Veterans Resources

CAC Readers @ HCPL - FAQ

• Can I use a CAC Reader on the library's computer? 

  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. 

• Do all HCPL branches have CAC Readers for Military Personnel? 

  No, but many do, and they are located throughout the county. The branches listed below have CAC readers: 

  • Aldine Branch Library 
  • Atascocita Branch Library 
  • Barbara Bush Branch Library 
  • Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library 
  • Crosby Branch Library 
  • Fairbanks Branch Library 
  • High Meadows Branch Library 
  • Jacinto City Branch Library 
  • Katy Branch Library 
  • Kingwood Branch Library 
  • La Porte Branch Library 
  • Lone Star College - CyFair Branch Library 
  • Lone Star College - Tomball Community Library 
  • North Channel Branch Library 
  • Northwest Branch Library 
  • South Houston Branch Library 
  • Spring Branch Memorial Library 
  • Stratford Branch Library (Highlands TX) 

• I am active-duty military, what can I use a CAC reader for? 

  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. 

• How long can I use the CAC reader? 

  The CAC reader checks out for two hours. Loan period may be extended if no one else has requested it. 

• What do I need in order to use a CAC Reader at the library? 

  You may use the CAC Reader if you have a current Department of Defense issued military ID AND you are 

  • a library cardholder with Harris County Public Library or Lone Star College 
  • do not have blocks on your HCPL library card account 

• What is a Common Access Card? 

  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.