mySAPL User Guide

• You can check out materials, use a computer, and access our digital collection with your card.
• You may have a maximum of 50 physical items checked out at any one time. DVDs - 10 per card Vinyl Records - 10 per card
• You may also have 25 digital items checked out at any one time.
• Forgot your card at home? You can use a photo ID.
• You’re responsible for all items borrowed, so if you lose your Library card, let us know.
•  If you are responsible for a child, you are responsible for items checked out on their card.
• Renew your card every five years with a current photo ID and proof of residence.

Is the item you want already checked out or not available at your Library location? Put it on hold, and when it’s available, we’ll send it to the Library location of your choice. You can hold up to 50 physical items plus 20 digital items. Holds can be placed over the phone, online, in person, or via our mySAPL app. We’ll contact you when your holds are ready.

You can keep Library items for three weeks. The only exception is Express Collection DVDs, which can be kept for seven days.

Need more time? Books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, and magazines may be renewed for additional loan periods.

• The item can’t be renewed if it’s on hold for someone else.
• Most items will be automatically renewed; call 210.207 .2500 if you have questions

How to renew items: Renew at mysapl.org, use the mySAPL app, bring the items into any Library or call 210.207.6121. To renew items by phone or online, have your Library card account number handy. All Library materials (except for vinyl records) may be returned in the book drop at any Library. We’ll email you courtesy notices along the way to remind you to renew or return your items. If items become overdue, a notice will be emailed after seven days.

Copy or Print - Black & White

8.5” x 11” | 8.5” x 14” | 11” x 17” $0.20 / side

Copy or Print - Color

8.5” x 11” | 8.5” x 14” $1.00 / side
11” x 17” $2.00 / side

No refunds are available for these services. Faxing is only available at LEARN centers and Central Library, and is at no charge. Scanning is available at all locations at no charge.

Express Collections are made up of popular books and media titles that are currently in high demand. They can be checked out just like other items, but can’t be placed on hold or renewed, so they’re more likely to be available when you want them. Books can be checked out for three weeks and DVDs for seven days.

Can’t find that book? If an item is lost, you’ll be charged the full replacement cost of the item (plus a non-refundable processing fee of $5.00) when an item is more than 21 days overdue. Damaged items may be charged the replacement cost plus the $5.00 processing fee. For information on providing an exact replacement for a damaged item, please visit a Library location or call 210.207 .2500.

If your account reaches a balance of $60.00 or more with no payment activity in 60 days, Unique Management Services may contact you to request the return of the overdue items and payment of the balance owed. A service fee of $10.00 will be charged. San Antonio Public Library offers payment plans as an option.

If you owe $50.00 or more, you won’t be able to check out or renew physical items until you begin paying on your balance, but you can still check out digital items, such as eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, and streaming video.

The Interlibrary Loan Service (ILL) allows San Antonio Public Library cardholders to request items not available in the Library collection. ILL is a service for patrons with a current Library card. Requests are limited to print materials, audiobooks, informational films, and microfilm. Up to ten Interlibrary Loan items may be requested at one time. These count toward the 50 item limit on holds. Fees may be charged depending on the policy of the library that owns the item.

Homebound User: If you are unable to visit a Library due to a physical disability, you may be eligible to apply for a Homebound User card.

TexShare: The San Antonio Public Library is a participating member of the TexShare Card Program.

Outside Bexar County: If you live outside of Bexar County, membership options are available for a fee.

Enhanced Library Card: If you need a library card with your photograph, please ask about an enhanced library card.

For more information about these services, call 210.207 .2500 or ask at your location.

You can register to vote at any Library location!

Printable version of the San Antonio Public Library User Guide