It varies depending on whether copies are available immediately or if there is a wait list on the item. HCPL makes every effort to make your wait for your item as short as possible.
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General Questions
All you need is an HCPL Knowledge Card and an email linked to your account so you can get pickup notices.
To use a Book Locker, you’ll need to scan your library card barcode. You can find the barcode on the back of your card. If you use the HCPL on the Go App, just tap the “My Barcode” button under the search box to bring it up on your phone.
No. The three HCPL Book Lockers are located inside partner facilities, so they are only available during the buildings' hours of operation. Please see the "Where are Book Lockers located" FAQ for hours)
There are three HCPL Book Lockers.
Tracy Gee Community Center
3599 Westcenter Dr. Houston, TX 77042 [Directions]
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.Trini Mendenhall Community Center
1414 Wirt Road, Houston, TX 77055 (Directions)
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.YMCA International Services
3110 Hayes Rd. Houston TX 77082 [Directions]
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Simply, browse HCPL's online catalog. Place a hold on the book, DVD, or CD you want. Select one of the three HCPL Book Lockers as your pick-up location. When you get a notification that your hold is ready, bring your library card to the Book Locker and check out your item!
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HCPL on the Go App
- Tap menu icon in the top right of the screen (three horizontal bars)
- Tap Sign In
- Type in your library card number or use your phone’s camera to scan the barcode on your card
- Enter your PIN (Personal Identification Number). [Forget your PIN?]
The HCPL on the Go App is available for both Apple and Android devices. The app is free to download in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
If you have successfully logged into the HCPL on the Go app previously and have not signed out, your library card number and PIN will be stored in the app. If you have signed out of the app and do not remember your PIN,, you can call or visit any HCPL location, or reset your PIN online
More information about resetting your PIN including step-by-step instructions
- Open the HCPL on the Go app
- Tap menu icon in the top right of the screen (three bars)
- Tap Linked Accounts
- Tap +Add in the upper right of the screen
- Scan the library card barcode or manually type in the card number using the keypad on the phone
- Enter your child’s PIN.
NOTE: You can link your app with multiple family members’ library cards.
Yes. You need an HCPL library card to use nearly all of the app’s most useful features like searching the catalog, placing holds, and self-checkout
Yes. The app is free and available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Not necessarily. Once you have logged into the app with your library card number and PIN, they will be stored in the HCPL on the Go App until you sign out. If you ever sign out of the app, you will need to log in with your library card number and PIN.
Note: if you want to use the Self-checkout kiosks available at all HCPL branches, your library card barcode is also stored in the app. Simply tap the My Barcode button located just below the search feature on the app. You can then scan the barcode at the kiosk. It will then ask for your PIN.
Yes. When you open the app, you will see a carousel of book covers under the heading Popular Titles. To the right of the heading is a More button. Tap on that and you will see new titles arranged by age range.
When you type in your search term in the app search box, the results will be all relevant items in the HCPL catalog. If you want to see only eBooks or downloadable audiobooks, or any other specific format type, tap the Limit to button and select the desired format.
- Tap on the Hours and Locations button
- Select your HCPL branch from the list.
- Tap the Events @ [Your Location] button at the bottom of the branch page.
When logging in to the HCPL on the Go app with your library card number and PIN, the app generates a digital version of your library card barcode. To use your library barcode at any of the self-checkout kiosks at HCPL branches, simply tap on the MY Barcode button at the top of the screen.
Note: You will still need to type in your PIN to self-checkout using the kiosks. You cannot access your PIN through the app.If you need to reset your PIN, see “What should I do if I forgot my PIN?"
No, the app will not work without a connection to Wi-Fi or mobile data. Please remember that all HCPL branches are equipped with free high-speed internet Wi-Fi.
This feature is not yet available on the HCPL on the Go App. For assistance, please contact us at https://hcpl.net/ask-us/ or visit any HCPL location.
- Open the HCPL on the Go app on your device.
- Tap the Self Checkout button
- Enable Location Services if you have not already done so
- Tap the green Check-out button
- It is best to place the itme to be checked out on a flat surface.
- Find the Harris County Public Library barcode on the item. It is usually on the top front of the item
- Line up the barcoade inside the white square on the screen. Your device’s camera will automatically scan the barcode.
- You can tap the green Scan the Library Barcode buttion at the bottom of the screen if you have more items to check out, or tap the Finish button in the top right corner of the screen.
Yes. Simply locate your item on the library’s hold shelf and use the self-checkout button on your device.
Yes, you can renew the items as long as your account and the item are eligible.
- Tap the menu button (three bars).
- Tap Checkouts
- To renew all items that are checked out, tap the green Renew All button.
- To renew only some of your items, tap each title you want to renew, then the renew button.
For more information about renewals, see Renewals FAQs
Use the search function in the app the item or browse the popular titles and new arrivals sections in the app to find items you would like to check out.
- Tap on the item
- Tap on the Place Hold button
- Select the location where you want to pick up the item when it is ready.
- Tap the green Place Hold button.
- You will receive an email notification when your item is ready for pickup.
Yes, you can.
While Harris County Public Library does not charge fees for items returned late. Fees may be assessed for unreturned, lost, or damaged items.
- Tap the Library Services button
- Tap the Pay Fines button. The Pay Fines button opens on the library website. You will need to log in to the site using your library card number and PIN. If you have not already set up your account on the library website, you will need to do so before you can pay your fines. [More information and step-by-step setup instructions]
NOTE: If you have more than $25 in fees outstanding, your account will be blocked. Once your balance is below $25, we will unblock your account.
The HCPL on the Go app has a search bar at the top of the screen. Type in a keyword, author’s name, book, CD, or DVD title, or a subject, and hit enter. It is that simple. Depending on your search term, you will see all potential matches in all formats, including eBooks and DVDs.
Contact the HCPL on the Go app vendor at support@sol.us, or reach out to any HCPL branch. Please note that HCPL staff can assist with basic app functions and issues with your account. We generally cannot help with problems related to your device’s hardware or operating system.
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Library Cards
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.
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Login and Username Registration
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Borrowing
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My Shelves and My Lists
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Search the New Catalog
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:
- Check your spelling. On your results page, you may see a “Did you mean?” link with a suggestion. If not, review what you typed.
- If you searched by author, title or tag, trying searching by keyword.
- If keyword search gets only a few results, click on Broaden Search link on upper left above the search result. It searches more fields and the result might be less relevant.
- Don’t worry about typing an author’s name with the last name first. You don’t need to type kinsella, sophie. Just type sophie kinsella.
- If you know the ISBN of a title, you can use that as your search keyword.
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:
- Content (fiction/non-fiction)
- Audience
- Form/Genre (mystery, biography, and so on)
- Topic
- Region
- Author
- Language
- Published date
- Average rating, if added by other users
- Tags, if added by other users
- Reading Level (Lexile score)
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:
- Format, alone or with an audience or language term -- DVD Spanish, DVD children
- Audience (children, kids, teen, adult) with a format -- children DVD
- Language (any) with a format -- Spanish DVD
- Add the word new to a smart search, to limit your results to titles your library has acquired in the last 180 days. -- new kids book for children's books acquired in past three months.
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.
- Log in to your account
- Search and filter the results until you get exactly what you want.
- Click the Save Search link above the search results.
- Give the saved search a name that will allow you to easily identify it later.
- Click Save it.
To re-run the saved search:
- Log in to My Account >> My Settings >> Account Preferences >> Saved Searches.
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.
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Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
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:
- any materials outside the United States
- software
- video games
- vinyl LPs
- Laser Discs (LDs)
- downloadable content
- electronic resources
- Items with a replacement value of $250 or more
- Publications less than 6 months old. Please fill out a purchase request form.
- equipment
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
- the author’s name
- the title of the book
- the date of publication (if known)
When requesting an article from a magazine or journal, you will need
- the title of the journal
- the article title
- the volume number
- the pages on which the article appears
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.
- DVDs and CDs have a 4 week checkout period.
- Books and audiobooks have a 4 week checkout period.
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:
- Entire volumes or issues of periodicals
- Reference works
- Rare books or original manuscripts
- Audiobooks, videos, DVD’s
- Some doctoral dissertations and master theses
- Genealogy materials
- Some microfilm is available, but usually involves a long wait due to availability
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.
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Collections
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:
- Chinese: CyFair, Freeman & Maud Marks
- Korean: Bear Creek, Maud Marks & Spring Branch Memorial
- Vietnamese: CyFair, Maud Marks & Parker Williams
- Urdu: Barbara Bush, CyFair, Freeman & Maud Marks
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.
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Research
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.
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Digital Media
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.
- Overdrive: 30 titles at any given time
- Freegal: 3 downloads/month; unlimited streaming
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:
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Passports
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:
- Completed Form DS-11 (with BLACK ink only).
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship
- Current government-issued photo ID AND photocopy of ID.
- Color passport photo (which can be taken at time of appointment for an additional $12 fee payable to Harris County Public Library)
- Passport Fee (check, money order only. Payable to U.S. Department of State)
- Acceptance Fee ($35.00. Checks, money orders, or credit/debit card payable to Harris County Public Library. If paying with cash, please have the exact amount).
- Routine: 4-6 weeks (NOT including mailing time).
- Expedited: 2-3 weeks (NOT including mailing time).
- Expedited at Agency: Must have international travel within 3 business days
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):
- The damaged passport;
- A signed statement explaining the damaged or mutilated condition of your passport book and/or card;
- Form DS-11; and
- All documents required by Form DS-11, including citizenship documentation (i.e., birth certificate).
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
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Summer Reading Program
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.
- Log into Beanstack.
- Click on the white Add a Review button found at the top of the page
- Select either Write a Review or Post a Picture Review
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
- 1 Book = 10 points
- 30 Minutes = 10 points
- 1 Activity = 5 points
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.
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Maker Central
To start using the machines we offer in our maker locations, just follow these steps to get started:
- Sign up at hcpl.beanstack.org
- Select Maker Central program
- Select the maker machine you want to be certified for.
- Find an orientation class to complete the activity badge
- Complete activity badges to get certified for device access
- Book time at a maker location.
After you have been certified to use one or more HCPL maker machines, follow the steps below to book a time.
- go to hcpl.beanstack.org
- Sign into your account
- Go to the Maker Central tab and click on Rewards.
- Scroll down to the reward that shows you have completed orientation for the machine you want to use
- Under instructions, click on the link and you will be taken to the Equipment Reservation page
- Fill out the Equipment Reservation Form and click “Submit”. You will receive an initial email confirming receipt of your request. You should receive a second email that confirms your appointment within one business day.
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
- 3D Printers
- Laser Cutters
- CNCs
- Cricuts
- Vinyl Cutters
- Sewing Machines
- Heat Presses
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ESL
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:
- Find the ESL classes that works for you
- Call your nearest HCPL branch library
- Call the Literacy Services Specialist: 713-274-6600
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.
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Literacy
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.
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Printing & Copying
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.
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Special Equipment
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HCPL Connected & Digital Access
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.