Austin Public Library launches ‘enhanced’ library card program that can act as a photo ID

In an effort to help vulnerable communities access a form of identification, the Austin Public Library launched its “Enhanced Library Card” pilot program this week, a city press release said.

Any Austin resident over the age of 18 can get one of these cards, the release said, which features a photo of the cardholder, along with their address, date of birth, expiration date, and of course, their library card number.

In addition to being a fancier-looking library card that allows you to check out physical items or access digital resources from one of Austin’s libraries, the card can also act as a form of ID for many local agencies to prove someone’s identity, the release said.

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“Libraries exist to lift barriers, and we know there are many in our community who have difficulty accessing certain services because of difficulty obtaining identification or who would otherwise simply benefit from having another form of ID,” said Austin Public Library Director Roosevelt Weeks.

A photo ID is necessary for many aspects of life, including to access banking, housing, healthcare or education. But for some marginalized communities, such as people experiencing homelessness, people who are formerly incarcerated or migrant communities, getting the proper paperwork to obtain a state-issued photo ID is often not an option, the release said. Additionally, people with physical disabilities often have a tough time navigating the process of obtaining an ID.

© Austin Public Library A rendering of the Enhanced Library Card from Austin Public Library, which launched this week.

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Austin Public Library first approved the enhanced cards last year, and council member Vanessa Fuentes earmarked $12,000 of the city’s budget to help pay for the pilot program, the release said.

Numerous local agencies and organizations, such as Austin police, Austin Public Health, Austin Energy and many more have so far said they will accept this form of identification. However, the ID cannot be used for voting or other instances where a state ID is required.

Library officials intend to use the pilot phase to identify more potential partners and expand where the card’s access to more library locations, the release said.

Currently, the Enhanced Library Card can only be obtained from three locations:

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin Public Library launches ‘enhanced’ library card program that can act as a photo ID