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Huntsville Public Library

Show All Answers

1. Are there any events held at the library throughout the year?

Yes. View all past, current, and upcoming library-sponsored events on the Library Calendar.

2. What time is the library open?

The library is open Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday, noon - 4 p.m. and Closed on Sunday.

3. What do I need to get a library card?

Persons 18 or older may obtain a library card by producing a photo ID and proof of physical address dated within the past 30 days, such as a utility bill or piece of mail.

Persons under the age of 18 must have a parent sign for them. Please note parents signing a child up for a library card must have the child with them. Children can get cards in their own name at age 3.

4. Where is the public library located?

Huntsville Public Library is located on 13th Street, between Avenue M and Sam Houston Avenue. We are on the south side of the street about a block down from City Hall.

5. Can I renew my materials to avoid a fine?

Yes, you can renew by calling the library at 936-291-5472 or by accessing your account online. Please note that items with holds cannot be renewed, and there is a limit of 3 renewals per item regardless of its hold status. To renew your materials, click Renew My Materials

6. How often can I renew at the library?

You are allowed up to 3 renewals as long as no one else has a hold on the item. Items with holds cannot be renewed.

7. Can I have a book reserved for me?

Yes. You can place a hold on a book by calling the library at 936-291-5472, by accessing your account online. Holds are listed in the order received.

You will be contacted by phone when the hold is available for pick-up. Items on hold will be kept for 3 days, after which time they are returned to the shelf.

To access your account, visit the online catalog.

8. How long can I borrow books and other materials?

Books, audio books (including Playaways), and magazines check out for 2 weeks. Movies and music CDs check out for 1 week.

9. What is a TexShare card?

A TexShare card can be issued to our patrons who are in good standing at no cost. This card will allow the cardholder to access most libraries in Texas, including the Sam Houston State University Library. In order to obtain a TexShare card, patrons must be in good standing with the library for at least 6 months.

10. What is the overdue fee if I am late returning my materials?

Books and music are $0.10 per day per item. Movies and audiobooks are $1 per day per item. Items more than 30 days late are considered lost and must be paid for.

If any member of a family group has a fine, no one in that group will be allowed to check out items until the fine is paid.

11. What do you have for children at the library?

The library has a large collection of books, audiobooks, magazines, and Playaways for all ages available for checkout. The library also provides computers for children to use (with parental permission) as well as many online databases for learning and fun. There are also a variety of programs available for children. For more information, please visit the Children's Department page.

12. What if you don't have the book I want?

We have a service called interlibrary loan, where we find the book you request and borrow it from another library for you to use (some restrictions apply). This service is free.

If the book has recently been published, you may fill out an acquisition request form and we may decide to purchase the book for the library collection.

13. What special resources do you have?

We have an extensive genealogy collection to help you find your family roots. Our collection includes many books, cemetery, marriage, and birth records, the Huntsville Item dating back to 1853, bible and surname records, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Texas Convict Records.

You may also access Ancestry.com from our computers or at home.

14. What if the item I want is checked out?

We can put the item on hold for you, or you can go online and place a hold yourself. When the book is returned, we’ll call you.

Place a hold on your own by visiting the online catalog.

15. Can I access the Internet and is there a charge?

Internet access is free; however, it does cost $0.15 cents per page to print. Only black and white copies are available.

16. Is there a limit to what I can check out?

The 1st time you use your card, there is a limit of 5 items. After that, only 5 DVDs per household, 5 audiobooks per card, and no more than 25 total items per card.

17. How do I check out items or use the computer at the library?

All patrons are required to have a library card with them in order to checkout items or use the computers.

18. How much does a library card cost?

The initial library card is free. If you lose your card, it will cost $1 to replace it. If you have a smartphone, you can scan your library card to your phone using the Key Ring app.