From the Library’s website, you can get your account information from the My Account tab. You will need your library card number to log into My Account. This is your gateway to account information including items you currently have checked-out, their due dates, the status of any item you have on hold and many other features to make account management a breeze.

The San Antonio Public Library Card is your free all access pass to millions of books, DVDs, music downloads and more.

The San Antonio Public Library Card is free for:

• All Bexar County residents
• All individuals that own a business or property in Bexar County
• All City of San Antonio Employees

Getting your library card in person:

• Stop by any San Antonio Public Library Location.
• You need a photo ID and proof of current address – like your driver’s license.
• If your photo ID does not include your current address, you can use something like a utility bill if it includes your current address.
• Children under 18 may be issued cards if accompanied by a parent or guardian with a photo ID and proof of current address.
• For those owning a business or property in Bexar County, a property tax record, an Assumed Name Certificate of Registration or a Sales Tax Permit may be used.
• San Antonio City employees should present their city badge or a current paycheck stub.

Pre-register for your library card online:

• To begin immediately using many of our online services, fill out the online registration form.
• Then stop by any San Antonio Public Library location within 30 days, present your photo ID and proof of current address and pick up your library card.

A San Antonio Public Library card allows you to do more than just borrow books and other materials. From your home computer you can use your card to access the Library’s online resources, find magazine articles, research your family tree and even download free digital media – like audiobooks and music.

Do you live outside of Bexar County? You are eligible for a free San Antonio Public Library card if you own Bexar County property or a business and provide appropriate identification like a property tax record, an Assumed Name Certificate of Registration or a Sales Tax Permit. You may purchase a San Antonio Public Library card for $100 per year or $30 per 3-month period if you are not a Bexar County resident or own property or a business in Bexar County. All you need is a current photo ID.

Your card allows you access to all of San Antonio Public Library’s materials – both in person and online.

For our patrons who are unable to visit the library because of a disability, we provide a Books By Mail service. If you have a homebound account, you can request items by phone or online, and they will be mailed to you. Homebound cards should not be used to check out books when visiting a library location.

• Eligibility
• You are a Bexar County resident.
• You are unable to visit the library due to a medical disability.


• Obtaining a Card
• If you currently have a library card and want to convert it to a homebound card, call 207-2500.
• If you do not currently have a library card, call 207-2500 to request a homebound card application be mailed to you. Complete the application and mail it to the following address:
  Central Library
  Attn: Circulation Unit
  600 Soledad
  San Antonio, TX 78205
  Once the application is received, it will be processed and a homebound card will be mailed to you with instructions on how to use the Books By Mail service.
• You may be required to submit certification of your disability or homebound status.


• Requesting Materials
• You can browse the catalog and place holds online.
• You can call 207-2500 to request a title, or to speak to a librarian who will assist you in finding a title you wish to place on hold. Please have your card with you when you call. You will be asked for your library card number in order to place items on hold.
• Once the materials you have requested are available, they will be mailed to you. Held items will not be available for pickup at a branch library.


• Check Out Periods for Mailed Items
• Books and audiobooks - 4 weeks
• DVDs, videos, and music CDs - 2 weeks
• When you receive your holds, the included receipt will list the due date for each item. Be sure to return items by their due dates to avoid any overdue fines.


• Renewing Items
• Items may be renewed online or by phone. Books and audiobooks can be renewed twice for a three-week period each time. DVDs, videos, and music CDs can be renewed once for a one-week period. If you have problems renewing an item, see Trouble Renewing Items?


• Returning Materials
• Items may be returned by mail or you can have a friend or relative return the items to any San Antonio Public Library Location.
• The library only covers the cost of shipping items to you. You are responsible for the postage if you return items by mail.
• If an item is not returned by its due date, your account will be charged an overdue fine.
• Fines and fees may be paid by check through the mail. See Paying Fines and Fees.

Expired Cards

• Library cards expire every two years.
• Your card’s expiration date is shown when you log in to My Account.
• When your account is expired, you are not able to renew items or place holds online.
• Update your account by renewing your card.

Card Renewal

• Renew your card in person at any San Antonio Public Library Location.
• You need a photo ID and proof of current address – like your driver’s license.
• If your photo ID does not include your current address, you can use something like a utility bill if it includes your current address.
• To renew your card, your account balance must be at zero, and you must not have more than 5 items overdue. See Paying Fines and Fees.
• Library cards cannot be renewed over the telephone, through email, or online.

If You Lose Your Library Card

• Report the lost card immediately to the nearest San Antonio Public Library Location.
• You are responsible for items borrowed on your card.
• Parents and guardians are responsible for items checked out on their child’s card.

Replacing Your Lost Card

• Please bring a photo ID and proof of current address with you to any San Antonio Public Library Location to replace your card.
• There is no charge to replace a library card.

You can update your email address or telephone number at any time by logging in to My Account. Simply click the “Edit Phone/Email” button, enter the correct information, and click “Submit.” All other changes to your account must be made in person and require proper documentation.

If any of the following is true, your card is considered not in good standing, and you will not be able to check out an item, renew an item, or place an item on hold.

• Fines totaling over $ 10.00
• More than 5 items overdue
• Card has expired

Keep your account in good standing by returning your items on time, paying any fines or fees, and renewing your card when it expires.

If you see an error message that says the information you entered is invalid, please try the following:

• Double check your library card number.
• Make sure the name you use to log in matches the name on your account.
• If your name is misspelled on your account, or if you try to sign in with a nickname (i.e., Bob instead of Robert), it will not recognize you.
• Try using just your first name or only your last name and card number to sign in.
• If you continue to have problems, contact us online or call 207-2500.

If you keep returning to the login page, you might be experiencing problems with the settings on your computer. Please try the following:

• AOL and some other proprietary browsers do not fully support all web public catalog functions. If you are using one of these browsers, minimize it and open the Internet Explorer (IE), Netscape, Firefox, Mozilla, or Opera browser to access My Account.
• Make sure cookies are enabled. For example, in IE go to Tools -- Internet Options -- Privacy and set the privacy level at the medium level or lower.
• If you are using IE, turn off the Content Advisor before you log in to My Account. Go to Tools--Internet Options--Content--Disable Content Advisor.
• If you have a personal firewall, shut it off temporarily to see if it helps.
• Spyware/Adware programs may potentially interfere. Run a spyware/adware removal program such as SpyBot or Ad-Aware.
• If you continue to have problems, contact us online or call 207-2500.