Q: Can I check out books if I am not a student, staff, or faculty member of Nelson University?

Our library is a private, academic library, but we are on an open campus. That means that you're allowed to come into the library, use our books in person, use our study spaces, and use the Wi-Fi. However, you won't be able to check anything out from us (unless you're student, staff, or faculty) unless you pay to have a community patron card. This is a membership card to allow you to borrow books.

We have two card options for gaining check-out privileges in Nelson Memorial Library:

• TexShare Card: A TexShare card is a specialized card that you can receive from your local public library (if you live in Waxahachie, this library will be Nicholas P. Sims Library on Main Street) which allows you to visit any Texas library that also participates in the program and receive patron privileges there. This long list of participants includes Nelson Memorial Library. More information can be found on the TexShare program here.
• Community Patron Card: A community patron membership card is specific to Nelson Memorial Library so you can’t use it everywhere like you may use a TexShare card, but it would grant you privileges for our library exactly like a TexShare card would. A community patron card will cost $50 for a one-year subscription or $100 for a three-year subscription. Email library@nelson.edu if you are interested in this option. To pay for any library fines or fees, see the Nelson payment portal, and select Library.

With either card, you'll have a Nelson Memorial Library account created and be granted borrowing privileges, including checking out up to 3 books at a time for 6 weeks, with one 2-week renewal allowed, and up to 3 DVDs for 2 days with no renewals.