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Getting a Library Card

Individuals must be 5 years or older and provide proof of Texas residency to apply for an Allen Public Library card. A valid photo ID with current address is required at the time of application and children under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign for them. 

Register for a library card using our online form.  You must come into the Library within 30 days of registration to pick up your card.

What is a TexShare Card and how do I get one?

The TexShare Card is a statewide library card that let you borrow books and other physical materials from almost 500 libraries across the state!

TexShare Cards can be issued to Allen Public Library patrons who:

  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Have a current Allen Public Library card account that is at least six months old and in good standing
  • Currently have no overdue items on their account and no outstanding fines or fees owed to the Library

Patrons can apply for a TexShare Card in-person at the Checkout Desk.

The card must be presented in-person for checkout privileges at one of the participating TexShare Libraries. During your first visit to a participating library, you will also show your photo ID and Allen Public Library card.  

Patrons are responsible for materials checked out from other TexShare Libraries.  Materials borrowed with a TexShare Card must be returned directly to the lending library by the patron.  Allen Public Library is not responsible for returning materials borrowed from other TexShare Libraries.

While Allen Public Library issues TexShare cards, the Library does not accept them for the check out of materials.  This is based on the Library's requirements for obtaining a library card. 

Renewals and Holds

Items will automatically be renewed up to three times unless another person requests the items or the patron has $5 or more in fines.  Renewals can also be made online by logging into your account or by calling the library at 214.509.4907. Holds can be placed through the Library Catalog or by speaking to a library staff member.  Please note:  The Library sends notifications as a courtesy only.  Monitoring due dates and renewal status is the patron’s responsibility. 

Curbside Pickup

To schedule a curbside pickup for your reserved materials, call the Checkout Desk at 214.509.4907. Please have your library card number ready when you call. Curbside pickup is available during daylight hours when the Library is open. Staff members will not accept returned materials, fine payments, or book donations at the curbside pickup location. Library materials may be returned at any time using the book drop on Coats Drive. 

Past Due

Past due library patron accounts with $25 balances or greater will be turned over to a collection agency, Unique Management Services. Balances include overdue library materials and outstanding fines. Unique Management will assess a $10 late/processing fee. Need to pay a fine?  Make an online payment.

Loan Periods

New DVDs and Blu-Rays in high demand
1 week check-out, plus up to 3 renewals
Juvenile Holiday Picture Books
1 week check-out, plus up to 3 renewals
Juvenile Launchpads
1 week check-out, plus up to 3 renewals
STEM Kits 1 week check-out, plus up to 3 renewals
All other items
3 week check-out, plus up to 3 renewals

Fines and Fees

Overdue books, audio books, and music CDs
$0.25 daily per item
Overdue DVDs and Blu-Rays
$1 daily per item
Overdue STEM kits $1 daily per item
Lost or damaged barcodes or RFID tags
$3
Lost or damaged audio or video cases
$5 each
Lost item replacement cost plus
$5 processing fee
Repairable damage per item
$5
Maximum fine on children's items
$5 per item
Maximum fine on all other items
$10 per item
Library card replacement
$2