Materials by Mail Service

For Homebound Library Users

• Are you homebound due to a physical disability or other condition?
• Do you like to read, watch videos, or listen to Books on Tape or compact discs?
• Can you receive mail at your place of residence?

If so, you may apply for a Homebound User Card from the San Antonio Public Library, and have circulating materials mailed to your home!

Who is eligible for this service?
Only residents of Bexar County are eligible for this service. If you are unable to visit a library due to a physical disability or are principally homebound for other reasons, you are eligible to apply for the special Homebound User card. As of October 1996, the Library will not mail items to persons on request, unless they are registered as a Homebound User. Homebound Users may be required to submit certification of their disability or homebound status, if requested to do so by the Library.

How do I apply for a Homebound User card?
Complete the Application form, and mail it to:

Circulation Department Manager
Central Library
600 Soledad Street
San Antonio, TS 78205

Be sure to sign the application form. The card will be mailed to you.

How do I borrow library materials?
Call 207-2500 to request items by title, subject, or author. Staff will ask you for your Homebound User card number (the number on the back of the card that begins with "2 1551..."). If the items that you want are not available when you call, you may reserve them at no charge, and they will be mailed to you when they are available.

How will I get the materials?
Up to five items at a time will be mailed to your residence. Refer to the Library "Policies and Fees Guide" for circulation details. You may also send a friend or family member to the library with your card, to pick up items for you.

How long may I borrow them?
Each item will have a "date due" stamped on it, and must be received at a library (Central, or a Branch Library) by the date due, to avoid having an overdue charge assessed. Books are checked out with a date due of 4 weeks, and videos, Books on Tape, and compact discs are checked out with a date due of 2 weeks. If you choose to mail the items back to the library, you will need to allow five days (before the date due) for their return by mail. Items may not be renewed by telephone.

Is there a charge for this service?
The Library will pay the postage when items are mailed to you, but you are responsible for postage costs if you are returning the items by mail. You may also return the items to your closest Branch Library. You will be charged an overdue fine if the items are returned after the date due. You will also be charged if items are lost or not returned.

Posted/Updated: 12/22/2004