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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions - SFPL

164 Answers

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    • SFPL FAQ English
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  • Topics
    • 4About
    • 22BiblioCommons
    • 23Books and Materials
    • 24Borrow Items
    • 8Branches
    • 13Classic Catalog
    • 3Collection Development
    • 21Computers / Equipment
    • 2Donations
    • 10eAudiobooks
    • 25eBooks
    • 10eLearning
    • 5eMagazines & eNews
    • 3eMusic
    • 16eResources
    • 7eVideo
    • 32FAQ
    • 1Fees / Charges
    • 5Holds / Reserves
    • 2InterLibrary Loan
    • 9Libraries
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    • 8Main
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    • 6Notices
    • 5Printing
    • 1Scholar Card
    • 45Services
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  • How do I get a library card?
    Last Updated: Sep 29, 2023 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • FAQ
    • Library Card
    • My Account
    • Services
    |
    Views: 759458
  • How do I access New York Times?
    Last Updated: Feb 06, 2023 | Topics:
    • eMagazines & eNews
    |
    Views: 448646
  • How do I renew my Library Card?
    Last Updated: Feb 06, 2023 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • My Account
    • Services
    |
    Views: 268163
  • How do I renew my checked out items? Why can't I renew?
    Last Updated: May 25, 2023 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • My Account
    • Services
    |
    Views: 235372
  • What is Hoopla Digital and how does it work?
    Last Updated: Aug 22, 2022 | Topics:
    • eAudiobooks
    • eBooks
    • eMusic
    • eVideo
    |
    Views: 143238
  • What is the OverDrive / Libby ebook collection and how does it work?
    Last Updated: Sep 16, 2022 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • eAudiobooks
    • eBooks
    • eVideo
    • FAQ
    |
    Views: 133026
  • What documents are required to get a Library Card?
    Last Updated: Aug 17, 2023 | Topics:
    • My Account
    • Services
    |
    Views: 117607
  • Printing, Copying, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library
    Last Updated: Jul 05, 2023 | Topics:
    • Computers / Equipment
    • Printing
    • Services
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    Views: 116514
  • What is Kanopy and how does it work?
    Last Updated: Oct 21, 2022 | Topics:
    • eVideo
    • FAQ
    |
    Views: 114673
  • What is the Axis 360 ebook collection and how does it work?
    Last Updated: May 22, 2023 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • eAudiobooks
    • eBooks
    |
    Views: 81222
  • How do I get a library card?
    Last Updated: Sep 29, 2023 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • FAQ
    • Library Card
    • My Account
    • Services
    |
    Views: 759458
  • What is Boundless and what's happening to Axis 360?
    Last Updated: Sep 26, 2023 | Topics:
    • eAudiobooks
    • eBooks
    |
    Views: 219
  • What is MyHeritage Library Edition?
    Last Updated: Sep 22, 2023 | Topics:
    • eResources
    |
    Views: 7
  • What is SFPL's Collection Development Plan?
    Last Updated: Sep 22, 2023 | Topics:
    • Books and Materials
    • Collection Development
    • Library Administration
    |
    Views: 10137
  • What is My China Roots and how do I get started?
    Last Updated: Sep 22, 2023 | Topics:
    • eResources
    |
    Views: 186
  • How do I pay for or replace a Lost or Damaged item?
    Last Updated: Sep 21, 2023 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • My Account
    |
    Views: 15169
  • What is a Teacher Card and how can I get one?
    Last Updated: Sep 20, 2023 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • FAQ
    • Holds / Reserves
    |
    Views: 10007
  • Does the library lend laptop computers?
    Last Updated: Sep 14, 2023 | Topics:
    • Computers / Equipment
    • Services
    |
    Views: 18947
  • How do I log into Oxford English Dictionary (OED)?
    Last Updated: Sep 12, 2023 | Topics:
    • eResources
    |
    Views: 27
  • What is happening to the legacy OverDrive app?
    Last Updated: Sep 12, 2023 | Views: 2032
  • My library card is lost or stolen. How do I replace my library card?
    Last Updated: Sep 11, 2023 | Topics:
    • eBooks
    • Library Card
    • My Account
    |
    Views: 41159
  • What documents are required to get a Library Card?
    Last Updated: Aug 17, 2023 | Topics:
    • My Account
    • Services
    |
    Views: 117607
  • What is The MIX?
    Last Updated: Aug 14, 2023 | Topics:
    • Main
    • Services
    |
    Views: 986
  • What is Rosetta Stone and how do I get started?
    Last Updated: Aug 03, 2023 | Topics:
    • eResources
    |
    Views: 13054
  • Placing a hold/ Reserving an Item
    Last Updated: Aug 03, 2023 | Topics:
    • BiblioCommons
    • Books and Materials
    • Borrow Items
    • Holds / Reserves
    |
    Views: 14108
  • What is Peterson's Test Prep and how do I get started?
    Last Updated: Jul 14, 2023 | Topics:
    • eLearning
    |
    Views: 73
  • How do I access newspapers and magazines on PressReader?
    Last Updated: Jul 11, 2023 | Topics:
    • eMagazines & eNews
    • eResources
    |
    Views: 31917
  • What is GetSetUp and how do I get started?
    Last Updated: Jul 10, 2023 | Topics:
    • eLearning
    |
    Views: 635
  • What do I need to know when the OverDrive app sunsets in April 2023?
    Last Updated: Jul 07, 2023 | Topics:
    • eAudiobooks
    • eBooks
    |
    Views: 16
  • What is CAreer Pathways?
    Last Updated: Jul 07, 2023 | Topics:
    • eLearning
    • eResources
    |
    Views: 30
  • Printing, Copying, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library
    Last Updated: Jul 05, 2023 | Topics:
    • Computers / Equipment
    • Printing
    • Services
    |
    Views: 116514
  • Does the library have an archive of the San Francisco Chronicle?
    Last Updated: Jul 05, 2023 | Topics:
    • Books and Materials
    |
    Views: 2600
  • What is "delayed paging"?
    Last Updated: Jul 05, 2023 | Views: 26
  • Can I get an obituary for...?
    Last Updated: Jul 05, 2023 | Views: 85
  • How do I use Chinese Characters on Library Computers?
    Last Updated: Jun 22, 2023 | Topics:
    • Computers / Equipment
    • FAQ
    • Services
    |
    Views: 1135
  • How do I transfer eBooks to my Kobo or Nook?
    Last Updated: May 31, 2023 | Topics:
    • eBooks
    |
    Views: 3986
  • What is Auto Renew?
    Last Updated: May 26, 2023 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • My Account
    • Notices
    |
    Views: 7939
  • What is LINK+ and how does it work?
    Last Updated: May 25, 2023 | Topics:
    • Books and Materials
    • FAQ
    • InterLibrary Loan
    • Services
    |
    Views: 51068
  • What is Flipster and how do I use it?
    Last Updated: May 25, 2023 | Topics:
    • eMagazines & eNews
    • eResources
    |
    Views: 8485
  • How do I renew my checked out items? Why can't I renew?
    Last Updated: May 25, 2023 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • My Account
    • Services
    |
    Views: 235372
  • What is Mango Languages account and how do I create an account?
    Last Updated: May 23, 2023 | Topics:
    • eLearning
    • eResources
    |
    Views: 8105
  • What is the Axis 360 ebook collection and how does it work?
    Last Updated: May 22, 2023 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • eAudiobooks
    • eBooks
    |
    Views: 81222
  • How do I pay my fees online?
    Last Updated: Apr 18, 2023 | Topics:
    • Classic Catalog
    • FAQ
    • My Account
    |
    Views: 9776
  • How many may I reserve / hold? How many may I borrow? How long may I keep items?
    Last Updated: Apr 07, 2023 | Topics:
    • Books and Materials
    • Borrow Items
    • eBooks
    • FAQ
    • Services
    |
    Views: 35167
  • What is the Scholar Card?
    Last Updated: Apr 06, 2023 | Topics:
    • Library Card
    • Scholar Card
    |
    Views: 1691
  • What is LinkedIn Learning?
    Last Updated: Mar 14, 2023 | Topics:
    • eLearning
    |
    Views: 3634
  • How do I remove items from my Borrowing History?
    Last Updated: Mar 07, 2023 | Topics:
    • BiblioCommons
    • Books and Materials
    |
    Views: 5116
  • How does the SFPL Book Stop work and where is it located?
    Last Updated: Feb 22, 2023 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • Branches
    • Computers / Equipment
    • FAQ
    • Libraries
    • Services
    |
    Views: 348
  • What is Udemy and how do I get started?
    Last Updated: Feb 21, 2023 | Topics:
    • eLearning
    • eResources
    |
    Views: 8867
  • How do I manage requests / holds using my Classic Catalog account?
    Last Updated: Feb 11, 2023 | Topics:
    • Books and Materials
    • Classic Catalog
    • FAQ
    |
    Views: 6385
  • How do I renew eBooks and eAudiobooks?
    Last Updated: Feb 09, 2023 | Topics:
    • eBooks
    • FAQ
    |
    Views: 17804
  • Does the library take donations of money?
    Last Updated: Feb 07, 2023 | Topics:
    • Donations
    • Library Administration
    |
    Views: 6003
  • How do I renew my Library Card?
    Last Updated: Feb 06, 2023 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • My Account
    • Services
    |
    Views: 268163
  • What are my responsibilities as a library cardholder?
    Last Updated: Feb 06, 2023 | Topics:
    • About
    • Borrow Items
    • FAQ
    • My Account
    |
    Views: 4730
  • How do I access New York Times?
    Last Updated: Feb 06, 2023 | Topics:
    • eMagazines & eNews
    |
    Views: 448646
  • How much are fees?
    Last Updated: Jan 31, 2023 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • Fees / Charges
    • Services
    |
    Views: 20800
  • What types of software are included on the library's computers?
    Last Updated: Jan 18, 2023 | Topics:
    • Computers / Equipment
    • FAQ
    • Services
    |
    Views: 2516
  • How do I get a notification about a Suggested Title arriving at SFPL?
    Last Updated: Dec 23, 2022 | Topics:
    • Books and Materials
    • Holds / Reserves
    |
    Views: 863
  • Can I access my OverDrive history in Libby?
    Last Updated: Dec 12, 2022 | Views: 181
  • What should I read?
    Last Updated: Dec 07, 2022 | Topics:
    • Books and Materials
    • Services
    • Summer Reading
    |
    Views: 112
  • Is there an “Add to Apple Wallet” option for library cards?
    Last Updated: Nov 29, 2022 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • Library Card
    • My Account
    |
    Views: 1058
  • How do I access an EPUB/PDF ebook from Axis360?
    Last Updated: Nov 26, 2022 | Topics:
    • eBooks
    |
    Views: 30698
  • How do I renew items by phone?
    Last Updated: Nov 16, 2022 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • My Account
    • Services
    |
    Views: 3773
  • What can I do on the computer I reserve and what types of software are available?
    Last Updated: Nov 10, 2022 | Topics:
    • Computers / Equipment
    • FAQ
    • Services
    |
    Views: 2786
  • What is InterLibrary Loan (ILL) and how does it work?
    Last Updated: Nov 02, 2022 | Topics:
    • Books and Materials
    • Borrow Items
    • FAQ
    • InterLibrary Loan
    • Libraries
    • Main
    • Services
    |
    Views: 58140
  • What is Kanopy and how does it work?
    Last Updated: Oct 21, 2022 | Topics:
    • eVideo
    • FAQ
    |
    Views: 114673
  • How do I get Kindle Books from OverDrive / Libby?
    Last Updated: Sep 16, 2022 | Topics:
    • eBooks
    |
    Views: 35396
  • What is the OverDrive / Libby ebook collection and how does it work?
    Last Updated: Sep 16, 2022 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • eAudiobooks
    • eBooks
    • eVideo
    • FAQ
    |
    Views: 133026
  • How do I return an eBook Early?
    Last Updated: Aug 24, 2022 | Topics:
    • Books and Materials
    • eAudiobooks
    • eBooks
    |
    Views: 9925
  • What happened to OverDrive's automatic checkout of holds?
    Last Updated: Aug 22, 2022 | Topics:
    • eAudiobooks
    • eBooks
    |
    Views: 732
  • What is Hoopla Digital and how does it work?
    Last Updated: Aug 22, 2022 | Topics:
    • eAudiobooks
    • eBooks
    • eMusic
    • eVideo
    |
    Views: 143238
  • What is Adobe Digital Editions and why do I need it?
    Last Updated: Aug 17, 2022 | Topics:
    • eBooks
    • eResources
    |
    Views: 17327
  • What is BCAF and how do I get started?
    Last Updated: Jul 29, 2022 | Views: 289
  • Why do I have to visit in person to get a library card?
    Last Updated: Jul 25, 2022 | Topics:
    • My Account
    |
    Views: 13349
  • What is SimplyE?
    Last Updated: Jul 21, 2022 | Topics:
    • eAudiobooks
    • eBooks
    |
    Views: 13603
  • How do I suggest a title?
    Last Updated: Jul 19, 2022 | Topics:
    • BiblioCommons
    • Books and Materials
    • Collection Development
    • My Account
    • Services
    |
    Views: 7292
  • What was the Tech It Forward laptop donation program?
    Last Updated: Jul 06, 2022 | Topics:
    • Donations
    |
    Views: 710
  • What is the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection?
    Last Updated: May 13, 2022 | Topics:
    • FAQ
    |
    Views: 3304
  • What time does the Library open / close?
    Last Updated: Apr 20, 2022 | Topics:
    • About
    • Libraries
    |
    Views: 2026
  • Can I receive a notice when holds are ready / items are due?
    Last Updated: Apr 20, 2022 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • My Account
    • Notices
    • Services
    |
    Views: 3883
  • What happens when an item is overdue?
    Last Updated: Apr 19, 2022 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • My Account
    • Notices
    |
    Views: 5715
  • Does SFPL offer exam proctoring?
    Last Updated: Mar 23, 2022 | Topics:
    • Services
    |
    Views: 2423
  • What is the Lucky Day Collection?
    Last Updated: Feb 22, 2022 | Topics:
    • Books and Materials
    • Borrow Items
    |
    Views: 5617
  • What is Borrowing History?
    Last Updated: Feb 08, 2022 | Topics:
    • BiblioCommons
    • My Account
    |
    Views: 2591
  • What is Bibliocommons and why should I use it?
    Last Updated: Jan 13, 2022 | Topics:
    • BiblioCommons
    • My Account
    |
    Views: 14960
  • How do I reserve a meeting room for my group to use?
    Last Updated: Jan 05, 2022 | Topics:
    • Branches
    • Main
    • Services
    |
    Views: 1434
  • Where can I return items?
    Last Updated: Dec 29, 2021 | Topics:
    • FAQ
    • Services
    |
    Views: 23788
  • How do I use Discover and Go?
    Last Updated: Dec 22, 2021 | Topics:
    • FAQ
    • Services
    |
    Views: 58060
  • What is Treehouse and how do I get an account?
    Last Updated: Nov 30, 2021 | Topics:
    • eLearning
    |
    Views: 19527
  • What is Gale Courses and how do I get started?
    Last Updated: Nov 23, 2021 | Topics:
    • eLearning
    • eResources
    |
    Views: 8333
  • Mission Construction Q & A
    Last Updated: Nov 19, 2021 | Topics:
    • Branches
    |
    Views: 448
  • How do I change my PIN / Password?
    Last Updated: Oct 13, 2021 | Topics:
    • Classic Catalog
    • Computers / Equipment
    • My Account
    |
    Views: 55130
  • Why do I need my PIN at the self-checkout machines?
    Last Updated: Oct 08, 2021 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • Computers / Equipment
    • My Account
    |
    Views: 534
  • How do I do a Preferred Search?
    Last Updated: Oct 06, 2021 | Topics:
    • Books and Materials
    • Classic Catalog
    |
    Views: 2675
  • What are the plans for the Mission Branch Library Renovation?
    Last Updated: Sep 20, 2021 | Topics:
    • Branches
    • Libraries
    • Library Administration
    |
    Views: 504
  • Why does air quality affect SFPL operations? Why do some branches close during heavy smoke events?
    Last Updated: Aug 30, 2021 | Topics:
    • Library Administration
    |
    Views: 219
  • What is Enki eBooks?
    Last Updated: Aug 30, 2021 | Topics:
    • eBooks
    |
    Views: 1097
  • How do I pay my fines online?
    Last Updated: Aug 30, 2021 | Topics:
    • Classic Catalog
    • My Account
    |
    Views: 616
  • How do I get my ebook or eaudiobook?
    Last Updated: Aug 30, 2021 | Topics:
    • eBooks
    |
    Views: 2467
  • How do I borrow OverDrive ebooks on a Kobo ereader?
    Last Updated: Aug 30, 2021 | Topics:
    • eBooks
    |
    Views: 3132
  • Are there opportunities to volunteer at the Library?
    Last Updated: Aug 30, 2021 | Topics:
    • About
    |
    Views: 2837
  • What Library facilities have air conditioning?
    Last Updated: Aug 25, 2021 | Topics:
    • About
    • Branches
    • Libraries
    • Main
    |
    Views: 502
  • The online application says "A library card already exists for a patron with this name." What should I do?
    Last Updated: Aug 16, 2021 | Topics:
    • My Account
    |
    Views: 347
  • Can you distribute fliers?
    Last Updated: Aug 09, 2021 | Topics:
    • Branches
    • Libraries
    • Main
    • Services
    |
    Views: 143
  • What should I do if I return something to SFPL that belongs to another library?
    Last Updated: Aug 03, 2021 | Topics:
    • Books and Materials
    |
    Views: 2350
  • What is Career Online High School?
    Last Updated: Jul 28, 2021 | Topics:
    • FAQ
    • Services
    |
    Views: 949
  • I returned my library item but it still shows as checked out.
    Last Updated: Jul 03, 2021 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • My Account
    |
    Views: 3104
  • Can I print from my own computer or laptop?
    Last Updated: Apr 15, 2021 | Topics:
    • Computers / Equipment
    • Printing
    • Services
    |
    Views: 23478
  • How do I print in the library and how much does it cost?
    Last Updated: Apr 02, 2021 | Topics:
    • Printing
    • Services
    |
    Views: 76089
  • Can I make photocopies and/or scan items at the library?
    Last Updated: Apr 02, 2021 | Topics:
    • Branches
    • Computers / Equipment
    • Main
    • Services
    |
    Views: 7969
  • Why am I receiving this newsletter?
    Last Updated: Feb 13, 2020 | Topics:
    • FAQ
    • Libraries
    • Services
    |
    Views: 2072
  • Why do I need my PIN at the self-checkout machines?
    Last Updated: Oct 08, 2021 | Topics:
    • Borrow Items
    • Computers / Equipment
    • My Account
    |
    Views: 534

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How do I renew an expired account?
How do I change my PIN / password?
How many items may I borrow?
How many items may I hold / reserve?
How long may I keep items?
How do I renew items? Why can't I renew?
How do I replace or pay for lost / damaged items?
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