- How do I get a Library Card?
- Please see Library Card Application Information for Adults for detailed instructions.
- How do I get a Library card for my child?
Please see APL Youth Card Application Information for detailed instructions.
- Can I apply for a card online?
- No, you need to present the application and necessary ID in person at any Library location.
- When will I get the card?
If you qualify, your Star Card will be issued at the time you apply.
- What if I am not a Texas resident?
Please see the Nonresident Library Cards section of our Circulation Policies for more information.
- How long may I keep the items that I have checked out?
Please see the Loan Periods section of our Circulation Policies.
We no longer stamp due dates on library materials, but you can view your due dates online using My Account, or you can call 974-7400, and ask us to look up the due date.
- How many items may I check out?
Please see the Checkout Limits section of our Circulation Policies.
- Can I renew the items I have checked out?
Please see the Renewals section of our Circulation Policies for more information.
- Can I have an item sent to another Library location?
- Yes, you can. When you place a hold on a item, a default pick-up location displays. If you want to pick up your holds at a different location, click on the down arrow to the right of the pick-up location and select another location from the list. If you mistakenly select the wrong location, just cancel your hold, and place the hold again.
- Can I return materials to any Library location?
- Library materials may be returned to any Library location. All locations have outside book drops.
- What happens if I return an item late?
The library charges fines for materials that are returned late. Please see the Overdue Charges section of our Circulation Policies for fine amounts.
- Can I pay a fine online?
No, right now Library customers cannot pay overdue charges online. Please see the Method of Payment section of our Circulation Policies for payment options.
- What happens if I lose or damage an item?
Please see the Lost or Damaged Materials section of our Circulation Policies for more information.
- What should I do if I returned the item, but it's still on my account?
You should call the branch where the item was checked out. For any question about fines, lost items, or overdue items, call 974-7475 Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8:55 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:55 p.m. You may also send email to Circulation Support at circlink@ci.austin.tx.us. Please remember to include your name and Library card number.
- What should I do if I lose my Library card?
- Please notify the Library as soon as possible if you lose your Library Card to prevent someone else from using it. Call Customer Service at (512) 974-7475, Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8:55 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:55 p.m. You will need to visit a Library location to reapply for a card.
- Does my Library Card expire?
- Yes. Adult resident cards are good for one year. Youth cards are good for one year, or until the borrower's 17th birthday, whichever occurs sooner. To apply for a new card or to renew an expired existing card, proof of current address must be provided.
- Where can I find the complete Austin Public Library Circulation Policies?
- Please see Austin Public Library Circulation Policies
- What is My Account?
In My Account you can:
- see which items you have checked out and when they are due
- see a list of the items you've placed on hold
- cancel holds you no longer need
- renew materials
- see your fines
- change your e-mail or street address.
My Account quickly shows you how many holds are waiting to be picked up and which items can be renewed. To use My Account, you will need to create a PIN.
- How do I log in to My Account?
- Click on My Account on the Library's homepage (left-side menu) or on the FindIt toolbar. Enter your Library card number and PIN. A new window will open with your name in the header of the screen. You can now access all of your account information, and place holds without having to re-enter your barcode. Click Logout on the toolbar to close the window and log out of your account.
- How do I create a PIN?
- Go to the Library's FindIt Catalog, then
- Click on My Account on the toolbar.
- Click on create one under the Review My Account box.
- Type in your Library card number and choose a PIN. Your new PIN should be at least 4 characters and no more than 10 characters long.
- Re-type your PIN and click Create PIN. Now you can use your PIN to place holds on items, renew items, or view your account from any Internet-connected computer.
You can only create a PIN once. If you have problems creating a PIN, please call Customer Service at 974-7475 or click Ask a Librarian to send us an email with your Library card number.
- How do I change my PIN?
- Click on My Account.
- Enter your Library card number and PIN. Click Display User Information.
- Click on change my PIN/Password.
- Enter your old PIN.
- Enter a new PIN. Verify your new PIN by entering it again.
- Click on Change PIN and then OK.
- What should I do if I forget my PIN?
- If you have created or changed your PIN and then forgotten it, you must contact the Library. Call 974-7400, visit a Library location, or click Ask A Librarian to send an email request or to chat.
- How do I change my email or home address?
- If your email address changes, you can let the Library know by logging into My Account and selecting Update My Account Information. However, if your home address changes, you will still need to come into the Library to show proof of address.
