The City of Arlington has waived the $50 library card fee for non-resident students and teachers of the Arlington Independent School District.

Arlington Library officials say waiving the annual fee will give about 6,000 A.I.S.D. students who do not reside in Arlington free access to the educational and cultural resources available at public libraries in the City. The Library has about 101,000 card holders.

Library Director Rick Smith said while there will be a decrease in revenue, its significance is small when compared with the department’s overall efforts to achieve its objective of improving literacy in the community.

"By increasing literacy, we help stimulate and support the economy," he said. "This is an investment in the community."

Children Services Coordinator Bethany Ponder said waiving the fee improves access to library services. The library's role is to expand the intellectual life of the community.

"We want everyone served by the Arlington school district to be able to take full advantage of what the library has to offer regardless of whether they reside in Arlington or in a neighboring city," she said.

Proof of enrollment such as a report card, class schedule or student identification is required to obtain a free library card, Arlington library officials say.

For teachers who want to obtain a free library card, proof of employment at an A.I.S.D. school is required. Adults completing a library card application for a child must also present a valid photo ID.