Get your library card

Students Living in Fort Worth

Visit any of our locations and our friendly staff can help you sign up for a youth library card.  If you want to apply online, you will get a digital card number to use.  Then, the next time you visit, if you want a physical card, just ask the staff and they will help you transfer your account. 

Online Application

Non-Resident Student Card

Any student not living in Fort Worth and currently attending pre-K through 12th grade at any formally recognized educational institution may use Fort Worth Public Library services and materials, including our e-books, audio books, research tools and other online services for free.

These cards expire one year after the date issued and enrollment is subject to verification. Acceptable forms of verification include any of the following:

• Current student ID card
• Report card or progress report dated within the last six months
• Current school-enrollment paperwork
• Current school-issued class schedule
• Letter from a teacher, principal or school librarian printed on school letterhead

Apply in person or online.

Educators may visit any of the Fort Worth Public Library locations across the City of Fort Worth or can 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

Not a Resident?

When you stop by any of our open library locations our friendly staff will be happy to help you apply. 

Three Types of Non-Resident Cards:

Adult Non-Resident Card

If you do not live in or own property in Fort Worth or do not qualify for a TexShare card, you may purchase a Non-Resident Card for $50 per year.

A Non-Resident Card allows individuals to check out items owned by the Fort Worth Public Library, access online research and learning tools, download items such as music and e-Books, and use Library computers. Cards are valid for one year from date of purchase. Standard checkout limits apply, proper identification is required.

Non-Resident Student Card

Any student not living in Fort Worth and currently attending pre-K through 12th grade at any formally recognized educational institution may use Fort Worth Library services and materials, including remote access to FWPL-licensed databases, e-books and other electronic services for free.

These cards expire one year after the date issued and enrollment is subject to verification. Acceptable forms of verification include any of the following:

• Current student ID card
• Report card or progress report dated within the last six months
• Current school-enrollment paperwork
• Current school-issued class schedule
• Letter from a teacher, principal or school librarian printed on school letterhead

TexShare

Sponsored by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, TexShare allows cardholders of participating libraries borrow books and other materials directly from other participating libraries. While each library establishes its own TexShare borrowing policies, borrowers are responsible for knowing and following the lending rules of the libraries they use, and for the care and return of materials they borrow.

• What is TexShare
• Does My Library TexShare?

Organizations

Fort Worth-based businesses and 501(c)3 charities can obtain library cards for their organizations. With up to five cards, you can provide access to unlimited learning for your team. 

Organizations need to: 

1. Submit a request for a business card on company letterhead in-person at any of our locations.
2. Complete an application, with a company officer signing for all cards.
3. Agree to all terms. Your company/organization will be responsible for any replacement fees that are incurred.

City of Fort Worth Employee Card

City of Fort Worth employees who are not residents of Fort Worth are also eligible for a free library card. Employees must complete an application and show proof of current address and employee identification. Both employee identification and proof of current address are required to renew cards on an annual basis. 

As an acknowledgment of their service to our City, Non-Resident City of Fort Worth employees have the same borrowing privileges as Fort Worth residents, including access to our complete print and digital collections and online services.

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

TexShare

Sponsored by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, TexShare allows cardholders of participating libraries borrow books and other materials directly from other participating libraries. While each library establishes its own TexShare borrowing policies, borrowers are responsible for knowing and following the lending rules of the libraries they use, and for the care and return of materials they borrow.

• What is TexShare
• Does My Library TexShare?