What is a valid Houston Public Library card?
A valid library card is one that has not expired and has a total of less than $10 in fines and fees pending. Most registrations expire after three years. Library cards must be renewed in person and require identification with your current address.
A library card that has expired cannot be used to borrow additional materials until it is renewed. A library card that is blocked because it has accrued $10 or more in fines and fees cannot be used to borrow additional materials until the amount due has been paid down to below $10.
How many items can I check out at a time?
You may borrow up to a total of 50 items at one time. Format limits: You may not have more than 10 CDs, 5 CD-ROMs and 5 DVDs checked out on your card.
Do I have to have my card with me to check out materials?
If you have forgotten to bring your card, you can usually check out by presenting a picture ID with your current address. You must have either your picture ID with your current address matching your borrower record in our system, or your library card, in order to check out. To speed checkout, we strongly suggest that you bring your library card with you; if the automated system is down for any reason, we will be unable to access your record without the account number and you will be unable to check out.
What if I lose my library card?
Report your lost or stolen library card to the Library as soon as possible to prevent others from charging materials to your account. You are responsible for all items charged to your card until its loss is reported. Staff can issue a new replacement card the next time you visit the library.
How long can I keep library materials?
For most materials, the loan period is two weeks. Most items can be renewed twice for two-week periods each time. The maximum loan period, including renewals, is six weeks.
What materials cannot be renewed?
- Items on library cards with fines or fees of $10 or more.
- Items on library cards that have expired.
- Materials have already been renewed twice.
- Materials have been checked out for the maximum loan period of six weeks.
- Materials on hold for another borrower cannot be renewed.
- Materials requested through our Interlibrary Loan service.
What else do I need to know about renewal?
You may renew your materials online through the "My Library Account" button in the Library Catalog. Materials currently charged on your account will be renewed for two weeks from the current due date,or, in the case of an overdue item, two weeks from the date you submit your request. Please make a note of the new due date. It is recommended that you print a copy of your account after renewing.
You may also renew items by phone at 832-393-2280.
Materials borrowed through Interlibrary Loan must be renewed by arrangement with the Interlibrary Loan Department.
Where can I return materials?
Items checked out from any Houston Public Library may be returned to any HPL location. Most HPL locations have book drops for your convenience after hours. Audiovisual materials are fragile and should not be returned in the book drop.
How much are overdue fines?
Please note: Library cards may not be used when the amount due reaches $10, until payment is made.
List of fines and fees.
What if I lose or damage something I borrow?
If library material is not returned within six weeks of the due date, you will receive a billing notice from the Library. In addition to the replacement cost of the lost item, you will be charged a non-refundable processing fee for each lost item, plus any applicable overdue charges. The library cannot accept replacement items in lieu of lost items. Items returned with damage that warrants withdrawal from the collection will be treated as lost.