Obtaining Library Cards

A valid Austin County Library System Card lets you check out books and DVDs at both branches of the Library System. To be eligible for a free Library Card, you must be an Austin County resident. You can apply at either branches of the Austin County Library System. Bring a valid/acceptable photo ID or proof of current residence address in the name of the applicant/co-signer.

Accepted valid photo identifications to apply for a library card are:

• Driver license
• Government-issued ID Card
• Military ID
• Passport

 Accepted valid proof of residency to apply for a library card are:

• Unexpired Texas driver license with current local address (not temporary card)
• Unexpired Texas ID Card with current local address
• Dated personal mail addressed to your name, with postmark within last two weeks
• Current utility bill in your name; electric, gas, phone, cable or internet (mailed or on mobile device)

Lost or Stolen Library Cards

The Austin County Library System is not responsible for any unauthorized use of a library card. To minimize liability, cardholders must inform either branch of the Austin County Library System immediately if their Library Card becomes lost or stolen. Reporting the card lost or stolen can be done in person at any Austin County Library System locations.

Cardholders are held responsible for any items checked out and any fines incurred by the use of their Library Card prior to the card being reported lost or stolen.

Renew Your Expired Card

If you currently have a West End Library account and your card has expired, please do not apply for a new card. All adult, teen and child library cards for cardholders must be renewed every three years. Please visit the West End Library to renew your card.

Adult Library Cards

Adult Resident and Non-Resident Library Cards are issued to applicants 18 years and older. To apply for a new or replacement Adult Resident Library Card, the person whose name is on the account must complete a Library Card Application and bring in person a valid/acceptable photo ID and proof of current residence address in their name to any Austin County Library System Location. 

To renew an expired Adult Library Card, the person whose name is on the account must visit an Austin County Library System location and present the library card, a valid and acceptable photo ID, and proof of their current residence address in their name.

Adults renewing their Library Card will need to pay any unpaid fees owed on the account. Non-residents have to pay a non-resident fee ($10/year) in full to renew their Library Card.

Adult Library Card Application Requirements

• First and Last Name as they appear on the photo ID
• Current Residence Address
• Phone number
• Email address (optional)
• Birth Date
• Signature
• Valid/Acceptable Photo ID Number

Youth Library Cards

Youth Resident and Non-Resident Library Cards are issued to applicants who are under 18 years of age in the presence of an adult parent/guardian signee. To apply for a new or replacement Youth Library Card, the adult parent/guardian signee must complete a Library Card Application and bring in person a valid/acceptable photo ID and proof of current residence address in their name to any Austin County Library System location. A child can only have one Youth card account.

To renew an expired Youth Library Card, the parent or guardian listed on the account has to visit an Austin County Library System location and present the Library Card, their valid and acceptable photo ID, and proof of current residence address in their name.

Adults renewing a Youth Library Card will need to pay any unpaid fees owed on the account. Non-residents have to pay a non-resident fee ($10/year) in full to renew a Youth Library Card.

Youth Library Card Application Requirements

• First and Last Name of the Youth Applicant
• First and Last Name of the Parent or Guardian as they appear on the photo ID
• Current Residence Address of the Parent or Guardian
• Birth Date of the Youth Applicant
• Signature of the Parent or Guardian

Valid/Acceptable Photo ID Number of the Parent or Guardian

Checking Out Items and Placing Holds

A valid Austin County Library System card is required to borrow materials. The actual Library Card, or a valid/acceptable photo ID, must be presented in order to check out physical materials. Library materials may not be checked out to an account if there are overdue items currently checked out, fees exceeding $20, or if the account is expired.

Resident and Non-Resident Library Cards can have a maximum of 6 items checked out at one time.  The Austin County Library System TexShare Cards can have a maximum of 5 items checked out at one time.

Loan Periods and Renewals

Placing Holds

Circulating items at any Austin County Library System libraries can have holds placed on them and can be sent to a specified library location for pickup. There is a limit of 5 items at one time.

Holds not picked up or not canceled within the 10 calendar day hold period will be canceled. If the account the hold is placed on has a valid email address, an email notification will be sent when the item is available.

Overdue Charges & Paying Fines

Materials become overdue at the opening of the library the day following the due date on the item. Renewals of materials can be made by telephone during business hours.  There will be no automatic renewals of materials by the library staff.  Book and video drop boxes are located at the library entrance. Materials placed in the drop boxes after closing time will be considered overdue the next day.             

Overdue Fines

Paying Fines

Fines can be paid in person at any Austin County Library System library with:

• Cash
• Personal Checks (for the exact amount)
• Money Orders (for the exact amount)

Or payments (Personal Checks and Money Orders Only) can be mailed to:

Knox Memorial Library

PLEASE NOTE: Austin County Library System libraries will not accept temporary checks nor out-of-state checks.