Library Cards, Holds, Renewals, and Fines

How can I get a library card?

Our Library does not have a residency requirement. Anyone 18 years of age or older can apply for a card by visiting the Information Desk in person.

$35.00 annual fee for any non-resident library card (for renewal and new accounts). There is no cost for residents of the City of Kennedale to have a library card.

Minors (under 18) must have a parent or guardian sponsor their library card. The adult and minor will each receive their own patron card and member number.

You’ll need to apply in person by bringing two items showing your current address:

Primary Item: Valid Photo ID
(e.g., Student ID card, driver’s license, or other government-issued ID)
Secondary Item: Either another valid photo ID or pre-printed material, like a utility bill, voter registration card, car insurance, or a rental lease

Both of these items must show both your name and current address. Only the Primary Item must include a photo.

A legal guardian who sponsors a minor will be held responsible for all minors listed on the application. A unique patron number will be assigned to each person listed on the application, and each will receive their own library card. All personal information provided to library staff will be considered confidential and private.

Can I loan my card to another person?

Use of your card by someone other than yourself is strongly discouraged because the cardholder is responsible for all charges made in their name.

How many items can I check out at once?

Each library card can check out up to 10 (ten) items at a time. If a parent chooses to borrow items for minors on their personal card (instead of sponsoring the minor’s application for their own card), the limit is still 10 (ten) items per card. All materials are checked out for 21 days (including DVDs and videos).

When does my card expire?

Library cards (for Kennedale residents) are valid for 2 (two) years from the date of issue. Non-Resident cards expire annually. To renew, patrons must verify their personal information in-person. It is the responsibility of the patron to advise the library of any change in contact information (mailing address, phone number, or email address), legal name, or guardianship of minors listed on their account.

My book is late! How much do I owe?

Our library does not charge late fees or overdue fines.

Can I still check out if I owe fees?

Your account will be blocked for any damaged or lost items. Once you return the item(s) in good condition or work out a payment plan with library staff, you may check out items once again. If you have a "blocking charge" on your account but need to use the computers, you must pay at least $0.25 towards what you owe per computer session. As long as you continue to pay down your charges, you may continue to access the computers.

Lost or Stolen Cards

It is the responsibility of each cardholder to notify the Kennedale Public Library immediately if their card is lost or stolen. Failure to do so can lead to the unauthorized use of the card. If the library staff is not notified, all fines and fees incurred through unauthorized use will be the responsibility of the cardholder on file. Lost cards can be replaced by paying a fee of $2.00.

Placing Holds

All library material may be borrowed except those items reserved as reference or those currently on hold by another patron. Any patron with a current library card and no "blocking charge" on their account may place a hold in the following ways:

through the online catalog
by calling 817-985-2136
by visiting the library (316 W 3rd Street)

If your library card has expired the system will not allow you to place a hold.

Renewing Materials

All materials are originally checked out for 21 days (including DVDs and videos). DVDs and videos are limited to a 3 (three) week loan. All other materials may be renewed up to 1 (one) times (for a total of up to six (6) weeks per item) EXCEPT when another member has placed a hold on that item. You can renew your checked-out materials in one of the following ways:

through the online catalog
by calling 817-985-2136
by visiting the library (316 W 3rd Street)

Interlibrary Loan

Kennedale cardholders may use interlibrary loan to request materials not available in the Arlington-Mansfield consortium. This service is free of charge unless a requested item is not checked out after you are notified. Should you be unable to check an item out that has arrived via interlibrary loan you will be charged a $2.00 fee to cover postage. Please understand that most new books are not offered for loan for the first 6–12 months.

Cancellation of a Library Card or Privileges

The Kennedale Public Library reserves the right to revoke the use of a library card issued by its staff to any individual, if the library was used for criminal activities or if any library policies were violated. The Library Director will determine if a card is to be revoked permanently or if privileges will only be suspended for a period of time. The Library Director will also determine if any other action is necessary depending on the circumstances of the policy violation.