Call the Central Library Circulation Unit at (210) 207-2600.
We'll be happy to talk with you.
Hours of Operation
Monday & Tuesday 12 - 8 pm
Wednesday - Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday Closed
The Enhanced Library Card (ELC) is an optional Library card design which includes a person’s name, photo, address, Library card expiration date, date of birth, area of residency, and Library card barcode number.
Cardholders have access to the many benefits and resources available to all Library users. This includes books, DVDs and other physical materials in our collection, as well as our various electronic resources (such as e-books, databases, and more).
An ELC may serve as a supplementary proof of identity. It is recommended cardholders inquire with relevant organizations and agencies for their policies and procedures in establishing identity.
| ALAMOHT | City of Alamo Heights | HELOTES | City of Helotes |
| BALCONESHT | City of Balcones Heights | HILLCTRYVL | City of Hill Country Village |
| BEXARCO | Unincorporated Bexar County | HOLLYWOODP | Town of Hollywood Park |
| CASTLEHILS | City of Castle Hills | KIRBY | City of Kirby |
| CHINAGROVE | City of China Grove | LEONVALLEY | City of Leon Valley |
| CITY-D01 | City of San Antonio Council District 1 | LIVEOAK | City of Live Oak |
| CITY-D02 | City of San Antonio Council District 2 | OLMOSPARK | City of Olmos Park |
| CITY-D03 | City of San Antonio Council District 3 | OUTSIDE-BX | Outside Bexar County |
| CITY-D04 | City of San Antonio Council District 4 | SANDYOAKS | City of Sandy Oaks |
| CITY-D05 | City of San Antonio Council District 5 | SCHERTZ | City of Schertz |
| CITY-D06 | City of San Antonio Council District 6 | SELMA | City of Selma |
| CITY-D07 | City of San Antonio Council District 7 | SHAVANOPK | City of Shavano Park |
| CITY-D08 | City of San Antonio Council District 8 | SOMERSET | City of Somerset |
| CITY-D09 | City of San Antonio Council District 9 | STHEDWIG | City of Saint Hedwig |
| CITY-D10 | City of San Antonio Council District 10 | TERRELLHLS | City of Terrell Hills |
| CONVERSE | City of Converse | UNIVERSALC | City of Universal City |
| ELMENDORF | City of Elmendorf | VONORMY | City of Von Ormy |
| FAIROAKS | City of Fair Oaks Ranch | WINDCREST | City of Windcrest |
| GREYFOREST | City of Grey Forest |
Enhanced Library Cards are available to adults (individuals who are 18 years old or above) or minors who are legally emancipated.
To apply for any Library card, including the Enhanced Library Card, Library staff need to verify your identity and address in person. The easiest way to verify your identity is to bring a photo ID and proof of address (such as a utility bill or other piece of mail) with you. For more information about acceptable photo ID and address verification, click here to view our Adult Library Card Requirements.
If you don't have a photo ID, check out our Adult Library Card Requirements for a list of acceptable alternate documents.
If you don't have a proof of address document, we can mail your Enhanced Library Card to you.
We’ll mail your Enhanced Library Card to you. It should arrive within three to five business days. If you have an accepted Photo ID and address verification document, you may request Rush Service. Our staff will notify you in 1-2 business days when your ELC is ready for your pick up at the Central Library, 600 Soledad, San Antonio, TX 78205.
If you’re eligible to receive a San Antonio Public Library Card for free, you can also receive an Enhanced Library Card for free. There is no additional fee for an Enhanced Library Card. More information about getting a San Antonio Public Library Card can be found at the following links:
The Enhanced Library Card is a San Antonio Public Library Card and can be used at all San Antonio Public Library locations, as well as online to access our e-books and other digital resources.
No, the Enhanced Library Card is an optional Library card and is not required. If you would like a standard Library card, please visit any San Antonio Public Library location. Our staff will be happy to assist you.
To apply for any Library card, including the Enhanced Library Card, Library staff need to verify your identity and address in person. The easiest way to verify your identity is to bring a photo ID and proof of address (such as a utility bill or other piece of mail) with you. For more information about acceptable photo ID and address verification, click here to view our Adult Library Card Requirements.
If you don't have a photo ID, check out our Adult Library Card Requirements for a list of acceptable alternate documents.
If you don't have a proof of address document, we can mail your Enhanced Library Card to you.
If you don't have a photo ID, check out our Adult Library Card Requirements for a list of acceptable alternate documents.
If you don’t have any of the accepted alternate documents, you may want to consider ID Recovery. Here are some organizations in San Antonio offering this service:
https://sacrd.org/directory/subcategory/identification-recovery?zipcode=78205
Yes, if you're eligible for an ELC and provide the required documentation, you’ll immediately receive a standard Library card and may begin borrowing items from the Library. The Library barcode number on your standard card and ELC will be the same.
If you have an accepted photo ID and address verification, you may request Rush Service. Our staff will notify you in 1-2 business days when your ELC is ready for your pick up at the Central Library, 600 Soledad, San Antonio, TX 78205. Bring a photo ID with you to present to staff for your ELC pick up.
Additionally, when applying for an ELC, you can request and receive a temporary, paper copy of your ELC.
Haven for Hope offers photo ID cards with the Haven for Hope address listed, which we will accept to create an Enhanced Library Card. For more information about Haven for Hope and its programs, visit https://www.havenforhope.org/contact/.
The application process for Enhanced Library Card should last about 15-20 minutes.
Enhanced Library Cards are only available to adults (individuals who are 18 years old or above) or minors who are legally emancipated.
The Enhanced Library Card includes your name, photo, and other personal information. As with all documents containing your personal information, your ELC should be kept in a safe location.
Immediately contact or visit any San Antonio Public Library location (except Kampmann Portal) for staff assistance in reviewing, closing, and replacing your lost or stolen ELC. Photo ID and address verification are required to receive a replacement ELC.
