The Texas capital follows in the footsteps of San Antonio, San Marcos, Harris County and Dallas, which rolled out similar programs.
Even as life continues to move online, having a valid ID is a necessity.
On Monday, the Austin Public Library launched a pilot program for enhanced library cards that will be accepted by local agencies and organizations as a valid form of identification. The program is similar to that seen in San Antonio, which launched its ownThe enhanced library card will feature the cardholder's library card number, photograph, address, date of birth, expiration date and a scannable barcode.
Library officials noted that the lack of government-issued identification can have negative impacts on quality of life. That is especially true for vulnerable populations such as people experiencing homelessness, those formerly incarcerated and immigrant communities without access to the needed paperwork to obtain a state-issued photo ID.
People with physical disabilities also face unique barriers when trying to obtain photo ID, including the lack of access to transportation and difficulty navigating the application process.Anyone over the age of 18 will be able to acquire an enhanced library card, although the ID cannot be used for voting or other instances where a state ID is required.
Similar programs were established across Texas in previous years, including San Antonio, San Marcos, Harris County and Dallas. In July, the Austin Library Commission called on the city to establish its own enhanced library card program. Austin City Council Member Vanessa Fuentes introduced a budget amendment for the current fiscal year dedicating $12,000 for equipment to establish the pilot program.
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