Using Your Library Card

Library cards are available to users of all ages.

Children can get a library card when the parent or guardian fills out and signs an application, presents their legal photo ID, and documentation for the minor listed below. 

The parent or legal guardian must provide one of the following that has the minor's name: birth certificate, immunization record, insurance card, current year school enrollment (report card) or school identification, Ident-A-Kid, military ID provided to family members, current state ID, or social security card (number will not be recorded). If the documentation provided for the minor is a student photo ID or school enrollment for a school within Corpus Christi, the parent or legal guardian does not also have to provide proof of residency for the minor card. Any other documents require Library Director or designee approval.

Minor Resident Cards (Teen, Juvenile, Youth)

For a resident card, the parent must provide proof of Corpus Christi residence either with their legal photo ID, or one of the following additional items with a current date, the patrons name, and a Corpus Christi address: a utility bill (phone, cable, electric, water, or gas), voter's registration card, verifiable lease (6 weeks or more), enrollment in an education college or university within Corpus Christi, automobile insurance card, Medicaid/Medicare letter, Veterans Administration (VA) card, health insurance card with patron’s local address, U.S. resident card for resident alien with current mailing address, Tax appraisal letter or verification on Nueces County Appraisal District website that the patron is paying Corpus Christi taxes. Other documentation will be accepted as approved by the library Director or designee.

A resident is defined as anyone who resides within the city limits or is included in any of the following categories:

1. Members of the armed forces (and their dependents) stationed
   1. within the City limits
   2. Coast Guard Station, Port Aransas, Texas.
2. Temporary residents residing within the City limits for six (6) weeks or more.
3. Students currently enrolled at
   1. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi 
   2. Del Mar College; and
4. Non-residents who own real property within the city limits.

There are three options for Minor Resident cards:

Youth Library Card 

• Permissions:
  • For ages 0-17
  • Parents/Guardians are welcome to use the card to borrow materials for their own use
  • Check out any available material in the library
  • Access digital resources
  • Access CloudLibrary for eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines
  • Use self-checkout stations
  • Log in to library computers and access the internet
  • Choice of card design. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten card image is exclusively accessible to active program participants.
• Restrictions:
  • Account must remain in good standing to ensure continued access

Juvenile Library Card 

• Permissions:
  • For ages 0-17
  • Check out juvenile material
  • Access digital resources*
  • Use self-checkout stations
• Restrictions:
  • Parents/Guardians will not be permitted to use the card to check out non-juvenile materials for themselves
  • *Access to CloudLibrary for eBooks, eAudiobooks, or eMagazines is not available
  • No access to CCPL computers with internet
  • Account must remain in good standing to ensure continued access

Teen Library Card 

• Permissions:
  • For ages 13-17
  • Check out juvenile material
  • Check out teen material
  • Access digital resources*
  • Use self-checkout stations
• Restrictions:
  • Parents/Guardians will not be permitted to use the card to check out non-juvenile materials for themselves
  • *Access to CloudLibrary for eBooks, eAudiobooks, or eMagazines is not available
  • No access to CCPL computers with internet
  • Account must remain in good standing to ensure continued access

All permissions and restrictions are subject to change.

Non-Resident Minor Cards

Non-Residents of Corpus Christi can also get library cards for their minor children. The parent or legal guardian will fill out and sign an application, present their legal photo ID, and the documentation for the minor listed above. Proof of residency is not required. 

Non-residents can choose to pay $12.50 for a card that will expire in 6 months, or $25.00 for a card that will expire in one year. 

All non-resident minor cards will default to the Youth library card permissions and restrictions listed above. 

Limited-Use Minor Cards

Residents of Corpus Christi can get library cards for their minor children if they are able to fill out and sign an application in person and present their legal photo ID but are missing the other required paperwork for minors or to prove Corpus Christi residency. 

All limited-use minor cards will default to the youth library card permissions and restrictions listed above. 

Cards created as part of a class tour or library card sign-up drive through a school within the city limits of Corpus Christi will be a resident limited-use minor card until the parent or guardian visits a library in person to present the required paperwork for a resident minor card listed above. The minor card can be changed to teen or juvenile at that time if the parent/guardian chooses.