San Antonio Public Library adds digital cards to smartphone wallets
San Antonio residents can now sign up for a free, full-service San Antonio Public Library card online and add the digital card to an iOS or Android smartphone wallet.
The new digital library cards are available to residents ages 18 and older who live inside San Antonio city limits. The service is being introduced during National Library Card Sign-up Month in September.
New cardholders can use the digital card to access more than two million books, eBooks, vinyl records, streaming movies and music, magazines, audiobooks, free homework help and other online resources. The digital card provides full access to library resources for five years.
Current San Antonio Public Library cardholders can also add their existing card to a digital wallet while keeping their current library card number.
Previously, people who registered for an online library card could access digital collections for 90 days and then had to visit a library location to complete registration. The new system allows eligible residents to complete registration online.
“This new online registration system will remove barriers for San Antonio residents, making it easier to sign up and start using the library in minutes,” Library Director Sukrit Goswami said. “As the way people use the library evolves, it’s important that the library evolves with them, allowing full access to the services we provide from wherever they are.”
San Antonio Public Library offers about 12,000 free programs and events each year. A library card is not required to attend those programs and events.
Bexar County residents who live outside San Antonio city limits can still visit any library location to apply for a San Antonio Public Library card. General information about library locations and services is available through the library, and staff can be reached by phone at 210-207-2500 or by chat.