
HCPL offers a variety of library cards. The Knowledge Card and Kids Know It Card are full-service cards. The iKnow Card offers instant access to nearly all of the library's online resources. Our Enhanced+ Library Card is a full service library card and verified photo ID in one. We also offer library cards for active duty military personnel and TexShare Cards for use at partner libraries across Texas. Find the card that is right for you!
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Library Cards - Pick the card that's right for you!
The Harris County Enhanced+ Library Card is a full-service library card and verified photo ID in one!
Enhanced+ cards contain your full name, date of birth, gender, address, library card number, expiration date and photo. Enhanced library cards can be used as a supplemental form of Photo ID. The Enhanced+ Library Card does not replace the HCPL full-service Knowledge Card. It is simply an additional option for library users who might benefit from another form of photo ID.
- Only residents of Harris County TX are eligible for an Enhanced+ Library Card.
- Enhanced+ Library Cards are available to library users of any age.
- You must be present and have sufficient documentation in order to receive an Enhanced+ Library Card
How to get a Harris County Enhanced+ Library Card
Step 1:
Complete the Harris County Enhanced+ Library Card Application.
Print Enhanced+ Card Application | Imprimir solicitud de tarjeta Enhanced+
Step 2:
Visit any Harris County Public Library branch or participating community partner location.
This service is currently NOT available at Baldwin Boettcher, Harris County Law Library and Texas Medical Center Library.
Step 3:
Present documents that prove your identity and residence. See below for information and a full list of acceptable documents.
Step 4:
Your Enhanced+ Library Card will be made while you wait.
Have Questions? Visit Enhanced+ Library Card FAQ
Documents for Proof of Identity and Residency
Proof of IdentityIdentity document(s) must equal 3 points. Consult the chart below for document point values. |
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Documents Worth 3 Points: Must be the original document, expired for one year or less, with a photograph, full name, and date of birth. |
Documents Worth 2 Points: Must be the original document, unexpired, with the applicant’s name. |
Documents Worth 1 Point: Must be the original document, unexpired, with the applicant’s name. |
Adults and Minors: International Documents: Renewal of Adult Enhanced Library Card:
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Adults and Minors:
• Verification of Release Form (Issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement) • Written verification issued by a hospital, health care provider, or social services agency located in Greater Houston Area verifying that the applicant’s identity (must be signed and dated on official agency letterhead). |
Adults and Minors: |
Proof of ResidencyAll applicants must present ONE of the following documents. The applicant’s name and Harris County residential address must be on the document. |
The following must be current and unexpired: The following must be dated within 60 days: The following must be dated within 1 year: The following must be dated within the current school year: *Note: If a minor is unable to provide residency documents, a parent or legal guardian may verify the minor’s residency, provided the parent/guardian would be eligible for an HCPL Photo ID Library Card themselves. |
Visit any Harris County Public Library Branch to receive a full-service card. All you need is proof of address and a completed library card application form.
Library Card Application
Solicitud de Tarjeta de Biblioteca en Español
The HCPL iKnow Digital Access Card allows instant access to:
- Downloadable eBooks and audiobooks through OverDrive
- Streaming video through Kanopy and OverDrive
- Popular magazines through Flipster
- Research databases for business, genealogy, language learning and more
NOTE: If you have an HCPL full-service library card, you do not need to get an additional digital access card. Your full-service card grants you access to these same services.
iKnow Digital Access Cards are valid for three years and are restricted to residents of Harris County.
Get your iKnow Card now.
If you are active duty military personnel, you can access downloadable media and our databases. If you do not already have a library card but are still in the Harris County area, you can get a library card by visiting one of our branches. For active duty military personnel, a military ID may be used for the purpose of obtaining a library card even though military IDs do not show a mailing address. APO addresses supplied by the applicant are acceptable on library accounts for military personnel. Library cards are free for everyone. If you are not currently in the Harris County area, you can get a library card online using our Military Library Card Application.
Harris County Public Library participates in the TexShare Library Card Program sponsored by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The TexShare Card Program provides free reciprocal borrowing privileges to registered borrowers of member libraries, academic and public.
The TexShare card allows HCPL cardholders to borrow materials from other participating libraries in the State of Texas. Only currently registered HCPL customers in good standing (no overdue or lost books, and no library fines) may get a TexShare card from Harris County.
TexShare Cardholders visiting from another library system will be asked to provide proof of mailing address, issued HCPL library cards, and allowed full HCPL borrowing privileges with the exception of Interlibrary Loan.
Only HCPL customers registered for 90 days in good standing (no overdue or lost books, and no library fines) may get a TexShare card from Harris County.
For complete information on this State Library program see the TexShare Home Page at https://www.tsl.texas.gov/texshare/index.html.
Parents or guardians must sign and accept financial responsibility on library card application for children under 18 years of age.
Fill out and print the application below or get one at the library.
Kids Know It Card Application Save a tree and swipe your ID at the kiosk in branch
Solicitud de tarjeta de biblioteca infantil en Español
Collections
From online research tools to the latest bestseller, Harris County Public Library provides information and resources to enrich lives and strengthen communities within and beyond our walls. The shelves of our 26 branches are stocked with over 1.5 million books, DVDs and CDs and our digital media catalog of downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines, and streaming movies contains over 150,000 items and still growing.
Use the Explore tab at the top of the page anywhere on the website to access our collection.
Our Collection Development Team researches each title, listens to input from customers like you and ultimately decides what materials go onto our libraries' shelves and into our digital media catalog. Clck on Collection FAQ to learn how we make purchasing decisions, how to suggest a title we might have missed, what we do with worn-out or damaged books and answers to many other collection-related questions.
Collections FAQ
Digital Media
Learn all about the free eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines & streaming movies.
Read, Listen, Watch on your Mobile Device
Digital Media Support & FAQs