TexShare Library Lending Policies

Houston Public Library
TexShare Library Card Program

LIAISON:

Belinda Cox, Circulation Manager
Circulation Dept.
Houston Public Library
500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77002

Restrictions/Limitations:

A maximum of ten items may be checked out on a TexShare card. A maximum of five DVDs and five CD-ROMs may be checked out on a card at a time. Most items may be renewed twice; bookable items and items on hold are not eligible for renewal. Borrowing privileges are suspended when the amount due reaches $10 and are restored when the amount due is paid.

Eligibility:

Residents of the State of Texas are eligible for a free Houston Public Library card and do not need to register as TexShare borrowers. Preferred identification is a Texas Driver's License or Texas ID. Alternate identification confirming residency is acceptable. Out-of-state driver's license or alternate identification including name and address is acceptable.

Check-out Card Availability:

TexShare cards are issued at the Central Library (500 McKinney) and at branch libraries during the Library's open hours. TexShare cards are valid for one year from the date of issue.

Hours of Operation:

The Central Library is open Monday -

Thursday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm,
Friday and Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm,
Sunday 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

Branches hours vary; confirm hours for any branch at our home page: http://www.houstonlibrary.org

Renewals:

Customer self-renewal is available through e-services Personal Account Information and Renewal. You may also renew by phone by calling the Library's 24-hour renewal line (832-393-2280). You must have your library card number to renew by phone. Items for which renewal is requested will be renewed for two weeks from the current due date. Some items (e.g. bookable items, items with holds pending, items already renewed twice) are not eligible for renewal.

Returns:

Borrowers may return items to the circulation desk at any Houston Public Library location. All library locations also have book drops for after-hours returns; AV formats may not be returned in book drops due to the risk of damage. Borrowers may also return materials through TExpress Courier Service (Attn: Circulation Dept.).

Returns by U.S. Mail:

Borrowers may return item by U.S. Mail:

Circulation Dept.
Houston Public Library
500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77002

PHONE: 832-393-2222
Fax: 832-393-1575
Email Address: circinfo@hpl.lib.tx.us

UPS/Express Mail:

Use same address:

Circulation Dept.
Houston Public Library
500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77002

Overdue Reminders:

The Library sends an overdue notice two weeks after the due date. If the item is still overdue, the Library sends a billing notice six weeks after the due date. Notices are distributed by email if the patron record includes an email address, or by U.S. mail. Notices are a courtesy for the customer; the fine or fee is due even if a notice is not received.

Recalls:

The Library does not recall material. However, items on hold are not eligible for renewal.

Non-circulating items:

Items in reference collections are not available for circulation. Items in special collections including Texas and Local History Dept., Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, Houston Metropolitan Archives, are not available for circulation.

Loan Policies:

The standard loan period is two weeks. Most items may be renewed twice for two-week periods each time. The maximum loan period, including renewal, is six weeks. Bookable items are loaned for two weeks with no renewals.

Fines and Fees:

The overdue fine for most adult and young adult items is 20 cents per day and 10 cents per day for most juvenile items. The overdue fine for bookable items is $1 per day per item. The maximum overdue fine on cataloged items is $10 ($5 on uncataloged items).

Lost Items:

If library materials are not returned within six weeks of the due date, you will receive a billing notice from the Library. In addition to the cost of the lost material, you will be charged a $10 non-refundable processing fee for each cataloged item ($5 for each uncataloged item) that is lost, plus any outstanding overdue fines. The same charges apply to items returned with serious damage. Upon return of the overdue/billed item, the replacement cost and processing fee are cancelled; any accrued overdue fine remains due.

Billing information:

Fines and fees may be paid in person at any Houston Public Library location by cash, check, traveler's check or credit card (American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover). A check payable to City of Houston can be mailed to the Circulation Department, Houston Public Library, 500 McKinney, Houston, TX 77002. Credit card payment can be made by telephone (832-393-2222). Borrowing privileges are suspended when the amount due reaches $10 and are restored when the amount due is paid.

Additional info:

Additional information regarding Library circulation policies and procedures is available at: www.houstonlibrary.org