Apply online in minutes for a temporary, 90-day* SAPL eCard! With this temporary library card, you can:
*During your 90-day eCard period, you will need to complete your library card application by visiting your nearby library location and showing a valid ID and proof of address to receive your physical card.
Next, visit any SAPL location to complete your registration and get your physical library card. Your new card unlocks physical and online collections, technology access at library locations city-wide, and more. Visit any San Antonio Public Library location with a valid photo ID and proof of address . Our friendly staff will issue you both a standard SAPL library card and keychain mini-card!
You can also visit a library location with your required documents without applying online first.
Library cards for youth: San Antonians under 18 can also register for a card by presenting a photo ID or proof of address. Younger children without these documents can sign up when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with valid photo ID and proof of address.
New card designs have arrived to rep your style and show off your library pride! When applying for your new library card at a San Antonio Public Library location, you can now choose any one of the following optional card designs!
Smarty, the San Antonio Public Library mascot, loves to visit the library to meet friends, take classes, make crafts, play video games, study, and check out books. Get this card and join Smarty's adventures!
Grab your cowboy hat and immerse yourself in the world of Westerns with works from legendary authors. Settle in for a spell with a good story or explore the history of Texas. Put on your boots and ride to your nearest library!
Are you looking for a retreat? With our vast collection of books, movies, music, magazines and more, you can lose yourself in a sea of stories and discover new places, people, and possibilities.
Celebrate San Antonio's Latino heritage with these folk art flowers that represent the beauty of our culture and traditions here in SATX.
Baile! This card is for our music lovers. Immerse yourself in the lively rhythms of music and dance, traditional and modern. We have all types of music in our collection!
La escalera? Ooooo No, la biblioteca! If you love to play lotería with your familia, this is your card!
Celebrate the vibrancy of San Antonio! In the heart of downtown and throughout the City, the library is here for you.
There's something comforting about the pure simplicity of our original design. Show off your love of the library with the classic library card!
There are library cards, and then there are Enhanced Library Cards*! Both cards offer the same access to our collections and resources, but an Enhanced Library Card offers a special design which includes a cardholder’s name, photo, address, Library card expiration date, date of birth, area of residency and library card barcode number.
*Adults 18+ and legally emancipated minors are eligible to apply for ELCs.
Expired card? Don’t worry! Renew your expired or soon-to-expire library card by visiting any SAPL location during business hours with a valid photo ID.
Life happens. Libraries help! Replace a worn, damaged, or lost card by visiting any SAPL location during business hours with a valid photo ID.
We’re here to help! Search FAQs and talk to a friendly staff member by by phone, text, or chat. Learn how at our Ask MySAPL web page!
Awesome – time to put it to use! Start searching the library catalog and find your next great adventure.
