For many caregivers and older adults, their local library can be a great source of knowledge, entertainment, and escape. But sometimes, the local library is simply too limited in its selection or services.
Family caregiver David Coco has shared a list of area libraries that can be accessed by anyone, including ones that don’t require residency (but do requires an in-person visit) along with statewide libraries that don’t require residency nor an in-person visit. The list also focuses on libraries who offered Kindle compatible e-books – via the app called Libby) – which is the most popular format in use now.
David also discovered that many, but not all, of the libraries are part of a regional digital consortium that offers a much larger selection than a single library could offer. He has found that you have a pretty good chance of finding most books if you are a member of three or more large libraries or digital consortia.
| Library | Digital Consortium | Notes |
| Harris County https://www.hcpl.net/ | none | can apply online for digital only card, full service card must apply in person |
| Montgomery County https://www.countylibrary.org/ | Houston Area Digital Consortium | can apply online for digital only card, full service card must apply in person |
| Houston https://houstonlibrary.org/ | none | can apply online for digital and full service card, will mail card, if requested |
| North Richland Hills https://library.nrhtx.com/ | North Texas Libraries to Go Digital Consortium | can apply online for digital only card, full service card must apply in person |
| Riter C. Husley (Terrell) http://www.hulseypubliclibrary.org/ | North East Texas Digital Consortium | can apply online for digital only card, full service card must apply in person |
| Rosenberg https://rosenberg-library.org/ | Houston Area Digital Consortium | can apply online for digital only card, full service card must apply in person |
| Wimberley https://wimberleylibrary.org/ | Central Texas Digital Consortium | free to Texas res. apply online for digital only card, full service card must apply in person |
| Wells Branch https://www.wblibrary.org/ | Central Texas Digital Consortium | must apply in person, 30 days waiting period for permanent card |
| Round Rock www.roundrocktexas.gov/city-departments/ | none | must apply in person, 30 days waiting period for permanent card |
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