Get your library card

different library cards in a row

Get your Fort Worth Public Library Card today and explore books, learning and more!

Resident

For Fort Worth Residents:

cfw-downtown-skyline-renderingFill out the online form below to instantly receive a library card number. For a physical card, visit one of our library locations to sign up in person.

English application  Aplicación en español

 

 

How we verify residency

  • Texas Driver's License
  • Texas State-Issued Identification Card
  • First Class Business Mail dated within the last 30 days
  • Lease Agreement
  • Texas Vehicle Insurance Card
  • Vehicle registration 
  • Utility Bill dated within the last 30 days

Students

Students Living in Fort Worth

books-out-loud graphicStop by any library and our friendly staff can help you sign up for a youth library card. If you apply online, you'll get a digital card number to use right away. If you want a physical card later, just ask the staff and we'll help you switch it over. 

Online Application

 

Non-Resident Student Card

Students in pre-K through 12 grade who go to school in Fort Worth but live in a different city can still use the Fort Worth Public Library for free. This includes e-books, audiobooks, research tools and other online services.

These cards last for one year and we must confirm enrollment. You can show any of the following forms of identification:

  • A current student ID card
  • A report card or progress report from the last six months
  • Current school enrollment papers
  • A current class schedule
  • A letter from a teacher, principal or school librarian on school letterhead

Apply in person or online.

Educators

purple composition notebook that says

Educators can visit any Fort Worth Public Library location across the City of Fort Worth or email digitallibrary@fortworthlibrary.org to apply.

Learn more about educator card benefits.

 

For School/ISD Teachers:

  • Valid photo ID
  • Proof of current educator status (one of the items below):
    • School ID
    • School district pay stub
    • Letter from school administrator
  • NOTE: Card expires June 30 annually and can be renewed

 

For Homeschool Educators:

  • Valid photo ID
  • Verification of home school child (one of the items below):
    • Homeschool association documents
    • Birth certificate
    • Texas ID card
    • Medical insurance card
  • NOTE: Card expires June 30 annually and can be renewed, and will be canceled after the child’s high school graduation year

Additional Educator Information

Non-Resident

Not a Resident?

Visit any open library location and our friendly staff will help you apply. 

 

Three Types of Non-Resident Cards:

Adult Non-Resident Card

If you don't live in or own property in Fort Worth or don't qualify for a TexShare card, you can buy a Non-Resident Card for $50 per year.

A Non-Resident Card lets you check out items from by the Fort Worth Public Library, use online research and learning tools, download music and e-books, and use Library computers and more. The card is valid for one year from the date you buy it. You'll need to show ID and regular checkout rules apply.

 

Non-Resident Student Card

Students in pre-K through 12th grade who go to school in Fort Worth but don’t live in the city can still use the Fort Worth Public Library for free. This includes access to e-books, online tools, and research databases.

These cards are good for one year and require proof of enrollment. You can show any of the following:

  • A current student ID
  • A report card or progress report from the last six months
  • Current school enrollment papers
  • A current class schedule
  • A letter from a teacher, principal or school librarian on school letterhead

 

TexShare

TexShare is a program from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. It lets library cardholders borrow books and other items from other libraries in the program. Each library sets its own rules for TexShare users. Borrowers must follow those rules and take care of the items they check out. More information:

Other

Organizations

Tarrant County Courthouse with the skyline in the backgroundBusinesses and 501(c)3 charities based in Fort Worth can get library cards for their organization. You can request up to five cards to give your team access to learning and resources.

To apply, your organization must: 

  1. Bring a request on company letterhead to any library location.
  2. Fill out an application signed by a company officer
  3. Agree to all terms, including paying for any lost or damaged items.

 

City of Fort Worth Employee Card

 

city logo City of Fort Worth employees who don't live in Fort Worth can get a free library card. Employees must complete an application and show proof of current address and employee ID. These same documents are needed each year to renew the card.

As an acknowledgment of their service to the City, Non-Resident City of Fort Worth employees get the same borrowing privileges as Fort Worth residents. This includes full access to print books, digital items and online tools.

Please note: family members of non-resident employees are not eligible for library cards.

 

TexShare

Texas Library Archives logo.PNG TexShare is a program from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. It lets library cardholders borrow books and other items from other libraries in the program. Each library sets its own rules for TexShare users. Borrowers must follow those rules and take care of the items they check out. More information: