Five Things To Know About a San Antonio Public Library Card
Published on September 02, 2025
Celebrate National Library Card Sign-up Month by trying out a new library service.
SAN ANTONIO (September 2, 2025) — September is National Library Card Sign-up Month. San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) cards are free to all Bexar County residents and unlock free resources that drive lifelong learning, foster community connection, and provide access to a universe of information. From movies and audiobooks to resume help, SAPL has something for everyone.
A library card from SAPL can do all this and more for free:
1. Stream over 30,000 movies and TV shows for free on most devices.
Kanopy is a video streaming service that provides instant access to thousands of movies, documentaries and TV shows. Learn more about Kanopy.
2. Borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks and magazines with just a few clicks.
Libby is the library reading app that allows users to borrow books and place holds instantly with a library card. Libby also provides access to Craftsy – a place for those who love arts and crafts to learn basic instruction or advanced techniques. Learn more about Libby.
3. Cut through media bias and break free from algorithms.
Ground News offers clarity in an increasingly chaotic media landscape by merging news from multiple sources into one article so readers can see multiple perspectives. Ground News also exposes media bias and rates the reliability of credibility of sources. Ground News is free and accessed via the Libby app. One click unlocks 30 days of free access that is renewable each month.
4. Improve a resume or become a computer whiz with individualized training.
Learn at SAPL is an adult education program that provides individualized job support and computer training. Learn also provides English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for adults to practice their English, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Programs for adults wanting to learn Spanish are also available. Read more about Learn.
5. Skip the wait list to borrow the latest must-read novel.
Every month, the library selects a new, popular book and eliminates the wait list as part of No Holds Weekend. The selected book is made available in unlimited quantities as an eBook, eAudiobook or both to library cardholders during the first weekend of the month. For September, the selected book is The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani. It will be available in eBook and eAudiobook formats on September 6 and 7. Library cardholders can place a hold at any time to be notified on September 6 when the book is available to check out.
Library cardholders have access to more than two million books, eBooks, vinyl records, streaming movies and music, magazines, audiobooks and more. The library also provides about 12,000 free programs and events each year across San Antonio. To see what the library is offering today, visit the San Antonio Public Library online events calendar.
To sign up for a SAPL card, visit any library branch during regular service hours. Bring a photo ID and proof of address, such as a driver’s license or utility bill. Children under the age of 18 may be issued a library card if accompanied by a parent or guardian with a photo ID and proof of address.
Library card sign-up is also available online at MySAPL.org. Signing up online allows users to immediately begin using SAPL’s digital services. Stop by any SAPL location within 90 days with a photo ID and proof of current address to pick up your physical library card and enjoy the many perks available free of charge.
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 text or online chat.