The Austin City Council has thrown a lifeline to bookworms living at the fringes of the city, approving an ordinance that extends Austin Public Library privileges to those in the city's outer limits without the sting of a non-resident fee. Previously, any non-city dweller or non-Travis County student was on the hook for up to $120 to get their hands on a non-resident library card, reported KXAN.

Officials said the amendment, passed on February 29th and put into action on March 11th, opens a proverbial door to a treasure trove of library resources — free of charge. "The removal of this financial barrier represents a significant advancement in enhancing access to library resources and collections for these residents," stated a city memo obtained by KXAN.

Caught up in a wave of population growth spilling over the city's edges and an escalating cost of living nudging long-time Austinites outward, the fee elimination is seen as crucial support. “With the significant population growth over recent years on the edges of our city's limits, as well as the cost of living driving many longtime residents out of the city center, a non-resident fee becomes an economic barrier for many in the community we serve," Austin Public Library Director Roosevelt Weeks told Austin Public Library news.

Residents in the ETJ and limited purpose jurisdiction, often only blocks from Austin Public Library branches, usually tote an Austin address without the city service perks. The nixed fee brings them closer to the full benefits of their urban neighbors. A helpful map and guide for checking jurisdiction status can be found on the Austin Public Library's website, as noted in their news announcement.