The City of Carrollton is committed, first and foremost, to supporting and meeting the needs of Carrollton citizens.

Non-Carrollton Residents of Texas are encouraged to contact their hometown library for a free Library card and/or purchase a Carrollton Public Library card for $40 (non-refundable, non-transferable), good for one year.

Carrollton residents receive Library cards at no cost.

Exceptions to the Non-Resident Fee

• Residents of the City of Farmers Branch
• Staff at public schools within Carrollton City Limits (see School Staff Card page for eligibility)

When did Non-Resident Fees begin and how was this decided?

The Non-Resident Fee went into effect beginning January 1, 2021 for new cardholders who lived outside the city limits of Carrollton..

As of October 1, 2023, Denton County residents outside the city limits of Carrollton are no longer eligible for free Library cards.

There will be a grace period during which established Non-Resident Denton County cardholders will remain active until December 31, 2023. At that time, those cardholders will be eligible for a full year of services with a paid Non-Resident card.

This decision to implement the Non-Resident fee was made as the Library budget continued to diminish while Library usage increased. In previous years, Carrollton Public Library received outside funding from the State of Texas and Denton County, in addition to tax revenue collected by the City of Carrollton. Additional state and local funding are no longer received, and City of Carrollton residents pay over 99% of Carrollton Public Library annual costs through their City tax bill. Any additional funding is through grants and donations.

This decision was reviewed and enacted by City Council, based on research from staff and feedback from the Library Board.

The Library is a community resource. Isn’t it available for everyone?

Yes, everyone is welcome, regardless of where they live, to:

• Visit the Library

• Attend programs

• Use the materials within the Library

What services will I have access to with a paid, annual Carrollton Public Library card?

A card in good standing will allow you a full year of access to:

• Public computers

• Print materials

• DVDs

• CDs

• eBooks

• eAudiobooks

• Digital magazines

• Online Resources

• Study Rooms

• Book a Librarian service

• And more!

Can I use a computer without having a Library Card?

Anyone can get a daily Guest Pass for computer use.

I am not a resident of Carrollton. What are my options?

• You are welcome to visit the Library, attend live or virtual programs, and use the Library computers with a Guest Pass.

You may apply for a free library card if you are an exception to the Non-Resident fee. See Exceptions section for more information.

• You may pay the $40 annual Non-Resident Fee to apply for a Library card.

• Library staff can help you locate your hometown library where you can get a free library card.

• A TexShare Card may be available through your local public or academic library:

• Contact your hometown library to see if they participate in the TexShare Card program and if you meet the eligibility requirements.

• TexShare cardholders visiting the Carrollton Public Library can check out up to 5 physical items at a time.

NOTE: "A TexShare Card does not provide access to TexShare Databases or other online resources at libraries you visit. Please use the electronic resources available to you at your home library."

Are there services or materials reserved for Carrollton residents only? If so, why?

Yes, some materials and services are reserved for Carrollton residents only. This is to maintain availability and sustainability for citizens or sometimes due to grant funding guidelines.

Those include:

• Meeting Room reservations

• Hotspot checkouts

• Interlibrary Loan

• Suggest a Library Purchase

• TexShare cards issued for use at other Texas libraries

I think my address may be wrong in your system. How can I check and update my information?

• You can see what address we have on file for your account, as well as phone number and email addresses, by logging in to your Library Account.

• Some of your account information may be changed online.

• For address changes, bring your government-issued photo ID, with alternate proof of address if necessary, to the service desk at either Library.