Library Cards FAQs

  • General Questions

    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. 

  • Enhanced+ Library Card

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Proof of identities | Documentos para prueba de identidad y residencia

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

    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.