Need to Know

Card User Information

Applying for a Card

All Texas residents who live in the area may apply for a library card.  We may ask why you prefer this library to others near your home.  

Your Library Card

You will be given a card and need to sign it immediately. The number on the back is your permanent number. If you lose it or if it is stolen, notify the library immediately. Once notified, we will block the card so that it can no longer be used. You remain responsible for all use made of your lost/stolen card prior to reporting it to the library. There is a $5.00 replacement fee for lost cards.

Library cards expire 24 months from the date of issue so that the library may update patron information upon renewal. Identification and proof of residence must be presented at renewal. DO NOT throw the card away as it is simply updated on the computer – the card itself is reused.

Checking Out Library Materials

You must have your library card in hand to check out materials, access computers, or access your record. You are responsible for the safe return of all library materials checked out on your card. You are responsible for any fines or reimbursement to the library for any lost or damaged materials.

Normally items are checked out for 3 weeks. There is a limit of 3 DVDs, but as many books as you feel you can read during that time are allowed. Bluebonnet Books and Women’s Club Books are checked out for one week. Only two Bluebonnet books may be checked out at a time.

Renewing and Reserving Library Books

You may renew library materials in person, by phone, or online up to 2 times, provided there is no waiting list for the item or it is not overdue.

You may reserve Garden Ridge Library materials in person, by phone, email or online. You will be notified by phone or email when items that you have reserved are available for pick-up. Go online to https://gardenridge.biblionix.com. or call 210-651-6570.

Online Services

Your Garden Ridge Library proudly offers you online access from your home. You may browse our catalog, renew books, and reserve items. A limit of three reservations may be made. You may find this online at https://gardenridge.biblionix.com. To log into your account, you need to use your library card number and your phone number. BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN US ANY UPDATED PHONE NUMBERS! 

Overdue Materials

The library charges $0.25 per item per day for all overdue items. There is a 7-day grace period in which no fine is charged if the item is returned during that grace period, but if the item is returned on the 8th day or later, the overdue fines are retroactive to the day the item was due. Fines need to be paid in cash or check.

A book drop is available for after-hours return of materials. Items which are in the box by 10:00 am on the due date are not considered overdue.

Our new automation system is a very positive addition to the library. It will allow us to send you an e-mail three days before the due date and again, on the due date itself. That way you won’t have any late fees. Be sure that we have your e-mail address.

Lost and Damaged Items

You are responsible for reimbursement to the library for any items damaged beyond repair while checked out on your card. The library charges the cost of the damaged item plus a $5.00 processing fee. IF YOU ARE CHECKING OUT A BOOK THAT IS DAMAGED, CALL IT TO THE LIBRARIAN’S ATTENTION – DO NOT CHECK IT OUT.

You are responsible for reimbursement to the library for any items lost while checked out on your card. The library charges the cost of the lost item plus a $5.00 processing fee. The processing fee is charged to recover part of the cost of reordering and processing a replacement copy and is independent of the original cost of the lost item. Failure to return library items is considered theft by the library and the Garden Ridge Police Department. 

Computer Rules and Regulations

Please note that the use of computer systems in the Library is a PRIVILEGE, not a right.

Users may:

  • Search, visit websites, use Internet databases, find online applications
  • Access web based email or remote access provider email

User must:

  • Have a valid library card; no more than two people may work at a workstation
  • Respect fellow computer users' privacy and concentration
  • Treat library equipment in a responsible manner
  • Be cautious when entering personal information such as address, bank account, SSN, or email address. The Library cannot guarantee total security and safety on the Internet
  • Know how to use the computer and program(s) you plan to use. Staff members may not be familiar with all software programs available on the computers
  • Pay for all printouts made from the machine, including pages printed by accident.  Bringing your own paper does not reduce the price of the printing. It is the toner that costs.
  • When finished, click Done and End Now to clear your Internet session

Prohibited Use:

Violation may result in loss or suspension of Internet privileges, possible prosecution and repair expenses. 

You may not:

  • TURN OFF, LOG OFF OR SHUT DOWN COMPUTER!
  • Use another person’s Library card for computer access
  • Make copies of resources protected by copyright law or create or maintain web sites
  • Use instant messengers or chat rooms
  • Interfere with the operation of any computer, alter, damage or destroy data, computer programs or settings; or change desktop settings, homepages and backgrounds. These acts may be considered a felony under Texas state law (Section 1, Title 7, Ch. 33, Section 33.02a)
  • Install software or any hardware
  • Save, download or upload files to the C drive
  • Access pornographic sites. Viewing obscene or pornographic materials on public computer is in violation of TEXAS PENAL CODE, Sections 43.22, 43.23, 43.24 and 43.26 and is considered a Class A misdemeanor.
    • Texas Penal Code #43.22: A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly displays or distributes an obscene photograph, drawing, or similar visual representation or other obscene material and is reckless about whether a person is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display or distribution.
    • Texas Penal Code #42.2: A person commits an offense if, knowing its content and character, he wholesale promotes or possesses with intent to wholesale promote any obscene material or obscene device.
    • Texas Penal Code #43.24: A person commits an offense, if know that the material is harmful [to minors] he displays harmful material and is reckless about whether a minor is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display.
    • Texas Penal Code #43.26 (a felony): A person commits an offense if the person knowingly or intentionally possess visual material that visually depicts a child younger than 18 years of age at the time the image of the child was made who is engaging in sexual conduct.

Your use privilege will be terminated if you are caught breaking these codes. Authorities will be notified if you are caught viewing a pornography site.