Lois Nelson Public Library's $35 annual nonresident card policy took effect October 1, 2026. The city says it applies to people living outside Princeton city limits, with specified exceptions. A Princeton mailing address alone is not the eligibility test. Current library-card policy
What the annual card covers
The library identifies physical borrowing and Libby/CloudLibrary digital access as services unavailable to nonresidents who do not obtain the paid card, unless an exception applies. The published charge is $35 for an annual nonresident card, not a monthly subscription or a stated household package. Ask staff how the policy applies to each applicant in your family.
The page cites Ordinance 2026-09-28-05. The city's September 28 council recap separately confirms approval of the nonresident fee and eligibility ordinance, effective October 1. This is coverage of an existing change, not a claim that council adopted another fee this week. Council's September 28 recap
Exceptions require an eligibility check
The published exceptions include city employees, municipal-library volunteers, Princeton ISD employees, students in approved educational partnerships, residents covered by reciprocal agreements, director-approved hardship waivers and other council-approved categories. Being a student somewhere, volunteering elsewhere or living elsewhere in Collin County does not by itself establish an exemption.
Before paying, tell staff which category may apply and ask what evidence they need. A hardship waiver is subject to the Library Director's approval, rather than an automatic discount for every applicant. We have not verified a separate application deadline, refund entitlement or processing-charge schedule for this card.
You can still use some services without the paid card
The library says nonresidents without the paid card may attend programs, use the computer center and use business services such as printing, copying, scanning and notary services. Availability is different from price: that statement does not make every business service free or guarantee a seat at a particular program. Services retained under the policy
That distinction matters for families who only want a storytime visit versus those who want to take books home or use digital borrowing. Our Princeton kids guide covers family outings separately from library-card eligibility.
Documents, hours and the correct Princeton
The city's application asks whether the applicant lives inside city limits and requests identification and address evidence. Follow its parent/guardian requirements for applicants under 17. Submit personal documents only through the official process; this article does not collect them.
Lois Nelson Public Library is at 323 McKinney Avenue, Princeton, Texas, phone 972-736-3741. Its posted regular schedule is Monday–Tuesday 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Wednesday–Thursday 9 a.m.–8 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., closed weekends. Recheck special closures before traveling. Texas library contact and hours
Search results also show a different Princeton library in New Jersey. Its fees, university affiliations and eligibility rules do not establish the rules here, y'all.
Sources and pricing check
City sources were checked October 16, 2026. The $35 figure is the library's published annual US-dollar nonresident card charge, subject to the stated exceptions. It is not a quote for lost materials, printing or every service. Confirm individual eligibility and any additional required charges with staff before payment.