SAN ANTONIO (September 21, 2026) — San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) is celebrating National Library Card Sign-up Month this September by making it easier for readers to register for a library card. SAPL’s new online system allows San Antonio residents 18 and older to sign up for a free full-service library card with the click of a button. The new digital cards provide access to more than two million books, eBooks, vinyl records, streaming movies and music, magazines, audiobooks, free homework help and other online resources. The library also offers about 12,000 free programs and events each year, which do not require a library card to attend.
Readers can add a newly designed digital library card to their iOS or Android smartphone wallet if they choose. Current cardholders will also be able to add their library card to a digital wallet while keeping their existing library card number.
“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,” said Library Director Sukrit Goswami. “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.”
Previously, people who registered for an online library card were limited to accessing digital collections for 90 days and were required to visit a library location to complete registration. This new digital library card provides full access to all library resources for five years.
To qualify for a digital library card, residents must live inside the San Antonio city limits. Bexar County residents can still visit any library location for a San Antonio Public Library card.
For more information on Digital Library Cards, visit the SAPL website.
For general information about San Antonio Public Library, including locations and services, visit the library website. Library staff are also available by phone at 210-207-2500 or by chat.