With students returning to classrooms around the city, parents should be aware that Amarillo Independent School District has decided to withdraw from the Harrington Library Consortium (HLC).  As a result of this action, Amarillo ISD library cards will no longer work for checking out materials from Amarillo Public Library locations.  This change goes into effect on August 31, 2023, when AISD’s contract with HLC expires.

For several decades, students in Amarillo ISD have been able to use their school cards to check out materials at Amarillo Public Library through the district's membership in the HLC, a group of eighty-seven libraries in and around the Texas Panhandle that provide each other's patrons with reciprocal borrowing privileges. In September 2022, Amarillo ISD chose to end its membership in the consortium.  Since Amarillo ISD is no longer a member of HLC, their school library cards will no longer be valid at the Amarillo Public Library or any other HLC member library.

Parents will need to sign their children up for an Amarillo Public Library card to continue using the library's services and accessing the library collection.  This new card will allow our youngest patrons to continue to use the library services they know and love.  Signing up is easy, and it is free for those families that live in Amarillo.  An adult parent or guardian with their own library card must be responsible for items checked out to minor cardholders, and valid photo ID and proof of residency within the Amarillo city limits are required for a free library card.  Those residing outside the city limits can still get a library card for $18 per year for an individual.  The yearly fee to get cards for everyone in the household is $33.

Visit any service desk at one of our five locations to learn more, or you can go to our website and follow the instructions to get a card by mail.

We are committed to providing you with the best possible service and are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.  Thank you for your understanding and much-appreciated support.  We look forward to continuing to serve you in the future!