Your Library Card

Who can get a card
Children between the ages of 5-17 are eligible to obtain a card if parent is present. All other applicants must be 18 years of age and over. One library card per County. For example if you obtain an Elsa Public Library Card, that card can be used throughout the other libraries in Hidalgo County. 

How to Get Your Card
To obtain a library card, the following items are required:

• TX Drivers license or TX ID
• Proof of current mailing address (one of the following)
  • Telephone Bill
  • Utility Bill
  • Voters Registration Card
  • Current Auto/ Medical Card
  • Resent Mail with Name and Mailing Address
• A Reference is required. Reference must have a different address and phone number
• Your first Library Card is Free
  • 1st lost card- $2.00
  • 2nd lost card- $4.00
  • 3rd lost card - $5.00

Rules for Borrowing Materials 

• All books must be returned and fines must be paid
• If your library card is lent out, you are responsible for items checked out on your card
• When using library computers all patrons must be using their own cards.
• Cards may not be shared. If found using another patrons card all library card privileges will be revoked. 
• Notify library immediately if you lose your card or if you have a change in address or phone number. 
• Patrons must present their library card each time any library books or DVD's are checked out. 
• All library material checked out must be returned on or before the specific due date or overdue fines will be charged. 
• All fines must be paid before you can regain privileges. For lost or damaged items, a patron will be required to pay the price of the book or item, overdue fines and a $7.00 processing fee. (Non-Refundable) 
• Materials will not be checked out 15 minutes prior to closing. 
• All computers will be shut down 15 minutes before closing. 
• Computers can be used 2 hours per day unless patron is working on homework or applications, and 1 hour during the summer time. 
• Librarians will log out patrons and revoke computer privileges if caught looking at anything inappropriate. 

Borrowing Limits 

Our patrons have a 14 day borrowing limit for all our books being checked out. Adults (18 and + ) have a limit of 10 books that can be checked out at once or one DVD. The DVD will take place of one book.  Children (5-17) have a limit of 5 books they can have checked out at one time. Children are unable to check out DVD's.   DVD's have a 3 day borrowing period, patrons are limited to one DVD and DVD's can not be renewed. 

DVD Rules and Regulations

• A DVD is a copyright product and cannot be duplicated. Legal action regarding copyright infringement can be taken by the distributor. 
• Borrower must have a valid library card and must comply with the policies of the lending library. 
• Limit of ONE DVD check out per patron. 
• Patron will assume full responsibility for borrowed DVD. If the DVD is damaged or lost it is the patron's responsibility to notify the library. 
• Patron must be at least 18 years or older to check out a DVD
• NO EXCEPTIONS

Renewing Your Borrowed Item

Patrons are allowed 2 renewals for their books.  There are no renewals allowed for DVD's.  If a patron needs the book for a longer period of time they can return the book to the library and check it out again.  Patrons are allowed to renew books over the phone before they are suppose to be due.  Over due books can not be renewed. They must be turned in and fines must be paid before patron can check out the book again. 

Library Fines

 Books - $0.10 per day that the book is over due. 

DVD's - $1.00 per day that the DVD is over due. 

Fines will not surpass the price of the DVD or book. For example if the book costs $14.50 fines will not pass $14.50. If another one of your books costs $85.00 the fines will not pass $85.00

The library will send out three notices and a courtesy call before making a court complaint. Patron has a day before court to pay all their fines to have the complaint dismissed.