City of El Paso approves enhanced library card program

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- With the City of El Paso approving the enhanced library card program, about 10,000 cards are expected to be issued during the first year of this program.

The implementation of this enhanced library card program is expected to begin in April of 2024. The city explains this is something those who do not have the necessary paperwork required to obtain a state issued photo ID can take advantage of.

Tuesday morning, City Council voted unanimously to pass the approval of an enhanced library card program for the community.

While these ID cards will not replace a state issued ID, these new cards will provide access to various things and will be accepted by the police department and the sheriff’s office.

“Law enforcement is a huge piece of this. If you do not have identification, it is really hard for people to feel comfortable calling police to file reports of domestic violence, to reach out if there's something going on in their neighborhood," once City Council member said.

While some people have expressed concerns about the cost this will have on taxpayers, others told ABC-7 they see the value for residents.

During the presentation for the program, some raised concerns regarding the privacy of information that will be kept, an issue that was addressed by City Representative Alexsandra Annello.

“When you turn in your documentation, that will not be retained by the City of El Paso. And libraries are secured to keep your information private and databases of it's private.”

ABC-7 learned that the pilot phase of this new program is expected to cost about $105,000.