What You Can Do With A Houston Library Card

The Houston Public Library has 44 locations spread all throughout Houston, all of which offer invaluable resources and services to those with a library card. 

From online audiobooks to movie streaming platforms to passport services, music studios, 3D printing labs and more, here’s all you can do at the Houston Public Library!

How to get a Houston Public Library card

The Houston Public Library uses the MY Link library card system, which is available to not just those who live within Houston city limits, but also to all those in the state!

If you are a Texas resident or live near our luxury Houston apartments, then you can apply for a My Link library card online or in-person at one of the Houston Public Library’s branches. All you need to prove your eligibility is a form of valid photo ID that also includes your address. If your address doesn’t appear on the ID, then you can bring in additional documents to support both required forms of identification.

Documents that can be used to determine eligibility include:

• Texas driver’s license
• Any state’s driver's license
• Passport
• Government issued I.D. card
• METRO identification card
• Any state or city’s identification card

Once you complete the form, you will be emailed a unique six-digit number that grants you access to all the resources and services available through the Houston Public Library. There is no fee involved in this process if you are a Texas resident, but if you are applying from out-of-state then you will have to pay an annual fee of $40. 

And honestly, that’s a pretty good deal for all the amazing things you can get from the Houston Public Library! Here’s what your library card gives you access to.

What services and resources does the Houston Public Library provide?

Online databases/digital library

In addition to the wealth of books, magazines, games and more at each of the Houston Public Library’s physical branches, your library card can also grant you access to the vast and endless world of digital libraries. 

Online, library card holders can browse through audiobooks, e-books, movies, music, courses, comics, magazines and much, much more!

Passport services

A library, one might say, is a passport to the world of knowledge. 

And in this case, a library is also a passport to a passport application, which can be done at the Central, Collier, Henington-Alief, McGovern-Stella Link and Park Place Houston Public Library branches. You can schedule an appointment up to two weeks in advance and have your passport application in the mail before you know it!

Just make sure that you fill out the passport application form beforehand (DO NOT SIGN IT YET), bring two passport photos (which can also be taken at select Houston Public Library branches), bring proof of citizenship (an original and a copy), a valid form of ID and a check to pay the application fee. 

International services

Houston is a city filled with people from all over the world. And, for many of these vibrant Houston residents, English might be their second, third or even fourth language! 

The Houston Public Library offers some valuable English language resources geared toward the international community here in Houston. These programs are designed to facilitate discussions, help with job or academic advancement and provide a community in which to grow and learn. 

Cafecollege Houston

The Houston Public Library offers some excellent programs and services geared towards learners of all kinds, from youth to college students to adult learners and everyone in between!

The Cafecollege program at the Carnegie Neighborhood Library and Center for Learning is open everyday except Sundays and is ready to help with a host of academic courses and processes at every learning stage. This includes adult literacy programs, GED programs, college enrollment help (to include interview prep, resume help, essay writing and transfer planning) and help with financial aid applications and financial guidance. 

TECHLink centers

The Houston Public Library has a host of state-of-the-art equipment and labs that can be used for projects of all kinds. Here are just a few of the specialized pieces of machinery and technology that you, a library card holder, have access to. 

• Book, document & photo scanners
• VHS to DVD conversion
• Poster sized printing
• Digital artistry tablets
• Digital teleprompters
• Moveable lighting equipment
• DSLR cameras
• HD/4k video cameras
• Digital and acoustic instruments
• Microphones
• CD and LP mixing consoles
• Amps and monitors
• Digital audio software
• 3D printers and 3D scanners
• Laser cutters and engravers
• Embroidery machines
• Professional design software
• Cricut die cutting machines
• Kid-friendly handheld tablets
• Collaborative craft spaces for kids
• iPad gaming kits

Not to mention workshops on how to use a 3D printer, animation basics, creating custom embroidery, laser cutting and more!

Reservable spaces

The Houston Public Library has reservable rooms and venues for everything from meetings to study groups to weddings, lectures, celebrations and more! Check out the list of reservable locations here, which include the premier rental spaces at the Houston Public Library’s three historic venues!

History research centers

Speaking of historic venues, the three historic library building are hosts to the Houston Public Library’s history research centers, focusing on African American history, Hispanic history, Houston history and genealogy research. 

These locations and research collections grant library card holders access to local and family history that is unique to the Houston area. You never know what you may find out about your neighborhood, family members and favorite parts of the city!

A library card is free to use, but the wealth of knowledge, resources and services it grants is priceless! Get your library card today to enjoy the many benefits of the Houston Public Library and all it has to offer you.

Enjoy!

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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/olivergotting