What is the HPL limited-edition MYLink Library Card?
Answer
On March 2, 1904, the Houston Lyceum and Carnegie Library were dedicated and opened to the public. Since then, the Houston Public Library has remained a beacon of knowledge, learning, and imagination for Houston’s diverse communities.
Increasing library cardholders isn't just about numbers; it's about extending library benefits to as many people as possible, promoting educational, social, and cultural enrichment within the community. Increasing cardholders means more individuals and families gain free access to diverse resources such as books, digital media, research materials, and educational programs. Given the rise in book bans and censorship, fostering a culture of learning and information accessibility is crucial now more than ever.
A cherished keepsake: HPL will introduce a limited-edition MYLink card to commemorate its 120th anniversary. Featuring exclusive artwork that embodies the library's mission of "We Link People to the World," the card will be a cherished memento.
A source of pride: Show your support for the Houston Public Library and its legacy by proudly displaying your limited-edition MYLink card.
Visit your nearest Houston Public Library location or attend a 120th birthday event, where our friendly staff is ready to help you.
Join us from March 2 to June 30, 2024 for 120 days of special programs and events highlighting our growth and community contributions. Visit houstonlibrary.org/120 to learn more and save the date for these special events.
Use Facebook, X, and Instagram to support the Houston Public Library's anniversary. Join the #HPL120 social media campaign by liking, sharing, tagging, and tweeting about our events and initiatives. Send us your 120th video birthday wishes and messages for us to share!
Yes! Anyone who meets library card requirements (including new and existing MYLink cardholders) is eligible.
LearningLink student accounts are not eligible, but they can sign up for a MYLink card with parental approval.
All new cards issued during this period will be the 120th limited-edition MYLink card. Existing customers can choose to trade in their current MYLink card for the 120th limited-edition MYLink card.
Requirements are the same as a regular MYLink card. Find requirements here: How Do I Get a Library Card? - Ask HPL (houstonlibrary.org)
Yes, the 120th limited-edition MYLink card grants customers all privileges of a fully valid MYLink library card.
Cardholders can borrow up to 50 items at once, including a combination of books, DVDs (up to 15 at a time), audiobooks, and other materials.
Temporary residents may borrow up to three items at once.
Customers may only have one HPL library card account.
LearningLink accounts are not full-privilege library cards, so students in participating Independent School Districts may have a LearningLink account as well as a MYLink library account.
No, the limited-edition MYLink card will come with a new card number, replacing your existing one.
For Hoopla and Kanopy, update your library card info in your user settings under Libraries/Memberships once you log in.
For Boundless and Libby/Overdrive, HPL staff will merge accounts on the back end to preserve your checkouts, hold queues, and checkout history. When you get your limited-edition MYLink card, tell HPL staff that you want to merge your online accounts. Expect a 24–72-hour turnaround, depending on demand.
If you still don't have access after 72 hours, contact us through Ask HPL with your previous and new library card numbers, and full name to speed up the process.
Note: If you haven't used Boundless or Libby/Overdrive, or you lack digital checkouts/holds, no account merging is necessary. Enjoy instant access awaits with your new limited-edition MYLink card.
Getting a limited-edition MYLink card won't alter your checkout history preference if you've enabled it. By default, HPL does not retain checkout history.
Houston Public Library staff will gladly replace it with the limited-edition MYLink card. Bring a valid photo ID as proof of address.