How To Get A Library Card At The Fort Worth Public Library

The Fort Worth Public Library system serves the city of Fort Worth with multiple branches. The history of the library system in Fort Worth dates back to the late 1800s when 20 women formed the idea for the first library. The initial branch, the Carnegie Public Library of Fort Worth, opened in 1901.

With the advent of the internet, many people don’t use libraries like they did years ago. However, libraries are an important part of the community and provide essential services. Many library branches also offer digital services, events, and more. View our new inventory today, or If you have any questions give us a call at (817) 663-7404. 

Get a Library Card

If you don’t have a library card, you need one. There are four main types of library cards:

• Residents: Resident library cards are available at no charge to people, groups, institutions, or businesses that live in or own property within Fort Worth city limits. You’ll need to show proof of residency.
• TexShare: TexShare cards are sponsored by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. This card lets cardholders of participating libraries borrow materials and books from other participating ones.
• Nonresident: This is available for $50 a year if you don’t qualify for the Resident or TexShare cards.
• eCard: eCards are ideal for users who will only use the library services through the app and website. If you want a physical card, you would need to visit an open branch.

Library Services During COVID-19

Image via Flickr by QuesterMark

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, library services are limited. There is curbside service and limited walk-in service.

Which Branches are Open?

Some locations are only open for curbside service, while other branches are open for both curbside and limited walk-in services.

• Branches open for curbside service: Central Library, East Berry, Ella Mae Shamblee, Meadowbrook, Northside, Riverside, and Wedgwood.
• Locations open for curbside and limited walk-in service: Diamond Hill/Jarvis, East Regional, Golden Triangle, Northwest, Ridglea, Seminary South, Southwest Regional, and Summerglen.

Curbside Services

Curbside services available during the pandemic include picking up and returning physical books and products and using the digital library. You must reserve your items ahead of time online and make a pickup appointment.

Curbside pickup is available for users with valid library cards who are in good standing. Search the online catalog to decide what you want to reserve. You can also call and request a hold from the library staff. You are limited to holding 25 items per customer. Items available to check out include more than just books. For example, you can reserve movies and magazines too.

You’ll receive an email to confirm your hold. Once you receive your confirmation, you’ll need to call and schedule your curbside pickup appointment.

Limited Walk-in Services

For branches offering limited walk-in services, you are restricted to only one hour inside a facility per day. That includes checking out materials and computer use. You must check out items using the self-service checkout kiosks. Note that all interiors have been reconfigured to account for social distancing.

E-Books and Audio Books with OverDrive and Libby

To read e-books or listen to audiobooks, you’ll need to download the Libby app. It’s available for iOS, Android, and your computer browser. If your system is not compatible with the Libby app, you can use the OverDrive app. The new Sora app may be available for people who belong to a school.

Setting up the Libby app is easy. Install the app from the right app store and follow the prompts. You’ll need to sign in with a valid library card. Once you’re in, you can browse available titles and borrow your selections.

When you borrow a title, they will appear under Shelf > Loans. They will automatically download to the app when you’re online. Once they are downloaded, you can read them offline.

Events and Activities

Your Fort Worth library hosts numerous events and activities. Most activities are on a virtual basis right now due to COVID-19 restrictions. Some of these events are good for the whole family, while others are more geared for certain age groups.

Trivia Tuesday

Every Tuesday night, join in on trivia night at the library. Themes vary week from week. Examples of upcoming themes include 60s trivia, math trivia, holiday trivia, music trivia, and name the celebrity. Trivia takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Book Clubs

There are several book clubs, including Books and Brews. Normally, the group meets at Cowtown Brewery on the first Wednesday of the month. Due to current restrictions, the group meets on Zoom.

Adult Spanish Classes

Your Fort Worth library also offers adult Spanish classes. Right now, classes are held on Zoom. Options include Basic Spanish, Spanish II, and Spanish Conversation.

Children’s Story Time

There are several different children’s story times, depending on your kids’ ages. Let’s Create: Pre-K Story Time is held every Monday at 10 a.m. It will encourage early literacy through songs, stories, movement, and interactive crafts. Parents can also request a “Pre-K Craft Sack: at any curbside location.

Toddler Story Time is geared toward kids 18 months to 3 years old and their caregivers. You can join the Zoom meeting every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. If your kids speak Spanish, join on Facebook or YouTube the last Friday of each month for story time in Spanish.

Other Library Services

Being a member of the Fort Worth Public Library opens the door to other benefits as well, including the following:

Amplify 817

Amplify 817 offers commercial-free music from local artists. It showcases songs from Fort Worth musicians.

Homework Help for Families

If one of your children has a Youth Library Card and proof of school enrollment, you have unlimited access to homework help. For example, you can access e-books, audiobooks, music, articles, and more through the library’s eSources.

Free Botanic Garden Passes

Fort Worth Public Library cardholders can get free botanic garden passes. Each pass is valid for seven days, and some restrictions apply.

Although pandemic restrictions are in place, you can still enjoy numerous benefits and services from the Fort Worth Library. Did we miss one library service you use a lot? Contact us at Hiley Mazda of Fort Worth to share what services you recommend so we can add them to our list.