Library Card Fees in Dallas: What You Need to Know
Would you pay a $250 fee for a library card? The Dallas Morning News reader Mark Holtz wondered why the Dallas Public Library charges nonresidents a $250 fee for a library card and asked Curious Texas.
Related
This is how Dallas library card fees work, along with the options available to residents and nonresidents:
Curious Texas
How to Get a Free Library Card
A Dallas Public Library card is available at no cost to anyone who lives, teaches or attends school within the city limits. A library card is also available free to city of Dallas employees.
But those who don’t work, live or study in Dallas have to pay a fee.
Why Does Dallas Charge a $250 Fee for Nonresidents?
The city of Dallas’ financial policies require fees to be based on the cost of providing services. The Dallas Public Library is primarily supported by property taxes, sales taxes and fees.
Charging people outside the city less than the full cost would mean Dallas taxpayers are subsidizing library services for nonresidents, said Rick Ericson, a spokesperson for the city of Dallas.
All general fund fees are reviewed every four years. Library charges were last reviewed in July 2024. After that, the fee for nonresident library cards was maintained at $250 per year.
Other cities surrounding Dallas also charge a fee.
Library Cards for Nonresidents
The nonresident library cards offer unlimited borrowing. However, three limited-borrowing punch cards are also available at $25 for five items, $60 for 15 items and $100 for 25 items.
These cards can only be used to check out physical items; they do not provide access to e-books or databases, according to the city of Dallas.
In Plano, cards are free for its residents and those who live in Allen, Frisco, Garland, McKinney, Richardson, The Colony and Wylie. Nonresidents have to pay a $50 fee for an annual card.
Frisco charges a $75 annual fee for nonresidents, but only Frisco residents can access eBooks and digital audiobooks.
Alternative Options for a Free Library Card
Alternative options are available for those who wish to obtain a free Dallas library card.
For Residents of Addison
Residents of Addison are eligible to receive a free Dallas library card, courtesy of a voucher from the Addison Athletic Club. The voucher can only be redeemed at the Fretz Park Branch location. These cards provide Addison residents with full access to both physical and digital materials.
Related
For All Texas Residents
Texas residents may be eligible for a TexShare card from their local lending library. TexShare cards grant residents from other cities access to up to five Dallas library physical items at one time but do not include access to digital content. Visit the TexShare site for more details.
Tell Us
What do you wonder about the culture, people and institutions of North Texas — and the rest of our great state? Help us investigate stories that matter to you. Submit your questions HERE.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Dallas Public Library offers various options for residents and nonresidents to access its services. While nonresidents have to pay a $250 fee for a library card, there are alternative options available, such as the TexShare card and the voucher from the Addison Athletic Club. Understanding the library card fees and options can help individuals make informed decisions about how to access the library’s resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about library card fees in Dallas:
Q: Who is eligible for a free library card in Dallas?
A: Residents, students, and employees of the city of Dallas are eligible for a free library card.
Q: How much does a nonresident library card cost in Dallas?
A: A nonresident library card costs $250 per year in Dallas.
Q: Are there any alternative options for nonresidents to access the Dallas Public Library?
A: Yes, nonresidents can access the library through the TexShare card or the voucher from the Addison Athletic Club.
Q: Can nonresidents access e-books and digital audiobooks with a library card?
A: No, nonresidents can only access physical items with a library card, not e-books or digital audiobooks.
