Using the Library

Get a Library Card

Who can get a FREE Library card?

McLennan County residents age 5 & older. Anyone under 18 must have a parent/responsible adult present and the parent/responsible adult will get a card too.
If you live outside McLennan County, a Library card is $100 each year.

Where can I get a card?

You can fill out an application at any of our four locations. You can also register online!

What do I need to bring?

A valid picture ID and proof of residency (up to date or postmarked within the last 30 days)

Examples of acceptable IDs:

  • Driver's License
  • Department of Public Safety ID card
  • Resident Alien ID
  • Passport
  • Department of Corrections Photo ID
  • Military Photo ID

Examples of Proofs of Residency (print or digital):

  • Mortgage, lease or rental agreement
  • Utility bill or cell phone bill
  • Bank statement
  • Proof of auto insurance
  • Postmarked envelope 

What if I don't have proof of residence?

McLennan County residents can get a computer use-only card with a photo ID. This card is for in-library computer use only.

What can I get with my card?

For 7 days, you can get only one item at a time. After 7 days, use your card to check out 50 items at a time, including:

  • Books (up to 25 at a time)
  • DVDs (up to 5 at a time)
  • Audiobooks/Playaways/Music CDs (up to 15 at a time)
  • Special Items (up to 2 at a time)

You can also use your card to get a Museum Pass and visit area museums for FREE!

Use your card anytime to get online resources like eBooks, eMagazines and more!

How long can I keep my items?

Books, audiobooks and CDs check out for 21 days and may be renewed twice. 
DVDs check out for 7 days and may be renewed twice.

Items are renewed from the renewal date (not the current due date). Items may not be renewed if another patron has them on hold. Log into your account and renew online here!

What if I don't bring my items back on time?

Fines and fees will be assessed for late, missing or damaged items:

Book/Audiobook/Music CD: $.20/item/day (up to $5.00)
DVD: $1.00/item/day (up to $10.00)
Lost/Damaged Items: Cost of item plus $5 processing fee

Where can I use my card?

You can use your card at any of our four locations. Visit them all and find your favorite!

What if I'm a college student or temporary resident?

College students can still get a card! Just bring the documentation listed above and fill out an application. Welcome to Waco!

Temporary residents can get a card for three months for a $30 fee. Bring something with both your permanent address and your temporary, local address to get your card set up.

What if I need something from another Texas library?

You can get a TexShare card to borrow items from other participating Texas libraries. 
To learn more about using your TexShare card, visit their website.

You can also use Interlibrary Loan to borrow items from other libraries using your card.

What if I lose my card?

Replacement cards are only $1.00. You can get a replacement card at any of our four locations.

Copying and Faxing

All four library locations have copiers for public use.

$0.20 per page for black and white
$0.50 per page for color
You can bring in documents on paper or on flash drives.

You can use the copiers to scan documents to a flash drive, too for $0.20 per page 

All four library locations have fax machines for public use.

$1.00 per page

Computer use FAQ

How long can I use the computer?

Computer use is limited to one hour per day. Time may be extended if no patrons are waiting. You have to ask for an extension before your time expires.

How do I reserve a computer?

If a computer is available when you arrive, sign in using your library card number and PIN. If no computers are available, one of our staff members will make a reservation for you.

I do not want to get a card (I'm from out of town). What can I do to use a computer?

If you are a guest to Waco, you can get a guest pass with your photo ID. This one-time use card allows you to use the computer for a single hour-long session. A library staff member will help you get a guest pass.

What can I do on the Library's computers?

All Library computers have Microsoft Office, Internet access & Adobe Acrobat Reader.  If you need to borrow some of our assistive technology, just ask a staff member. 

Can I print from the Library's computers?

Yes! Printing is $0.20 per page for black and white and $0.50 for color. You can also print wirelessly from your own computer. Click here to send your document.

Can I access the Internet from my own computer at the Library?

Yes! We have free, unlimited Wifi access at all four locations.

Printing

You can print using a library computer.

$0.20 per page for black and white

$0.50 per page for color

You can also print wirelessly from your own computer, phone or device.

We have free, unlimited Wifi access, so it's easy!
Click here to send your document to a library printer.