Join the MY Link Family
The Houston Public Library Card, MY Link, has many benefits that will link YOU to many Worlds of information and entertainment (our library card used to be called PowerCard). MY Link Library Card opens doors for you – linking YOU to the things you like and the things you love – from streaming music and movies, e-books and audiobooks, to access to more than 130 databases and resources on countless subjects that you can use to build, create or learn anything you want...not to mention access to library collections from across the nation, all free for YOU.
The best benefit to MY Link Library Card is that it connects you to a community of people who can simplify your information needs to get you the answers you want, clearly and easily. HPL staff is available at more than 40 locations throughout Houston as well as online.
So whether you are young, young at heart, a hip-hop head, a rocket scientist, an artist or skater, a cook, singer or student, MY Link fits YOU.
I have MY Link. Do YOU have yours?
Benefits of Library Card
- Access to more than six million books, e-books, DVDs, magazines and research materials that make up the HPL collection.
- Access to more than 130 electronic resources which include streaming music, videos, images, audiobooks, and countless other subject-based websites and databases.
- Access to books and materials at other libraries, nationally and internationally, through our Interlibrary Loan program.
- Free Wi-Fi and computer access at all HPL Locations.
- Laptop and tablet checkout.
Library cards are free to all Texas residents.
Our Partner
Learn more about our MY Link Library Card partner, H-E-B.
How do I get a MY Link Library Card?
Receive temporary access to Houston Public Library resources, including the ability to access library databases and place holds on materials. Only 1 hold may be placed using the temporary registration. Visit any Houston Public Library to complete the application process. *Online registration does not allow access to our downloadable e-books, e-audiobooks and online courses.
Apply in person at any Houston Public Library Location
Adults
You must provide a valid photo I.D. with your current address. The following types of photo I.D. are acceptable if they are not expired:
- government agency issued identification card
- passports from any country
- any state driver's license
- any state or city identification card
- METRO identification card
- school identification card
If the photo I.D. does not include your address, you will need to provide a separate document that includes that information.
Children under 18
Parents or guardians must sign applications for children under 18; if the child is not present, the parent or guardian must provide one of the following:
- a current identification/document in the child's name issued by a government agency, school, or social services provider
- OR the child's birth certificate
- OR the child's immunization record
For details about acceptable alternative forms of identification, you may call the Circulation Department at (832) 393-2222, M-Th 10-8, Fri-Sat 10-5 or email us at circinfo@hpl.lib.tx.us.
Library cards expire every 3 years and must be renewed in person. Lost cards should be reported as soon as possible, as cardholders will be held responsible for any materials checked out on their card. There is no charge to replace a lost library card.
Library Card Registration Form
Print this form in advance and bring it to any Houston Public Library location to sign up for your library card and get full access to all library services, including the ability to check out books, audiobooks, DVDs, and CDs and renew them online.
Access the Library Card Registration Form
Registration by Mail
If you are a Texas resident and unable to physically come to the library to register for a library card, you can register by mail. Please print the Library Card registration form and send it, along with a good quality photocopy of your photo I.D. with your current address, to:
Houston Public Library
System Circulation Department (Library Card)
500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77002
You can also email a scanned copy of the completed application form and photo I.D. to circinfo@hpl.lib.tx.us.
It takes about 24 hours to process applications received by mail or email and prepare the card to be mailed, if all necessary information was included with the application.
Computer Use Only Cards
Computer Use Only Cards allow computer access, including Internet access and access to licensed databases. To obtain a Computer Use Only Card, the following is required:
Adults
- Name
- Photo I.D. that includes birth date
Children under 18
- Name
- Birth date
- Name of school (or an indication that they are homeschooled)
Birth date is required to help prevent duplication of records.
Computer Use Only cards must be renewed every year. There is a $1 replacement fee for lost Computer Use Only cards.
Non-resident Cards
If you live outside of Texas, you can obtain a card by paying a non-resident fee of $20/6 months or $40/year (personal check or money order made out to City of Houston). You can apply in person or by mail (see section above).
What Can I Do with my MY Link Library Card?
- Borrow books, DVDs, CDs, e-books, and other materials
- Use our research databases
- Place holds
- Place your holds from home and get email notification for pick-up.There is a maximum of 30 holds per library card at any one time. Ask any HPL staff member if you need help with this service. Pick-up and check-out your items at the library location you choose. Holds will be held for 7 days. Check-out period is 3 weeks.
- Place interlibrary loan requests for items Houston Public Library does not own.
- Check your account: To renew your own items, view or cancel holds, view your checkout history.
Membership has many privileges. Get your MY Link card today!