons are right above the search results.
Yes. Each title you add to a list appears at the top. To move an item, use the up and down arrows next to the item to move it up or down one position. You can also drag and drop items up or down.
It’s easy to move from one shelf to another. Just go to the shelf containing the item you want to move. Next to the item, click Move to my… and then click the new shelf.
No, your birthdate is not required for registration. If the library already has this information on file, it will be shown on the registration page and saved to your account.
If the library does not have your birth date on file with your library card, it will not be displayed on the registration page, and you don’t need to provide it if you so choose. But note that if you decide not to provide your birth year and month, the system will assume you are a minor, and for safety reasons, some features like create a username, write comments or add other kinds of content that require typing, will not be available to you. Minors can add star ratings, age suitability and similar titles, and they can create lists using pre-defined titles.
If you later change your mind and would like to use the full functionality of the catalog, Please ask a staff member at the circulation desk to update this information the next time you visit the library.
Your username must be unique, but otherwise you have a great deal of flexibility when you create a username. The name can be up to 24 characters long, and you can use any combination of letters and numbers, as well as underscores ( _ ). It cannot consist entirely of numbers, or use spaces or other non-alphanumeric characters. The best username is one that is easy for you to remember.
Yes, if you choose to contribute comments, lists or other content, your username appears beside anything you contribute.
The first time you log in, you will be prompted to create a user name. After that, you will be able to log in with your user name and PIN.
Classes are free. We also provide all books and materials at no cost to you.
For each item you request, you will need
When requesting an article from a magazine or journal, you will need
When the changes to the ILL management system are complete (on or about May 28, 2024), ILL requests can be placed online using the SHAREit ILL system. Here is a User Guide with instructions for most common tasks including ordering an ILL. Here is a brief video covering much of the same infrormation.
There is a limit to 10 active requests (filled or pending) at any given time through ILL. You must have a valid Harris County Public Library card, PIN, and email address. Notices regarding ILL requests will be sent to the email address on file.
Visit the ILL page to place a request.
Yes, you can! You might need to place a hold on an eBook or eAudiobook in our Overdrive/Libby collection. You can read more about how to place hold on Overdrive’s support site for the Libby app.
Yes, you can - if there are no other holds on the eBook or eAudiobook you have checked out in our Overdrive/Libby collection. You can read more about How to renew in Libby.
If it's not available as full-text (typically says "Check Article Linker for more information"), but it's an article that you'd really like to read, you contact us and provide the article title, author, journal name and issue. The staff will locate the article and request it for you.
The acceptance fee applies to first-time applicants, children, and those replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport who must appear in person before an agent authorized by the Secretary of State to give oaths to verify passport applications. In order to offer American citizens convenient locations to apply for a passport, the Department of State authorizes Passport Acceptance Agents to accept passport applications on its behalf. The acceptance fee is to reimburse the acceptance facility for the cost of the service provided to the customer and to serve as an incentive for participation in the Passport Application Acceptance Program.
When applying for both the passport book and card on the same application, you pay only one execution fee. The execution fee does not apply to adult passport books or card renewals when submitting Form DS-82.
The cost of your U.S. passport will depend on the type of passport you request and how quickly you need it. See Passport Fees section above including a link to travel.state.gov fee calculator for information on the cost of a U.S. passport book or a U.S. passport card and optional fees.
The Department of State does not currently have the option to pay online for passport services, although this service may be offered in the future. You will not be asked to provide credit card information on this site at this time.
Yes! The Beanstack Tracker app is available for iOS and Android devices. You will be able to sign in with your Beanstack account and log your reading and activities for Summer Reading Program.
Beanstack Mobile App is available for iOS & Android on our Apps page.
Titles are kept indefinitely. Titles you place on this shelf (or any other shelf) will remain until you delete them.
Log in with your library card number#. When you’ve logged in successfully, your username appears at the top right of the page.
Yes, you can change your username at any time. Keep in mind that any content you added previously will show your new username.
For users in the United States, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act requires web sites that collect personal information from children to obtain parental consent. For this reason, children under 13 are not allowed to display their real names, nor can they type their own usernames, enter comments, or add other kinds of content that require typing, since these could be used inappropriately. To generate a username, a child can select a combination of color and animal name.
An email address is optional. If you ask to have your PIN/password reset, an email with a reset link is sent via email. If you don’t provide an email address and you forget your PIN/password, you’ll need to contact the library to reset or recover it.
It varies. Most classes have from 1 to 10 students
The length of time involved in obtaining a loan or photocopy can vary. We are unable to control the time it may take a lending library to send requested items. However, most materials can be obtained between 2-8 weeks from the date your request was submitted. Be sure to submit your ILL request well in advance of the time you will need it. You will be notified by phone, email, or mail when the material arrives. Materials ready for pickup are held at the customer service desk for 7 days. If we are unable to fulfill your request, you will receive an email notification with this information.
HCPL does not charge any fees for ILL unless they are set by the lending library. Photocopies of articles are usually provided free of charge or for a small fee. Please state on each form the maximum amount you are willing to pay for the requested material. If an item is lost or damaged, you are responsible for the replacement cost in addition to any processing fees charged by the lending library. No items with a replacement value of $250 or more will be requested.
If your holds are listed as available in your account, they can be picked up from the hold shelf at the branch listed. Holds are filed by last name on the hold shelf at the location you selected.
To see the status of your holds
Yes, you can with a full-service HCPL Knowledge Card. HCPL has reciprocal borrowing agreements with Bellaire City Library, the Montgomery County Memorial Library System, the Pasadena Public Library System, and Lone Star College Library System. HCPL and these libraries have integrated online catalogs. Not only you can check out their materials, you can also place holds on many items from those libraries and pick them up at your local HCPL branch.
There are some restrictions on the types of materials that can be borrowed. For full details, visit the Reciprocal Borrowing Agreements section of the Library Policies page.
HCPL does not purchase textbooks due to budgetary restrictions. Please contact your school or university library for these kinds of materials.
Visit any HCPL branch location to pick up your prizes. Prizes are available while supplies last.
Yes, multiple library accounts can use the same email address.
You should complete the registration online even if the data is incorrect. Please ask a staff member at the circulation desk to update this information the next time you visit the library to ensure the library’s records are accurate.
All of your information at HCPL is confidential. We do not share it with anyone.
HCPL does not renew interlibrary loans.
Our library respects all restrictions placed on materials by the lending library. ILL relies on consideration and goodwill between libraries. When ILL materials are not returned promptly, it reflects poorly on the borrowing library and some lenders may stop lending materials to the offending library. Customer abuse of ILL due dates, the accepted conditions on loans, or damage to ILL materials will result in the suspension of a customer’s ILL loan privileges. Please return your ILL materials on or before the due date printed on the checkout slip.
You can pay online using a credit or debit card, or you can visit any HCPL branch location in person with one of the payment methods below:
Pay library fines online here.
Or Log in to your account first. >> Fee
Your item will remain on the hold shelf for 7 days on which the library is open. After that time, the hold is considered to be expired and will be shelved at the library or sent to fill another hold.
Remote access means access from outside the library – at home or at work – with your library card number.
Interlibrary Loan is a service that allows us to borrow items for HCPL library card holders from other participating library systems throughout the United States. Read more about ILL Service.
If you have a passport application that is currently in process, you should contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to notify them about the address change. You don't need to contact us if your address has changed after you received your passport.
They are many possible reasons you may not be seeing notifications. If you suspect that you are not receiving email notices that you should be getting, please try the following:
1. Check your email spam folder and/or junk mail folder in case your email client is miscoding library email as junk mail or spam. Library email notification messages are sent from the sender circ@hcpl.net.
Below are sample notifications
Library overdue notifications have:
From: Library Central Circulation
Subject: Your HCPL item will be due on DATE
The request hold notifications have:
From: BRANCH NAME that holds your item
Subject: Harris County Public Library Email Notification
2. Check your email settings, allowing emails coming from circ@hcpl.net.
3. Check your Windows security levels, antivirus program, and firewall settings.
4. If you still are not receiving expected notifications, contact your Internet and email service provider. The emails sent from the library might have been filtered out by your service provider as spam and have never made it to your mailbox. Find out what they can do for you. Let them know that anything from the hcpl.net domain is important email and is not spam.
5. If everything you try fails, consider signing up for a web-based email service such as Gmail and use it to receive notifications from the library. To change your library email preference setting:
HCPL can send out notifications to your email when the items you have requested are ready for pick up or an item you have on loan is about to become due.
Here is how to add an email address to your account
Titles are saved to your Completed shelf when you rate, tag or add comments to them. It’s designed to provide a snapshot of you and your interests, a gathering together of titles on which you’ve offered an opinion. Although you can add titles manually, adding them automatically saves you time.
| Bad File Name | Good File Name |
| photo_1.jpg | Cute_Kittens.jpg |
| essay | Bluest_Eye_Essay |
Yes, but only people you tell us can pick up your holds. Visit or call your library so that we can set up “Pick up by” preferences in your account.
To cancel a hold online
You can also call the pick-up location to cancel over the phone.
Ancestry Library Edition does not allow remote access (access from home), so you would have to come to the library to use that database, either on one of the library's computers or on your own laptop or tablet using the library's WiFi.
We consider information such as census data and community input, as well as the availability of materials from U.S. vendors. Due to limitations on what is available for purchase in the United States through our vendors, we are not always able to purchase materials in a language that we know would be used by those living in the communities we serve.
We currently focus on books in Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese & Urdu. Most branches have Spanish collections, but Aldine, Bear Creek, Barbara Bush, CyFair, Galena Park, Katy, North Channel, Octavia Fields, and South Houston have sizable Spanish collections.
Other sizable language collections are located at the following branches:
If your passport has been significantly damaged, especially the book cover or the page displaying your personal data and photo, you will need to apply for a new passport. Damage that might require you to replace your passport includes water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages (torn out), a hole punch, or other injuries.
Normal "wear and tear" of a U.S. passport is expected and likely does not count as "damage." For instance, normal wear includes the bend of a passport after being carried in your back pocket or fanning of the visa pages after extensive opening and closing.
If you need to replace your damaged passport, you will need to submit the following in person (See Where to Apply):
Not at the moment. We hope to add that feature in the future.
HCPL provides free access to databases for our library customers. If you’re using a computer in one of our locations you do not need to enter a library card number. Most of our databases can also be used at home, so entering your library card number proves that you are an HCPL card holder. Click on the unique link for that resource on our website and in most cases you'll then be asked to enter your library card number and PIN.
If you are changing your name within one year of the date your passport was issued you will need to complete Form DS-5504: Application for a U.S. Passport: Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement. You will not be charged a fee for this service.
If you are changing your name more than a year after your passport was issued you must submit Form DS-82: Application for Passport by Mail. You must pay all applicable fees to renew your passport.
For more information, see How to Change or Correct a Passport.
To view items you have on hold:
You can update your address, emails used for library notification and digital content notification, hold pick up location, and other account preferences. If you want to change the name on your account, you will need to visit any HCPL location with a current photo ID with the new name or name change documents. Library staff will change your name on your account. Please talk to a staff if you wish to change your birth month and year.
The library staff at your local Harris County Public Library branch can assist you with placing an ILL request. Here is a list of our branches with contact information: HCPL Locations. You can also call our Administration (713-274-6600) and ask for the Interlibrary Loan department.
To set or change your preferred pick up location
To manage your child's checkouts, renewals and holds
You will need to log in to your child's account.
The HCPL App offers a feature that allows you to link family members' accounts to your own, so you can manage their accounts directly from your own account.
Download the HCPL App: iOS | Android
To manage your child's discussion and review permissions
You can grant your child permission to write book reviews and participate in discussions from your account.
If you were age 16 or older when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years.
If you were under 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years.
The Issue Date of your passport can be found on the data page of your Passport Book or on the front of your Passport Card.
Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. Consider the following scenario: A country requires that you have at least six months of validity on your passport. You currently have seven months of validity on your passport. However, your trip is two months from now. At that point, you will only have five months of validity remaining on your passport which is not enough to satisfy that country's entry requirements. In this situation, you would need to renew your passport before you can make your trip.
Check our Country Information to learn about entry and exit requirements for the country or countries in which you are traveling.
If your passport has already expired, you may still be able to renew your passport by mail. See How to Renew Your U.S. Passport.
Some countries require that your passport have two to four blank visa/stamp pages. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.
Contact the National Passport Information Center by phone at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) or email NPIC@state.gov. A Customer Service Representative will confirm the date your passport was mailed to you, the address to which it was mailed and, if necessary, help you to report the non-receipt of your passport.
You have 90 days from the date your passport was issued to report that you have not yet received it in the mail. If you do not report the non-receipt of your passport within 90 days of the issue date, you will be required to reapply and submit the full passport fee.
To view the history of the physical items checked out from the library
If the Borrowing History menu is not displayed, go to My Settings > Borrowing History and enable it.
The system keeps track of your checkouts during the time this feature is enabled. Your checkout history is confidential.
To view the history of the digital items checked out from various resources such as Overdrive, you will need to manage them individually on the resource vendor sites. Not all vendors support this feature.
Reciprocal borrowing means that Harris County Public Library patrons can borrow materials from other library systems using their HCPL library cards, and patrons of those libraries can borrow HCPL materials. HCPL has reciprocal borrowing agreements with Bellaire Public Library (BPL), Bryan + College Station Public Library System (BCSPLS), Montgomery County Memorial Library System (MCMLS), Pasadena Public Library (PPL), and, starting February 14, 2025, Houston Public Library (HPL).
Each agreement between libraries is different. For instance, our agreements with BCSPLS and HPL only apply to digital collections (eBooks, downloadable audiobooks). Each agreement has limitations and restrictions. Visit our Reciprocal Borrowing Agreements page for full details of HCPL's reciprocal borrowing partnerships.
Starting February 14, 2025, Harris County Public Library library card users will have access to Houston Public Library’s OverDrive digital catalogs and the Libby App. This means HCPL patrons will have a broader selection of digital titles to check out.
No, the agreement is limited to items in both library systems' OverDrive digital collections (which includes the Libby App).
It will not affect wait times for popular items. Patrons can only check out eBooks and downloadable audiobooks that are available for checkout in the partner library's collection. To put it more simply, Houston Public Library customers will not be able to place holds on Harris County Public Library items and will not be able to check out an item unless no Harris County patrons want it at the time. The same goes for HCPL cardholders using Houston Public Library's Overdrive catalog.
Simply put, you will be able to check out available eBooks and downloadable audiobooks from HPL's and BCSPLS' OverDrive/Libby digital collections, but you will not be able to place holds on items in their catalogs. You will not be able to checkout print materials, DVDs, CDs or any other physical items from partner libraries with your Harris County Public Library card.
The 'no holds' limitation was put in place so that wait times for high-demand and popular items, will not increase.
You can access the Houston Public Library's Libby collection two ways: either through the HCPL Overdrive website or through Libby web app or app on your device).
How to add a Partner Library in Libby
You can check out a total of 15 digital items at a time from Houston Public Library. This limit does not affect the number of items you can check out from Harris County Public Library's collection. In other words, Houston Public Library checkouts do not count against your checkout limit for Harris County Public Library titles. Harris County Public Library checkout limit for OverDrive/Libby items is 30.
You can check out 3 items at a time from Bryan + College Station Public Library's OverDrive collection.
[The information below applies to HCPL's agreement with the Bryan + College Station Public Library System. as well as Houston Public Library].
The agreements only cover the libraries' OverDrive digital collections and the Libby App. You will not be able to check out print books, DVDs, CDs or any other physical items unless you have a Houston Public Library Card or BCSPLS Card.
Additionally, certain collections, such as digital magazines, cannot be lent outside of the home library system due to agreements with publishers. When browsing the OverDrive catalog and the Libby App, HCPL customers will only see items in Houston Public Library's collection that are available to them for checkout..
If, after following the instructions, you no longer see your holds/checkouts, please email us to request an account merge for your phone number. Please make sure to include your phone number in your email.
HCPL staff can retrieve your library card number. You will need to call, visit or use our Ask Us contact form.
Please provide the following information
Call or visit your nearest HCPL branch | Locations & Phone Numbers
HCPL staff can retrieve your library card number. You will need to call, visit or use our Ask Us contact form.
Please provide the following information
Call or visit your nearest HCPL branch | Locations & Phone Numbers
HCPL only allows 75 items to be checked out at a time which includes interlibrary loans and pending requests. If you currently have 70 items checked out, the system will not allow you to place more than five requests as that would exceed the 75 items maximum. Once you return some items, you'll be able to place more ILL requests.
ou may request to cancel a pending ILL request. However, a cancelation may not be possible if a lending library has already processed the item to be shipped. At that point, the ILL request will stay active and may only be returned after it arrives at Harris County Public Library.
Harris County Universal Services' Office of Broadband may be able to help you find affordable home internet service. Visit the Digital Access Page for more information.
Harris County Office of Broadband website has an interactive map to find free Wi-Fi near you or anywhere in Harris County.
Click HERE to find free Wi-Fi near you, or visit https://broadband.harriscountytx.gov/Wi-Fi-Locations
Yes. You can transfer the service and continue to use the MiFi hotspot you received from the library or one of its partners.
For information about low cost home internet service visit Harris County Universal Services' Office of Broadband Digital Acces Page
Yes, after starting a video, you can watch it as many times as you want with the viewing period without using more tickets.
No! You have unlimited access everything in the Kanopy Kids section.
No. Some titles do not require tickets. Kanopy Kids, for example, do not require tickets.
No. Tickets do not roll over month to month. Any unused tickets will disappear at the end of the month and you will receive 5 tickets to be used during the current month.
You will have a “Continue Watching” shelf when you login to your account so you can pick up where you left off.
For titles with multiple episodes, like TV series and Great Courses, you will see what content your tickets will unlock (for example, “season 1” or “all”).
Many Kanopy users will remember that they are able to view three items (movies, TV series, Great Courses) per month. That is changing.
Starting January 1, 2024, users will be allotted 5 tickets each month. Different types of content will require different amounts of tickets and viewing periods.
The Kanopy app and desktop shows how many tickets are required for each title and how long you will have to watch the title or series.
Tickets do not roll over month to month. Any unused tickets will disappear at the end of the month
The change from credits to tickets was implemented by Kanopy. All libraries using the service must move to the ticketing system.
The decrease in number of tickets from 9 (effective November 1, 2023) to 5 (effective January 1, 2024) was due to an increase in price.
The policy update is meant to ensure consistency throughout the library system. In other words, it is a recommitment to a longstanding policy that at times was bent as a courtesy to patrons. We believe that making renewals only available five days before due date is fairer to all library users. It keeps books that suddenly become high-demand available to more patrons.
The new renewal policy will take effect on October 3, 2023
The changes aim to enhance the library experience by offering extended borrowing periods, reducing staff intervention, and ensuring fair access to all patrons.
No, the existing automatic renewal process will continue to renew eligible items automatically 3 days before the due date.
No, renewals will still be blocked on items with outstanding holds, just as they are currently.
These changes provide patrons with more flexibility in renewing and keeping materials, reduce the need for manual intervention, and ensure fair access to library resources.
Starting October 3, 2023:
Federal funding for the Emergency Connectivity Fund has not been extended. HCPL is not anticipating another round of Chromebook distributions.
The new titles and on orders are readily browsable on the Explore page.
Please use the filter to narrow down by Format, Content, Audience and Language.
You can find the link to Advanced Search right beneath the search box.
It has tools that enable you to describe precisely where and how you want to search. You can do Boolean searches using the controls on the page, or by typing directly in the advanced Boolean query box.
Yes. Select Keyword from the dropdown menu, and then type a few letters of an author’s name to see suggestions. For example, if you can’t remember if it’s Ernest Hemmingway or Ernest Hemingway, just type ernest h and then pause. A list of up to five suggestions will appear.
Typing the beginning of the author’s last name — hem — would also display a list. Click the name to search on that name.
You can also use this feature if you want to search for a book or movie, but aren’t sure of the exact title. For example, if you’re not sure how to spell azkaban, just type harry potter and you’ll see harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban as a suggestion
Yes, you can save searches and re-run them later.
To re-run the saved search:
Unavailable indicates that all copies of the title are checked out, in transit, being repaired, or otherwise not circulating. You can still place a hold on an item shown as Unavailable.
Click the icon to the right of a title on a list to save it to your For Later shelf.
Any time you see a comment on a title, you’ll see the name of the user who wrote the comment. Click their name to see titles on their shelves. When you’re viewing their shelves, you can see also see their lists by clicking the link near the top of the page.
New lists are also shown on the Recent Activity page. You can also search for lists on a particular subject.
Yes. Part of the fun of creating lists is to share your expertise with others. When you create a list, you can choose who gets to see your list. By default, lists are visible to everyone. You can change that when you publish your list.
Any item you add to a list remains there until you remove it, or delete the list, even if your library no longer owns the item.
Contact your library.
Deleting your account/username means you won’t be able to log in, place holds or renew items online that you have borrowed. It will also remove any content (shelves, lists, comments, and so on) that you created. It will not delete your library account or prevent you from borrowing from the library.
Our library has over 20+ locations, and you use some more than others, you can define up to three locations as ones you use the most. The first location you specify is your default pickup location. If you are logged in and you place a hold, this location will be shown, so you don’t have to select it every time.
All locations affect search results. An item appearing in search results will show Available at preferred location, Available in some locations, or No copies available. You may find this useful if you live near one branch and work near another, and you want to determine which one has an available copy of an item you want.
You may see titles that are not in the library’s collection for several reasons. The original edition may have been retired from the shelves, or may be from another library. In addition, users sometimes add titles to their collections and lists that are not held by the library.
The system is designed to aggregate information from members of all participating libraries. This provides a broader range of community created content than an individual library could provide by itself. You may find that you have a lot of interests in common with someone on the other side of the country.
Any item you add to one of your shelves remains there until you remove it, even if the library no longer owns the title.
The system is designed to log you out automatically if you haven’t done anything for 30 minutes. This is a security feature, to protect your account from unauthorized use in the event that you forget to log out.
Many HCPL staff members can assist users with basic computing and common software questions. HCPL cannot provide in-depth troubleshooting or technical support. Visit Chromebook Technical Support Online for technical support
T-Mobile Internet service ended December 31, 2023 for ECF devices.
Your ECF Chromebook can connect to other available WiFi sources including the free WiFi at all HCPL locations. Click HERE for a map of FREE Wi-Fi in Harris County
You can also transfer internet service to your T-Mobile device. Harris County Office of Broadband may be able to help you find low cost home internet service. Click HERE for more information
Internet service ends December 31, 2023 for ECF devices.
When mobile data ends, your ECF Chromebook can connect to other available WiFi sources including the free WiFi at all HCPL locations. Click HERE for a map of FREE Wi-Fi in Harris County
You can also transfer internet service to your T-Mobile device
Harris County Office of Broadband may be able to help you find low cost home internet service. Click HERE for more information
The Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) is using $7.7 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funding through the FCC/USAC E-rate program. Schools and libraries across the country were invited to send in proposals. The goal of the program, for libraries, is to connect otherwise unconnected patrons to the internet in their homes. While the school side of the program is focused on connecting students to eliminate the homework gap, the library program is designed to connect library patrons of all ages. HCPL applied to receive 15,000 Chromebooks and 40,000 T-Mobile WiFi devices.
HCPL does not have any Chromebooks or charging cables to replace lost, stolen or broken ones.
Damaged devices should be returned to an HCPL location. You will not be charged for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.
A quick start guide packet will be given during your orientation appointment to help you with common questions about using the device.
Visit www.hcpl.net/connected for video how-tos, links to learning resources, and computer class schedules at HCPL branches.
HCPL staff may also be able to help with basic computer use and common software questions in person at all HCPL branches.
HCPL cannot provide in-depth troubleshooting or technical support. Visit the HCPL Connected page for information about technical support.
No, HCPL staff do not have the ability to remove restrictions or CIPA filtering from the devices.
No. ECF Chromebooks are provided with funding from the federal government and contain Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Content Filtering. CIPA Filtering prohibits the viewing and use of several streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon Video, and others. Please see the CIPA Content Filtering document for a full list of filters. You will receive this document with all the filters at your orientation appointment.
Your ECF Chromebook does not need to be returned.
We are sorry, we cannot accept transactions under $2.00.
If you cannot renew an item you have checked out
Please contact us if you have question regarding a particular title. Please include the title, author and format information.
Yes, all tools must be returned to the library they were borrowed from. They must be returned when the library is open.
Please clean the tools before returning them. Failure to return to the location will result in the loss of your tool borrowing privileges.
You will be charged the tool replacement fee if the item is returned damaged.
Tool replacement fees will be charged for any lost items. If the lost material is recovered, You may request a refund within one year of the payment date.
Yes. We do charge late fees for tools that are past due.
After the tool has been late by 120 days, a replacement fee will be charged. Speak to a staff member if you are interested in replacing the tool rather than paying the replacement fee.
The lending period for tools is 14 days with no renewals. However, you may return the item and borrow it again if there is no waiting list for the tool.
Yes! But because the number of tools available at the two tool library locations, the limits are different at each Tool Library location:
Baldwin Boettcher: a total of 40 (Up to 20 small tools and up to 20 large tools).
Evelyn Meador: up to 10 tools
Yes! Contact your home branch and tell them what you need. They will place a request for you. You will however have to pick up tools at either Baldwin Boettcher or Evelyn Meador branch libraries. We cannot ship tools to other branch locations.
Military service members may use the CAC reader on the public computers in the library or on their personal laptops. Be advised that, due to the library’s firewall, some websites cannot be accessed on the public computers even with a CAC reader. Therefore, military members are advised to bring their personal laptops if they have them and use our free WiFi. Personal laptops with older versions of Windows such as XP, Vista, and older, must have ActivClient software installed. It can be downloaded for free at http://militarycac.com/ or, for MAC users, go to http://militarycac.com/lion.htm. The CAC reader is compatible with Windows 7 and 8 without ActivClient software.
No, but many do, and they are located throughout the county. The branches listed below have CAC readers:
Common Access Card reader or CAC reader for military personnel enables active duty and reserve military to conduct online military business locally instead of having to travel to a military base/facility. With a CAC reader, a service member can access websites to do online training, check military email, create orders and travel vouchers, apply for billets, access unit sharepoint sites, and more.
The CAC reader checks out for two hours. Loan period may be extended if no one else has requested it.
You may use the CAC Reader if you have a current Department of Defense issued military ID AND you are
A common access card is a smart card and is the standard identification for Active Duty United States Defense personnel, to include the Selected Reserve and National Guard, United States Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees, United States Coast Guard (USCG) civilian employees and eligible DoD and USCG contractor personnel. It is also the principal card used to enable physical access to buildings and controlled spaces, and it provides access to defense computer networks and systems.
Some branches have laptops for in-library use. Contact your branch for availability.
Laptops should not be left unattended. Leaving laptops unattended will result in loss of laptop checkout privileges. Users are responsible for the laptop while it is checked out. The Library is not responsible for loss while checked out to the user. Do not tamper with the security features of the laptop. Doing so will result in suspension of borrowing privileges and fines. No user files will be retained on the hard disk.
The borrower agrees to return the laptop equipment in the same order and condition as when received and if such equipment is damaged or lost while on loan, agrees to reimburse the library for the cost of the laptop. Fines for in-branch use laptops are $2.00 per hour. Removal of an HCPL laptop from the lending branch will result in a replacement charge for the laptop. Law enforcement officers will be notified if a laptop is removed from the library.
Please return laptops to a staff member at the desk from which they were borrowed.
The loan period for laptops in the library is 2 hours. Laptops must be returned 15 minutes before closing. Renewals are allowed if no other customer is waiting for a laptop. Staff will go over the checklist with you and give you a receipt upon return.
Library customers who are 12 years of age or older with a valid Harris County Library Card in their own name and who have no blocks on their library accounts. An individual may check out only one laptop at a time.
You need a valid library card. The card must be present and belong to the customer presenting it.
That is up to you. We will provide classes until you have reached your goals.
Our literacy instruction is completely free. HCPL even provides all books and materials at no cost to you.
Business hours vary from branch to branch. Please check each location.
Locations with maker lab and equipment
Yes, but there must be at least two business days between appointments. This can vary location to location and depends on staff availability and library hours of operation.
Bookings are one hour. Staff may allow an extension of the time based on the project, other appointments, and staff availability. Extensions are at HCPL staff discretion.
All our machines, except for the 3D printer, are completely free to use. Simply bring your files and approved materials and you will be ready to go!
There is a 10¢ per gram charge for 3D printer filament. You cannot supply your own 3D printer filament.
Each maker location is different. Not all types of machines are available at all locations. Visit our Maker Central page for details about specific maker locations.
Available machines include
The Enhanced+ Library Card is a document that contains your name, picture, and other personal information. Should your Enhanced+ Library Card be lost or stolen, it and the information on it could be used to perform identity theft. When you apply for the card, you also take responsibility for it and for protecting your identity should the card be lost or stolen. If at any time you decide you no longer want your Enhanced+ Library Card, contact the Library to have your account updated to a standard library card.
Yes. All residents of the state of Texas of any age who present acceptable proof of identity and residency documents and a completed Enhanced+ Library Card application are eligible to receive the card.
No. The Enhanced+ Library Card Application has a Gender Marker section with choices for M (male), F (female), or X (non-binary / not male or female). You will choose the gender marker you wish to have printed on your Enhanced+ Library Card. No proof of gender is required, and the marker you choose does not have to match any marker on other identity documents.
Not if you don’t want to! It’s a matter of choice. If you would like an additional document that proves your identity and residency, then consider upgrading to the Enhanced+ Library Card.
The Enhanced+ Library Card is valid for 5 years after it is issued. Cards can be renewed when they expire.
They are free.
The customer is responsible for all fees that are charged by the lending library due to damage or loss. Unpaid fines and fees will go on a customer’s library record and if not resolved will result in the loss of borrowing privileges. Customers must be careful to return all ILL materials on time with any identifying labels.
ILL is a special service that the Library is able to offer its customers. It has unique procedures and guidelines that Harris County Public Library and its customer must follow. If HCPL customers have any questions about this service, they are encouraged to contact their local branch for additional information.
Although we attempt to fulfill almost any request, the following types of materials are often difficult to obtain through ILL:
ILL may only be checked out on the original requestor’s library account using the requester’s library card or driver’s license. If someone else is picking up your ILL, he/she must present your card or driver’s license to check them out.
If you are having trouble placing your ILL request and you see an error message, you will need to check on the status of your library account. There are several possibilities that could create a restriction. You could have overdue library materials, an outstanding fine of $25 or more, lost items, or invalid contact information on your account. You will need to correct any restrictions before you can place your ILL request.
Starting October 3, 2023, the renewal limit for most items will increase to 5 renewals instead of 2 renewals. DVDs are limited to one renewal.
All materials will be automatically renewed five times if they are not returned to the library. or you can manually renew them yourself online if there is no hold.
Updated: Sept. 25, 2023
You can place a hold on it. The item will be pulled from the shelf at another HCPL branch and sent to your local branch for pick up. You will be notified when it is ready to pick up. If the item is currently checked out, you will be placed on a waiting list.
The publisher that owns the digital rights has to make it available for purchase to libraries in digital format. Not all items available in print are available in digital formats.
If you have a NOOK, Kobo, or similar e-reader, you can download books to a computer and then use Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) to transfer them to your device.
Right now, Libby isn't available on the Amazon Appstore. OverDrive is currently working with Amazon on this, but there is no information about when it will be available, yet. In the meantime, please use your Kindle Fire browser and go to libbyapp.com or hcpl.overdrive.com to access the items you have checked out.
Most of our digital items are like print items and only one person can borrow one copy at a time. Sometimes titles are available as Simultaneous Use and an unlimited number of people can borrow that title at the same time. Publishers decide how digital items can be used.
Get help straight from the source:
Texshare is a consortium or group of Texas libraries joining together to share print and electronic materials, purchase online resources, and combine staff expertise. You can read more about it here.
HCPL sends retired library materials to Better World Books, a company that recycles and sells materials as well as provides books to communities in need around the world. Harris County policy does not allow the library to resell library materials.
Sometimes books go missing or lost from our collection or they become damaged and need to be retired. Library staff also regularly review the collection and retire items that are out-of-date, in poor condition or no longer of interest to make room for new items.
Due to budget and branch size limitations, we are not able to order copies of every title we purchase for all 26 of our branches. You can place a hold request on the item you want, and it will be delivered to your local branch for pick-up.
Sometimes books go out of print and we are unable to purchase new copies. This happens often with long-running popular series. Sometimes different publishers own the rights to different formats of the same title, so we may not be able to purchase all formats. This happens most often with digital books and audiobooks. Please submit a purchase suggestion for any missing titles and we will order them if available for purchase. For older print titles you might try placing an Interlibrary Loan Request.
"On order" means that the library has placed an order for that item and is waiting for it to arrive. Collection Development orders items up to 90 days before the title is released, so sometimes you see an "on order" record for longer while the library waits for the item to be released. You can place a hold on an "on order" item, but we're not able to tell you exactly when you'll get your item.
Contact your local branch and we will be happy to help you with this process. For more information, see our Gift and Donation Policy.
HCPL branches each have a Friends of the Library group which sells books to raise money for programs and the purchase of new books for the branch they support. If this doesn't fit your needs, other options include second-hand bookstores, resale shops, and an organization named Better World Books which accepts donated books in support of non-profit literacy organizations.
For more information, see our Gift and Donation Policy.
Collection Development staff considers all suggested titles against factors such as the HCPL Collection Development policy, current budget, and space limitations at branches. Please see our Author Submission Policy and form.
Request a Certification of Report of Birth or learn more about birth records for U.S. citizens and nationals born abroad.
As of December 2010, the Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350) is no longer issued. Instead, you may request multiple copies of your Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240). All previously issued DS-1350s are still valid as proof of identity, citizenship and for other legal purposes.
If you were born in the Panama Canal Zone, learn how to request multiple copies of your PCZ Birth Certificate.
Contact the Vital Statistics office in the state where you were born.
Only one photo is required.
See Processing Times. The processing time for the passport card is the same as for the passport book. Please note: passport cards are sent to you via First Class Mail. We do not send cards using a 1-2 day delivery service.
The passport card was designed for the specific needs of northern and southern U.S. border communities with residents that cross the border frequently by land. The passport book is the only document approved for international travel by air.
Parents may enroll their U.S. citizen children under the age of 18 in the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP), one of the Department of State’s most important tools for preventing international parental child abduction. If a passport application is submitted for a child who is enrolled in CPIAP, the Department attempts to alert the parent or parents to verify whether the parents approve passport issuance.
You cannot renew your child's passport. If your child is under age 16, he or she must appear in person with you and the child's other parent or guardian to apply. A child's application must be submitted in person at a passport agency or authorized passport application acceptance facility. It cannot be renewed by mail. For more information go to Children Under 16.
Yes. For a complete explanation of Parental Consent for a Minor's passport application go to Children Under 16.
For the most complete passport information, visit www.travel.state.gov or Passport Help
Tell us if you like the book. You can say what you didn’t like about it also. Please do not tell the entire story so that others can enjoy reading it for themselves. For picture reviews, share a picture, a drawing, or a video to express your feelings about the book you read. All reviews are optional and moderated by library staff. Library staff approves reviews based on content and not opinions.
Reviews will be added to Beanstack after they are approved by library staff.
1 Review = 5 points
Log into Beanstack. Click on the green Log Reading and Activities button found on the top of the page
Select whether you want to Log books, minutes, or activities
Earn points by reading anything you want, doing activities, and writing reviews. Finish one book and you earn 10 points! Read for 30 minutes and you earn 10 points! Do an activity and you earn 5 points! Write a review to earn another 5 points!
Yes! You can add multiple readers to your Beanstack account. If you are signing up for the first time, Beanstack will ask if you would like to add another reader. If you already have an account and would like to add a reader, on the top right-hand corner of the page click on your name and a drop-down menu will appear. Select Add a Reader. If you need help adding readers, please visit or contact your local library branch.
Your account must be current and contain a valid email address. You will receive an email containing instructions to reset your PIN. Check your junk mail folder if not found in Inbox.
If you do not have an email address on file or cannot reset your password online, please email us or call or visit any HCPL library.
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.
Yes, you can get a full-service HCPL Knowledge card in person at any HCPL branch. You must have a photo ID.
Please call your local branch or contact us online. Staff will deactivate your account. Please note: you are responsible for all materials checked out to your account.
To receive a replacement card, please visit your local branch with a valid photo ID.
Yes, you can with a full-service HCPL Knowledge Card. HCPL has reciprocal borrowing agreements with Bellaire City Library, the Montgomery County Memorial Library System, the Pasadena Public Library System, and Lone Star College Library System. HCPL and these libraries have integrated online catalogs. Not only you can check out their materials, you can also place holds on many items from those libraries and pick them up at your local HCPL branch.
There are some restrictions on the types of materials that can be borrowed. For full details, visit the Reciprocal Borrowing Agreements section of the Library Policies page.
Search results are ordered based on the best match. The items at the top of the search results will be those that contain your exact search text, in the exact order you typed them (if you used more than one word). After exact matches, words in the title are given a priority, followed by author name, headings, and tags. Popular titles appear ahead of less popular ones.
You can filter your search results by selecting from the headings on the left side of the page
Here are a few things you can try if your first search isn’t successful:
You may use facets on the left side of the search result screen. They are a series of clickable headings. You can select a specific format, or view only new items, currently available items, or electronic resources. You can also see only those items available at a specific branch, handy if you want to pick up something immediately.
In addition, you can filter by:
You can search for all titles in a specific format, or for a format in combination with an audience or language.
Instead of looking for these words in titles or author names, search returns the entire library catalog, and then applies filters based on what you type. You can use:
Yes. By searching -- there are two ways to do this. The fastest way is to just type harry potter dvd in the search box. If you prefer, you can use the advanced search options. In the Includes box, type what you want to find, then select DVD from the Format options at the bottom of the page.
By Facet -- you can filter the search by format using the Format facet. This is available for all searches, though which formats are displayed will depend on the search you performed.
By default, search results group all available formats of a title together in a block. This grouped view allows you to easily determine which formats the library owns, so that you can choose the one you want.
If you prefer, you can show each format as a separate item in your search results. The list view and cover view along with the grouped view buttons are right above the search results.
The new titles and on orders are readily browsable on the Explore page.
Please use the filter to narrow down by Format, Content, Audience and Language.
You can find the link to Advanced Search right beneath the search box.
It has tools that enable you to describe precisely where and how you want to search. You can do Boolean searches using the controls on the page, or by typing directly in the advanced Boolean query box.
Yes. Select Keyword from the dropdown menu, and then type a few letters of an author’s name to see suggestions. For example, if you can’t remember if it’s Ernest Hemmingway or Ernest Hemingway, just type ernest h and then pause. A list of up to five suggestions will appear.
Typing the beginning of the author’s last name — hem — would also display a list. Click the name to search on that name.
You can also use this feature if you want to search for a book or movie, but aren’t sure of the exact title. For example, if you’re not sure how to spell azkaban, just type harry potter and you’ll see harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban as a suggestion
Yes, you can save searches and re-run them later.
To re-run the saved search:
Unavailable indicates that all copies of the title are checked out, in transit, being repaired, or otherwise not circulating. You can still place a hold on an item shown as Unavailable.
You may see titles that are not in the library’s collection for several reasons. The original edition may have been retired from the shelves, or may be from another library. In addition, users sometimes add titles to their collections and lists that are not held by the library.
The system is designed to aggregate information from members of all participating libraries. This provides a broader range of community created content than an individual library could provide by itself. You may find that you have a lot of interests in common with someone on the other side of the country.
Interlibrary Loan is a system that allows libraries to share resources with one another. For items you could not found from our library catalog, ILL staff will try to locate a potential lending library and send a request to borrow the item you seek. The lending library photocopies articles or checks out the material in the name of Harris County Public Library. It then mails it to HCPL for you to pick up and check out on your library card.
Harris County Public Library does not request interlibrary loans for items currently owned by Harris County Public Library or one of our partner library systems: Bellaire City Library, Montgomery County Library System and Pasadena Public Library.
The library will not borrow:
ILL requests can be placed by anyone with a valid Harris County Public Library full-service card. Group and visitor cards do not have ILL borrowing privileges.
Use ILL only when the item you wish to check out is not owned by Harris County Public Library System and the item is at least six months post-publication or post-release.
For each item you request, you will need
When requesting an article from a magazine or journal, you will need
When the changes to the ILL management system are complete (on or about May 28, 2024), ILL requests can be placed online using the SHAREit ILL system. Here is a User Guide with instructions for most common tasks including ordering an ILL. Here is a brief video covering much of the same infrormation.
There is a limit to 10 active requests (filled or pending) at any given time through ILL. You must have a valid Harris County Public Library card, PIN, and email address. Notices regarding ILL requests will be sent to the email address on file.
Visit the ILL page to place a request.
The length of time involved in obtaining a loan or photocopy can vary. We are unable to control the time it may take a lending library to send requested items. However, most materials can be obtained between 2-8 weeks from the date your request was submitted. Be sure to submit your ILL request well in advance of the time you will need it. You will be notified by phone, email, or mail when the material arrives. Materials ready for pickup are held at the customer service desk for 7 days. If we are unable to fulfill your request, you will receive an email notification with this information.
HCPL does not charge any fees for ILL unless they are set by the lending library. Photocopies of articles are usually provided free of charge or for a small fee. Please state on each form the maximum amount you are willing to pay for the requested material. If an item is lost or damaged, you are responsible for the replacement cost in addition to any processing fees charged by the lending library. No items with a replacement value of $250 or more will be requested.
HCPL does not renew interlibrary loans.
Our library respects all restrictions placed on materials by the lending library. ILL relies on consideration and goodwill between libraries. When ILL materials are not returned promptly, it reflects poorly on the borrowing library and some lenders may stop lending materials to the offending library. Customer abuse of ILL due dates, the accepted conditions on loans, or damage to ILL materials will result in the suspension of a customer’s ILL loan privileges. Please return your ILL materials on or before the due date printed on the checkout slip.
The library staff at your local Harris County Public Library branch can assist you with placing an ILL request. Here is a list of our branches with contact information: HCPL Locations. You can also call our Administration (713-274-6600) and ask for the Interlibrary Loan department.
HCPL only allows 75 items to be checked out at a time which includes interlibrary loans and pending requests. If you currently have 70 items checked out, the system will not allow you to place more than five requests as that would exceed the 75 items maximum. Once you return some items, you'll be able to place more ILL requests.
ou may request to cancel a pending ILL request. However, a cancelation may not be possible if a lending library has already processed the item to be shipped. At that point, the ILL request will stay active and may only be returned after it arrives at Harris County Public Library.
The customer is responsible for all fees that are charged by the lending library due to damage or loss. Unpaid fines and fees will go on a customer’s library record and if not resolved will result in the loss of borrowing privileges. Customers must be careful to return all ILL materials on time with any identifying labels.
ILL is a special service that the Library is able to offer its customers. It has unique procedures and guidelines that Harris County Public Library and its customer must follow. If HCPL customers have any questions about this service, they are encouraged to contact their local branch for additional information.
Although we attempt to fulfill almost any request, the following types of materials are often difficult to obtain through ILL:
ILL may only be checked out on the original requestor’s library account using the requester’s library card or driver’s license. If someone else is picking up your ILL, he/she must present your card or driver’s license to check them out.
If you are having trouble placing your ILL request and you see an error message, you will need to check on the status of your library account. There are several possibilities that could create a restriction. You could have overdue library materials, an outstanding fine of $25 or more, lost items, or invalid contact information on your account. You will need to correct any restrictions before you can place your ILL request.
Harris County Public Library offers books, audiobooks, DVDs, Blurays, newspapers, magazines, eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, digital newspapers, and streaming movies.
HCPL is a popular materials library, meaning that we provide materials for pleasure reading and lifelong learning. All items added to the collection are evaluated by professional staff to ensure that the library’s collection is dynamic and evolving to reflect the needs and interests of our customers and diverse communities. Factors that may be considered are value to the existing collection, balance of viewpoints, timeliness, the accuracy of the information, literary and/or artistic merit, format, durability, and cost.
For more detailed information about HCPL collection purchasing, see Collections Policy.
Purchase suggestions for all formats can be made using this form. Check the catalog to see if we've added your suggestion so that you can place your hold. Common reasons for not being able to purchase items include price, the format you requested is not available for purchase, or it does not align with our collection policy.
If you have concerns about an item in our collection, please feel free to share that concern with staff at your local branch or contact HCPL Collection Development at ms@hcpl.net. HCPL Collection Development policy includes a process for reconsideration of materials. Customers wanting to begin this process may fill out the following form: Citizen's Request for Reconsideration of Material.
Each HCPL branch has a collection of magazines and newspapers tailored to the wants and needs of the surrounding community. Print magazines are becoming increasingly harder to provide, but your local branch staff are happy to share which titles are available locally. You can also check out our digital magazines & newspapers.
We have a small collection of items available in Braille, including board books. Ask staff at your local branch about the availability of these items and they'll be happy to help. In addition to the eAudiobooks available through our Overdrive collection, staff at your local branch can assist you with getting set up for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's Talking Book Program.
HCPL does not purchase textbooks due to budgetary restrictions. Please contact your school or university library for these kinds of materials.
Interlibrary Loan is a service that allows us to borrow items for HCPL library card holders from other participating library systems throughout the United States. Read more about ILL Service.
We consider information such as census data and community input, as well as the availability of materials from U.S. vendors. Due to limitations on what is available for purchase in the United States through our vendors, we are not always able to purchase materials in a language that we know would be used by those living in the communities we serve.
We currently focus on books in Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese & Urdu. Most branches have Spanish collections, but Aldine, Bear Creek, Barbara Bush, CyFair, Galena Park, Katy, North Channel, Octavia Fields, and South Houston have sizable Spanish collections.
Other sizable language collections are located at the following branches:
HCPL sends retired library materials to Better World Books, a company that recycles and sells materials as well as provides books to communities in need around the world. Harris County policy does not allow the library to resell library materials.
Sometimes books go missing or lost from our collection or they become damaged and need to be retired. Library staff also regularly review the collection and retire items that are out-of-date, in poor condition or no longer of interest to make room for new items.
Due to budget and branch size limitations, we are not able to order copies of every title we purchase for all 26 of our branches. You can place a hold request on the item you want, and it will be delivered to your local branch for pick-up.
Sometimes books go out of print and we are unable to purchase new copies. This happens often with long-running popular series. Sometimes different publishers own the rights to different formats of the same title, so we may not be able to purchase all formats. This happens most often with digital books and audiobooks. Please submit a purchase suggestion for any missing titles and we will order them if available for purchase. For older print titles you might try placing an Interlibrary Loan Request.
"On order" means that the library has placed an order for that item and is waiting for it to arrive. Collection Development orders items up to 90 days before the title is released, so sometimes you see an "on order" record for longer while the library waits for the item to be released. You can place a hold on an "on order" item, but we're not able to tell you exactly when you'll get your item.
Contact your local branch and we will be happy to help you with this process. For more information, see our Gift and Donation Policy.
HCPL branches each have a Friends of the Library group which sells books to raise money for programs and the purchase of new books for the branch they support. If this doesn't fit your needs, other options include second-hand bookstores, resale shops, and an organization named Better World Books which accepts donated books in support of non-profit literacy organizations.
For more information, see our Gift and Donation Policy.
Collection Development staff considers all suggested titles against factors such as the HCPL Collection Development policy, current budget, and space limitations at branches. Please see our Author Submission Policy and form.
A database is a paid-subscription resource that you can't use unless you pay for a personal subscription or have access to it through an organization like your university, school or public library. It often includes digital versions of print journals, magazines and reference books. Websites are free resources and need to be evaluated for reliability/trustworthiness before being used as a resource for research.
Most of the database vendors have provided video tutorials or other support tools. When available, we have linked those on the listing for that resource on our website. Please visit the A-Z Resources page, click on the title of the resource. The tutorial for that resource is displayed when available. Please Ask Us for additional assistance.
Academic editions are usually written with an academic (university level) or professional reader in mind, so it might use language that is not as easily understood by somebody not studying or working in that field. Consumer editions, often found in health-related resources, are typically written with the everyday person in mind and uses language that is easier to understand for those outside the field.
Full-text means the entire article is available through the database rather than just an abstract or bibliographic listing. You can usually tell that it's available in full text from listings within your database search results. It should say "HTML Full Text" or "PDF Full Text" or some combination of those. You can also choose to limit your search to only articles available as full-text.
If it's not available as full-text (typically says "Check Article Linker for more information"), but it's an article that you'd really like to read, you contact us and provide the article title, author, journal name and issue. The staff will locate the article and request it for you.
Remote access means access from outside the library – at home or at work – with your library card number.
Ancestry Library Edition does not allow remote access (access from home), so you would have to come to the library to use that database, either on one of the library's computers or on your own laptop or tablet using the library's WiFi.
HCPL provides free access to databases for our library customers. If you’re using a computer in one of our locations you do not need to enter a library card number. Most of our databases can also be used at home, so entering your library card number proves that you are an HCPL card holder. Click on the unique link for that resource on our website and in most cases you'll then be asked to enter your library card number and PIN.
Texshare is a consortium or group of Texas libraries joining together to share print and electronic materials, purchase online resources, and combine staff expertise. You can read more about it here.
HCPL offers eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, digital newspapers, streaming video and access to learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning. Most of these are accessible on personal computers, smartphones and tablets.
You need to have an HCPL library card. We offer several different types of cards. Visit Get a Card page to find out which library card is best for you.
This varies based on each service, but most of them offer tutorials and/or technical support. You can also reach out to your local branch or via Ask Us for additional assistance.
This varies based on the service and please check the help guide for each resource. Overdrive is the most frequently used resource and the titles can be checked out up to 2 weeks.
That varies based on the service and many of them are unlimited access, but below are a few that have check-out limits.
Yes, you can! You might need to place a hold on an eBook or eAudiobook in our Overdrive/Libby collection. You can read more about how to place hold on Overdrive’s support site for the Libby app.
Yes, you can - if there are no other holds on the eBook or eAudiobook you have checked out in our Overdrive/Libby collection. You can read more about How to renew in Libby.
The publisher that owns the digital rights has to make it available for purchase to libraries in digital format. Not all items available in print are available in digital formats.
Most of our digital items are like print items and only one person can borrow one copy at a time. Sometimes titles are available as Simultaneous Use and an unlimited number of people can borrow that title at the same time. Publishers decide how digital items can be used.
Get help straight from the source:
Currently, eight (8) branches offer passport services.
Passport Service hours vary from location to location and are not the same as library hours. Visit the Passport Services page for more information
Yes. Passport services are available by appointment only. Visit the Passport Services page to schedule an appointment.
This varies depending on the circumstances of the applicant, but for a standard passport application you will need the following:
Check current processing times - U.S. Dept of State
Updated per State.gov communications, 10/11/24
The acceptance fee applies to first-time applicants, children, and those replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport who must appear in person before an agent authorized by the Secretary of State to give oaths to verify passport applications. In order to offer American citizens convenient locations to apply for a passport, the Department of State authorizes Passport Acceptance Agents to accept passport applications on its behalf. The acceptance fee is to reimburse the acceptance facility for the cost of the service provided to the customer and to serve as an incentive for participation in the Passport Application Acceptance Program.
When applying for both the passport book and card on the same application, you pay only one execution fee. The execution fee does not apply to adult passport books or card renewals when submitting Form DS-82.
The cost of your U.S. passport will depend on the type of passport you request and how quickly you need it. See Passport Fees section above including a link to travel.state.gov fee calculator for information on the cost of a U.S. passport book or a U.S. passport card and optional fees.
The Department of State does not currently have the option to pay online for passport services, although this service may be offered in the future. You will not be asked to provide credit card information on this site at this time.
If you have a passport application that is currently in process, you should contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to notify them about the address change. You don't need to contact us if your address has changed after you received your passport.
If your passport has been significantly damaged, especially the book cover or the page displaying your personal data and photo, you will need to apply for a new passport. Damage that might require you to replace your passport includes water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages (torn out), a hole punch, or other injuries.
Normal "wear and tear" of a U.S. passport is expected and likely does not count as "damage." For instance, normal wear includes the bend of a passport after being carried in your back pocket or fanning of the visa pages after extensive opening and closing.
If you need to replace your damaged passport, you will need to submit the following in person (See Where to Apply):
If you are changing your name within one year of the date your passport was issued you will need to complete Form DS-5504: Application for a U.S. Passport: Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement. You will not be charged a fee for this service.
If you are changing your name more than a year after your passport was issued you must submit Form DS-82: Application for Passport by Mail. You must pay all applicable fees to renew your passport.
For more information, see How to Change or Correct a Passport.
If you were age 16 or older when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years.
If you were under 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years.
The Issue Date of your passport can be found on the data page of your Passport Book or on the front of your Passport Card.
Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. Consider the following scenario: A country requires that you have at least six months of validity on your passport. You currently have seven months of validity on your passport. However, your trip is two months from now. At that point, you will only have five months of validity remaining on your passport which is not enough to satisfy that country's entry requirements. In this situation, you would need to renew your passport before you can make your trip.
Check our Country Information to learn about entry and exit requirements for the country or countries in which you are traveling.
If your passport has already expired, you may still be able to renew your passport by mail. See How to Renew Your U.S. Passport.
Some countries require that your passport have two to four blank visa/stamp pages. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.
Contact the National Passport Information Center by phone at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) or email NPIC@state.gov. A Customer Service Representative will confirm the date your passport was mailed to you, the address to which it was mailed and, if necessary, help you to report the non-receipt of your passport.
You have 90 days from the date your passport was issued to report that you have not yet received it in the mail. If you do not report the non-receipt of your passport within 90 days of the issue date, you will be required to reapply and submit the full passport fee.
For the most complete passport information, visit www.travel.state.gov or Passport Help
The Summer Reading Program is open to readers of all ages! There are four separate age groups for the program: Early Literacy (0-4), Kids (5-11), Teens (12-17), and Adults (18+).
No! You do not need a library card to sign up for the Summer Reading Program or to attend any library programs. However, you need a library card to borrow materials from the library or from the Digital Media Catalog. Visit the library card page and find the right card works for you.
Participate in the Summer Reading Program by creating an account on Beanstack.
Yes, you can reset your password and username.
Reset your Beanstack password here.
If you do not have an email attached to your account, please visit, or contact your local library branch to get help resetting your password.
Reset your Beanstack password here.
If you do not have an email attached to your account, please visit, or contact your local library branch to get help resetting your password.
Yes! The Beanstack Tracker app is available for iOS and Android devices. You will be able to sign in with your Beanstack account and log your reading and activities for Summer Reading Program.
Beanstack Mobile App is available for iOS & Android on our Apps page.
Visit any HCPL branch location to pick up your prizes. Prizes are available while supplies last.
Tell us if you like the book. You can say what you didn’t like about it also. Please do not tell the entire story so that others can enjoy reading it for themselves. For picture reviews, share a picture, a drawing, or a video to express your feelings about the book you read. All reviews are optional and moderated by library staff. Library staff approves reviews based on content and not opinions.
Reviews will be added to Beanstack after they are approved by library staff.
1 Review = 5 points
Log into Beanstack. Click on the green Log Reading and Activities button found on the top of the page
Select whether you want to Log books, minutes, or activities
Earn points by reading anything you want, doing activities, and writing reviews. Finish one book and you earn 10 points! Read for 30 minutes and you earn 10 points! Do an activity and you earn 5 points! Write a review to earn another 5 points!
Yes! You can add multiple readers to your Beanstack account. If you are signing up for the first time, Beanstack will ask if you would like to add another reader. If you already have an account and would like to add a reader, on the top right-hand corner of the page click on your name and a drop-down menu will appear. Select Add a Reader. If you need help adding readers, please visit or contact your local library branch.
To start using the machines we offer in our maker locations, just follow these steps to get started:
After you have been certified to use one or more HCPL maker machines, follow the steps below to book a time.
Business hours vary from branch to branch. Please check each location.
Locations with maker lab and equipment
Yes, but there must be at least two business days between appointments. This can vary location to location and depends on staff availability and library hours of operation.
Bookings are one hour. Staff may allow an extension of the time based on the project, other appointments, and staff availability. Extensions are at HCPL staff discretion.
All our machines, except for the 3D printer, are completely free to use. Simply bring your files and approved materials and you will be ready to go!
There is a 10¢ per gram charge for 3D printer filament. You cannot supply your own 3D printer filament.
Each maker location is different. Not all types of machines are available at all locations. Visit our Maker Central page for details about specific maker locations.
Available machines include
Find the classes and events that works for you.
Call your nearest HCPL branch library
Call the Literacy Services Specialist: 713-274-6600
Visit the library to fill out a short registration form
It varies from location to location. For information about ESL class schedules:
Most classes meet once a week for two hours. Most courses last 12 or 16 weeks.
Classes are free. We also provide all books and materials at no cost to you.
It varies. Most classes have from 1 to 10 students
All of your information at HCPL is confidential. We do not share it with anyone.
All of our tutors are volunteers and may not have the skills and knowledge needed to help you meet your reading goals. We can, however, put you in touch with other groups who might fit your needs better. Call (713) 274-6600 for more information.
First, we need to find out what you need help with so we can design a learning plan that fits your needs. Call the library branch closest to you and ask for a reading assessment.
Once we know what level you need, we will place you with a tutor as soon as possible.
Demand for reading instruction is high. Some areas of the county may not have enough volunteer tutors to meet the demand. We match students and tutors as quickly as we can.
That is up to you. We will provide classes until you have reached your goals.
Our literacy instruction is completely free. HCPL even provides all books and materials at no cost to you.
CHANGES TO PRINTING & COPYING AT HCPL
To ensure our libraries' security, copy card dispensers have been removed from all Harris County Public Library branches. The library is working toward a replacement system that meets the needs of our patrons.
Printing and copying are available, please visit or contact any HCPL branch location for assistance.
NOTE: Printing and copying costs may vary at the LSC - CyFair Branch Library, LSC - Tomball Community Library, Harris County Law Library, and Texas Medical Center Library.
Harris County Universal Services' Office of Broadband may be able to help you find affordable home internet service. Visit the Digital Access Page for more information.
Yes. You can transfer the service and continue to use the MiFi hotspot you received from the library or one of its partners.
For information about low cost home internet service visit Harris County Universal Services' Office of Broadband Digital Acces Page
Federal funding for the Emergency Connectivity Fund has not been extended. HCPL is not anticipating another round of Chromebook distributions.
Many HCPL staff members can assist users with basic computing and common software questions. HCPL cannot provide in-depth troubleshooting or technical support. Visit Chromebook Technical Support Online for technical support
T-Mobile Internet service ended December 31, 2023 for ECF devices.
Your ECF Chromebook can connect to other available WiFi sources including the free WiFi at all HCPL locations. Click HERE for a map of FREE Wi-Fi in Harris County
You can also transfer internet service to your T-Mobile device. Harris County Office of Broadband may be able to help you find low cost home internet service. Click HERE for more information
Internet service ends December 31, 2023 for ECF devices.
When mobile data ends, your ECF Chromebook can connect to other available WiFi sources including the free WiFi at all HCPL locations. Click HERE for a map of FREE Wi-Fi in Harris County
You can also transfer internet service to your T-Mobile device
Harris County Office of Broadband may be able to help you find low cost home internet service. Click HERE for more information
The Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) is using $7.7 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funding through the FCC/USAC E-rate program. Schools and libraries across the country were invited to send in proposals. The goal of the program, for libraries, is to connect otherwise unconnected patrons to the internet in their homes. While the school side of the program is focused on connecting students to eliminate the homework gap, the library program is designed to connect library patrons of all ages. HCPL applied to receive 15,000 Chromebooks and 40,000 T-Mobile WiFi devices.
HCPL does not have any Chromebooks or charging cables to replace lost, stolen or broken ones.
Damaged devices should be returned to an HCPL location. You will not be charged for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.
No, HCPL staff do not have the ability to remove restrictions or CIPA filtering from the devices.
No. ECF Chromebooks are provided with funding from the federal government and contain Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Content Filtering. CIPA Filtering prohibits the viewing and use of several streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon Video, and others. Please see the CIPA Content Filtering document for a full list of filters. You will receive this document with all the filters at your orientation appointment.
Your ECF Chromebook does not need to be returned.
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