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Using The Library

Get A Card

Available Cards

A library card is your key to unlocking a world of resources, adventures, and lifelong learning. With an El Paso Public Library card, you gain access to a wealth of books, digital materials, events, and so much more. Whether you're a student, a researcher, or simply an avid reader, your library card opens the door to endless possibilities. Sign up for your library card today and embark on a journey of exploration and enlightenment with us!

General Card

General Card

The General Card is the full-service library card, giving you access to all library materials.

  • Check out physical books, magazines and more
  • Access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, and other electronic resources
  • Use of library computers
  • Databases and online research tools access

Learn More

Digital Card

Digital Card

The Digital Card gives you instant access to our huge collection of digital online resource.

  • eCard number is issued instantaneously
  • Check out eBooks, eAudiobooks, and other electronic resources
  • Steam movies, music, and more
  • Databases and online research tools access

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CLASS Card

CLASS Card

Available to K-12 students through their school in El Paso, giving access to the Library's entire collection.

  • Check out physical books, magazines and more
  • Access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, and other electronic resources
  • Use of library computers
  • Databases and online research tools access

Learn More

Enhanced Card

Enhanced Card

A General Card and photo ID in one, containing the person’s name, picture, and other personal information.

  • Used as a Photo ID where accepted
  • Check out physical books, magazines and more
  • Access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, and other electronic resources
  • Use of library computers
  • Databases and online research tools access

Learn More

General Library Card

Patrons may apply for or renew a full-service library card in-person at any library branch or by filling out an online application. A physical, full-service card will be issued at library branches. Once a new online application is submitted, please allow a processing time of 3 days before you pickup your library card. 

General Library Cards are activated for 2 years and renewable thereafter. General library cards are free for City of El Paso residents. Non City residents may pay a membership fee of $25 for 6 months or $50 for 12 months.

Apply Online

books on shelf at library
Person using a laptop typing

Digital Card

Instantaneously check out eBooks and magazines, steam audio books, movies, music, and more for free!  Available for residents of the City of El Paso.

  • eCard number is issued instantaneously
  • Expires in 30 days
  • May also be used to place holds on physical materials but a physical card is required for checkout

Apply Now

Class Card

El Paso Public Library provides access to its entire collection, including eBooks and digital resources, to all K-12 students in El Paso. Partnering with local school districts, the library offers the CLASS card, granting access to essential digital resources for students to succeed in school and beyond.

Students who don’t already have an EPPL card will receive a CLASS card account verified through their schools as agreed to in the partnership agreement between EPPL and the school districts.

The CLASS card provides the following:

  • Access to all electronic and digital collections such as downloadable eBooks, audio books, eMagazines,peer reviewed research articles and learning resources.
  • Activation for two years and renewable thereafter
  • Use of Library computers
  • Checkout limit of 3 items (includes print, audio, video )
Students learning in classroom

The Responsibilities of a Library Card

You are legally responsible for all library materials borrowed on you card, whether the items were borrowed with or without your permission. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for materials borrowed on their children’s cards. You must report any change of name, address, or loss of card to the Library immediately. Patrons must pay any fines and/or fees for damaged or lost items. Patron owing fines will be blocked from checking out materials until payment/renewal is arranged.

If you are under 13 years of age, your parent or legal guardian must present his/her ID and sign your library card application. Children must be present in the library when library cards are issued.

Military personnel and their dependents may show their military ID when applying for a library card, but must also provide proof of residency within the United States.

Please report lost library cards promptly. You will be charged $1.00 to replace a lost children/teen library card or $2.00 to replace an Adult library card. Library cards damaged during normal use will be replaced without charge.

Library cards must be renewed every 2 years. You must present the same kind of identification that you presented when you first requested a library card.

If You Lose or Damage an Item

If a customer loses an item, the customer is responsible for the replacement cost for that item (i.e. the list price of the item at the time it was added to the collection). Library policy does not allow the customer to replace or substitute the lost item with another item. Once the Library receives payment for a lost item, the item becomes the property of the patron. The Library cannot accept the return of or provide refunds for lost materials if they are found after payment of replacement charges has been made.

Types of Identification

For a General Library Card you must show identification:

  • A United States government issued photo identification card with your picture, your name, and your current address or Matricula Consular. (General Delivery will not be accepted as an address.)
  • Complete a library card application form.
  • If presenting an unexpired U.S. government issued photo ID, without current address, or Matrícula Consular, please provide an approved document as proof of current address.

If your identification card does not include your current address, we will also need one of the following in either print or digital formats as proof of current address:

  • Bank statement
  • Utility bill (gas, electric, water, internet, satellite or cable TV, landline phone bill dated within the last 60 days)
  • Unexpired lease or mortgage
  • Current tax bill or unexpired voter registration card
  • Military personnel or their dependents who live on post may use a copy of the service member’s current orders to Fort Bliss as a proof of address document. (Post Office boxes will not be accepted as proof of address.)
  • Adults must be present in the library before library cards will be issued.