Houston Public Library will start charging again for printing services, despite previous concerns about potential barriers it may present to unbanked and low-income residents.
The city’s library system converted to a cashless copying and printing system on June 1, 2023. After several library employees and Houston Landing readers criticized its effect on residents without access to credit or debit cards, HPL posted signs to inform users that the library could provide assistance if needed.
The library began offering copy and printing services for free later in the year, but absorbing the costs is “no longer sustainable,” according to a Tuesday news release from the city.
A Houston Public Library spokesperson on Wednesday said the system covered more than $13,750 in free printing during fiscal 2024 and had a pending invoice of $7,200 for the fiscal that began Monday. The department’s printing contract with a private vendor ends this month, Deputy Assistant Director of Communications LaDonna Weems said.
Weems said the library averages 40,000 prints per month, and the library anticipates an annual cost of $170,000 for free printing.
The library will charge $0.15 per black and white page and $0.50 per color page. There will be a $1 minimum and a $5 credit card hold per transaction. These are the same fees the library charged last year before making the service free for patrons, but the credit card hold has been cut by half.
The change will go into effect Nov. 1.
HPL Director Sandy Gaw sent an internal memo Monday night alerting library employees to the reinstatement of the charges, according to a review of the notice by Houston Landing.
Gaw said in the memo that all locations would receive new signs alerting users to the change by Oct. 11.
“I understand that this change may generate questions or concerns, but it is a necessary step to ensure the long-term sustainability of our services,” she said.
She said in the memo that the internal IT team would search for ways to minimize barriers to users without credit or debit cards, as well as users without sufficient funds.
In the release sent Tuesday, the city said options included addressing the minimum credit card hold requirements.
“Houston Public Library recognizes the vital role our system plays in providing free and accessible resources to all residents,” the press release read. “We remain dedicated to ensuring that the library serves as a vital resource for everyone in our community.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include the cost for library system to provide free printing this past year and an estimate for the coming year.
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