Show All Answers

1. How can I support the Garden Ridge Library?

It will not cost you anything to use the Amazon link below.  This will take you directly to the Amazon website where you can shop.  Amazon will pay the library a small percentage of anything you buy, but it costs you absolutely nothing extra!  Remember us when you are Christmas shopping!

Amazon link

You can also support the Garden Ridge Library by signing up to volunteer.    Volunteer Garden Ridge! link

2. How can I get a library card?

Anyone who resides within the zip codes 78266 and 78132 is entitled to a library card at no charge.  We also give cards to parents whose children attend Garden Ridge Elementary, as there is a pocket of people from another zip code who attend there.  

To obtain a library card please come to the library with proof of residence.

Those who live outside of those two zip codes may obtain a non-resident card for $25 per year.

3. How do I access my account online?

From our Catalog/My Account menu tab on the library’s main webpage, look for the box on the upper-right corner that reads: “Log in to library account.”

Enter all the numbers from the barcode on the back of your library card (without spaces), and then enter your password which is your telephone number (also without spaces or dashes).

Once you've opened up your account, you can:

• Renew your items
• Place a reserve hold on a book, a DVD, or an audiobook
• Determine due dates for items you checked out
• Find out if you owe fines
• Find out if the items you have on reserve have arrived
• Ask us to obtain an item that we don't have, either by purchasing it for the library collection or by using Interlibrary Loan to borrow it from another library
• Sign up to be automatically put on hold for new releases from your favorite authors
• Defer your reserves for a period of time when you are out of town
• See a list of all the books you have read under “History”
• Place the title of a book that you wish to read in the future under “Bookmarks”

4. When is the library open?

Monday:	10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday:	10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday:	10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday:	10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday:	10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday:	10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday:	Closed

5. Does the library offer computers with Internet access and printing capability?

The library currently has 4 computers with Internet access and equipped with Microsoft Office.

Printing from our computers is 15¢ per page in black and white.

6. Does the library offer Wireless internet access? Is printing available?

Yes.  If you have a wireless enabled device, wireless internet access is available at the Library.  Currently we do not offer wireless printing.

7. Where can I find out what's going on at the library?

See the Events page

8. What is the loan period for materials?

Books, audiobooks, & DVDs – 3  weeks

Materials can be renewed by phone during normal business hours or online anytime*

*As long as items are not on reserve for another patron. Materials on reservation by other patrons are not eligible for renewal.

9. What are your basic circulation policies including fees for lost or damaged items?

Late Charges:

Late charges are 25¢ a day for each item, with a $5 maximum for each item.

Lost or Damaged Items:

The cost of the item plus a $5 processing fee will be charged for items lost or returned damaged beyond repair

You also have the option of replacing the lost item with a brand new copy as long as the ISBN number matches, it is the same edition and you provide a receipt. There will also be a $5.00 processing fee if you choose this option.

Borrowing Privileges:

If there is $5 or more in fines on a card, the cardholder will not be allowed to check out more items. Overdue reminders are sent automatically by email 3 days before an item is due and when materials are one week or more late.

Returning Materials:

You can return your library materials by dropping them in the outdoor bookdrop 24 hours a day.  They may be returned at the circulation desk inside the library.

10. Does the library offer free downloadable eBooks and audiobooks?

Yes! Our library subscribes to Libby and Libby Advantage, as well as SimplyE which provide access to free downloadable eBooks and audiobooks. You can check out our digital resources through our catalog page.

11. Can I borrow items from other libraries?

Books and other materials not available at this library may be borrowed from other libraries across the country through the Interlibrary Loan System (ILL).

Our Inter-library loan program can search a multi-state area for a title that you are interested in. There is a $5.00 fee for this services and a form that needs to be filled out. Items that cannot be requested are digital materials and materials less than 6 months old.

If you have a current library card, simply log in to your library account and scroll down till you see the heading “Is the library missing something?” Please choose “Yes” when asked if it's ok to borrow from another library, as a small postage fee applies. Enter as much information as you can about the item (author, title, format, fiction or nonfiction, part of a series, etc.). You can request three ILLs simultaneously.

If you would like assistance with an ILL request, please stop by or call 210-651-6570.

12. What is a TexShare card?

If you are a patron in good standing, you may obtain a TexShare card which enables you to go to other libraries in the surrounding area, such as the San Antonio Library.  When you present the card, they will issue you a card and you will be able to check out 5 books at a time.

13. Do you have a copy and fax machine?

We do not have a copy machine.  You may make a limited number of copies (10 for 15¢ each) on our printer.  It is not made for large numbers of copies.

At this time we do not have fax capabilities.  We can, however, scan documents and email them for you.  There is no charge for this service. 

14. How do I volunteer at the library?

The library has lots of opportunities for you to make a difference volunteering! We need people we can count on.  We cannot at this time accept court-appointed community hours.  We have limited volunteer opportunities for National Honor Society student.  Come in and talk with the library director. 

15. Do you take donations?

Yes! We are happy to receive materials that are in clean, like-new condition. The items are checked for their usefulness to the library. Any items not usable by the library are passed to the bookstore. We cannot guarantee that donations will be used in the library. Items donated become the property of the Garden Ridge Public Library and are subject to discard and disposal as the Library sees fit. Receipts will be provided to the donor upon request. Due to Internal Revenue Service regulations, the Library is prohibited from providing an estimate of the monetary value of the donation.

Please DO NOT donate items that are dirty, stained, moldy, water-damaged or infested with insects. Double-check your boxes and bags for personal items before donating. We’re sorry but we cannot accept textbooks, encyclopedias, Reader’s Digest condensed books, magazine, VHS tapes or books on cassette tapes.