FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions - SFPL

How do I access The New York Times?
Last Updated: Nov 20, 2025 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
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Views: 1079275
How do I get a library card?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 915690
How do I renew my Library Card?
Last Updated: Oct 31, 2024 |
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Views: 361157
Printing, Copying, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library
Last Updated: Apr 29, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 324094
How do I renew my checked out items? Why can't I renew?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
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Views: 260799
What documents are required to get a Library Card?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
- My Account
- Services
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Views: 163913
What is Hoopla Digital and how does it work?
Last Updated: Nov 17, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 158770
What is Libby by OverDrive and how does it work?
Last Updated: Nov 05, 2025 |
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Views: 144077
What is Kanopy and how does it work?
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2025 |
Topics:
- eVideo
- FAQ
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Views: 129512
How do I use Discover and Go?
Last Updated: Nov 01, 2025 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- Services
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Views: 95957

What are my responsibilities as a library cardholder?
Last Updated: Nov 21, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 6140
How do I access The New York Times?
Last Updated: Nov 20, 2025 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
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Views: 1079275
What is happening to Boundless?

Last Updated: Nov 19, 2025 | Views: 552
What is Hoopla Digital and how does it work?
Last Updated: Nov 17, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 158770
What is Boundless and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Nov 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 1047
How do I get a library card?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 915690
I did not receive email that my item is due / overdue / ready for pickup
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 2678
How do I renew items by phone?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 4727
How much are fees?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
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Views: 22295
Can I receive a notice when holds are ready / items are due?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 5378
How do I renew my checked out items? Why can't I renew?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 260799
How do I use the Classic Catalog to find items?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
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Views: 540
How do I login to my online Library account?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 12277
Where can I return items?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- Services
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Views: 29794
Can I make photocopies and/or scan items at the library?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
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Views: 8582
What can I do on the computer I reserve and what types of software are available?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
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Views: 3945
What is InterLibrary Loan (ILL) and how does it work?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 84645
How do I pay my fees online?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 13912
Does the library lend laptop computers?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
- Computers / Equipment
- Services
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Views: 21554
What documents are required to get a Library Card?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
- My Account
- Services
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Views: 163913
How do I donate a book or AV item to the library?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
- Donations
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Views: 1279
How many may I reserve / hold? How many may I borrow? How long may I keep items?
Last Updated: Nov 13, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 48136
What is Libby by OverDrive and how does it work?
Last Updated: Nov 05, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 144077
What is SFPL's Collection Development Plan?
Last Updated: Nov 05, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 14216
How do I use Discover and Go?
Last Updated: Nov 01, 2025 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- Services
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Views: 95957
How do I return an ebook or audiobook early?
Last Updated: Oct 08, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 11484
How do I suggest a title?
Last Updated: Oct 02, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 9878
digitalsf.org FAQs
Last Updated: Sep 26, 2025 |
Topics:
- FAQ
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Views: 94
What happened to the Deliver Later feature for my holds in Libby and the OverDrive website?

Last Updated: Sep 24, 2025 | Views: 83
How do I pay for or replace a Lost or Damaged item?
Last Updated: Sep 20, 2025 |
Topics:
- Borrow Items
- My Account
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Views: 20396
Which locations have seed lending libraries?
Last Updated: Sep 18, 2025 |
Topics:
- Branches
- FAQ
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Views: 244
How do I get Kindle Books from Libby by OverDrive?
Last Updated: Sep 12, 2025 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 44865
How do I access The Wall Street Journal (wsj.com)?
Last Updated: Sep 05, 2025 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
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Views: 6321
How do I reconnect my Kanopy account after renewing my library account?
Last Updated: Sep 05, 2025 |
Topics:
- eResources
- eVideo
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Views: 483
Why is my Kanopy account blocked?
Last Updated: Sep 05, 2025 |
Topics:
- eResources
- eVideo
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Views: 487
Do you have typewriters?
Last Updated: Sep 05, 2025 |
Topics:
- Computers / Equipment
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Views: 306
How do I access a supplementary PDF mentioned in my OverDrive or Boundless audiobook?
Last Updated: Sep 05, 2025 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 234
Why is Libby asking me to verify my PIN?
Last Updated: Sep 05, 2025 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 112
What are tags in Libby and how do I use them?
Last Updated: Sep 05, 2025 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 211
How do I access newspapers and magazines on PressReader?
Last Updated: Aug 27, 2025 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
- eResources
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Views: 43778
What is the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection?
Last Updated: Aug 26, 2025 |
Topics:
- FAQ
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Views: 5112
How do I change my PIN / Password?
Last Updated: Aug 18, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 88032
How do I renew eBooks and eAudiobooks?
Last Updated: Jul 11, 2025 |
Topics:
- eBooks
- FAQ
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Views: 19107
What do I need to know when the OverDrive app sunsets in April 2023?
Last Updated: Jul 11, 2025 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 255
Does the library have 3D printers I can use?
Last Updated: Jul 11, 2025 |
Topics:
- Printing
- Services
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Views: 8045
Does SFPL offer exam proctoring?
Last Updated: Jul 11, 2025 |
Topics:
- Services
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Views: 3461
What is Bibliocommons and why should I use it?
Last Updated: Jul 11, 2025 |
Topics:
- BiblioCommons
- My Account
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Views: 20257
What is the Scholar Card?
Last Updated: Jun 25, 2025 |
Topics:
- Library Card
- Scholar Card
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Views: 4157
What is a Teacher Card and how can I get one?
Last Updated: Jun 11, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 13258
How do I use the FOR LATER Shelf?
Last Updated: Jun 11, 2025 |
Topics:
- BiblioCommons
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Views: 3817
How long will it take to receive requested items from offsite storage?
Last Updated: Jun 04, 2025 |
Topics:
- Books and Materials
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Views: 126
What is "delayed paging"?

Last Updated: Jun 04, 2025 | Views: 276
What should I do if I return something to SFPL that belongs to another library?
Last Updated: Apr 30, 2025 |
Topics:
- Books and Materials
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Views: 3866
Printing, Copying, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library
Last Updated: Apr 29, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 324094
What is The MIX?
Last Updated: Apr 01, 2025 |
Topics:
- Main
- Services
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Views: 1994
What is Excel Adult High School?
Last Updated: Mar 10, 2025 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- Services
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Views: 1364
Can I receive notification via text message of holds ready to pickup and items due back?
Last Updated: Feb 27, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 22952
What is Flipster and how do I use it?
Last Updated: Feb 20, 2025 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
- eResources
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Views: 10724
What apps are available for your eResources?
Last Updated: Feb 07, 2025 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 1997
What is Kanopy and how does it work?
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2025 |
Topics:
- eVideo
- FAQ
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Views: 129512
How do I reserve a meeting room for my group to use?
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 2769
What is Borrowing History?
Last Updated: Jan 05, 2025 |
Topics:
- BiblioCommons
- My Account
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Views: 3271
Can I access Hoopla ebooks on my Kindle Paperwhite?
Last Updated: Dec 30, 2024 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 433
Can I print from my own computer or laptop?
Last Updated: Nov 09, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 26179
How do I renew my Library Card?
Last Updated: Oct 31, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 361157
How do I update my address?
Last Updated: Oct 15, 2024 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- My Account
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Views: 3802
Can I request books to be sent through the mail?
Last Updated: Sep 14, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 2527
What is ABCmouse.com Bring Learning Home?
Last Updated: Sep 06, 2024 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 2793
What is Udemy and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Aug 30, 2024 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 13510
How do I log into Oxford English Dictionary (OED)?
Last Updated: Aug 26, 2024 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 1031
How do I find out if the Library carries a particular magazine, newspaper, or journal?
Last Updated: Jul 31, 2024 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
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Views: 651
What types of software are included on the library's computers?
Last Updated: Jul 16, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 3791
How do I transfer eBooks to my Nook ereader?
Last Updated: Jun 28, 2024 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 6513
What is Adobe Digital Editions and why do I need it?
Last Updated: Jun 28, 2024 |
Topics:
- eBooks
- eResources
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Views: 21184
How do I borrow OverDrive ebooks on a Kobo ereader?
Last Updated: Jun 28, 2024 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 5333
Does the library have an archive of the San Francisco Chronicle?
Last Updated: Jun 13, 2024 |
Topics:
- Books and Materials
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Views: 3796
How do I access an EPUB/PDF-formatted ebook from Boundless?
Last Updated: Apr 05, 2024 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 37406
What is Peterson's Test Prep and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2024 |
Topics:
- eLearning
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Views: 1133
My library card is lost or stolen. How do I replace my library card?
Last Updated: Feb 01, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 52796
What is Auto Renew?
Last Updated: Dec 14, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 10811
What is Gale Courses and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Dec 08, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 11782
What is Treehouse and how do I get an account?
Last Updated: Dec 08, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
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Views: 25587
What is LinkedIn Learning?
Last Updated: Dec 08, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
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Views: 6033
What is Mango Languages account and how do I create an account?
Last Updated: Dec 05, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 12965
What is Rosetta Stone and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Dec 05, 2023 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 20323
Where are my ebooks?
Last Updated: Nov 21, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 6972
How do I get my ebook or eaudiobook?
Last Updated: Nov 06, 2023 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 4011
What is Kanopy's ticket system?
Last Updated: Nov 01, 2023 |
Topics:
- eResources
- eVideo
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Views: 921
What is MyHeritage Library Edition?
Last Updated: Sep 22, 2023 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 801
What is My China Roots and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Sep 22, 2023 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 1712
What is happening to the legacy OverDrive app?

Last Updated: Sep 12, 2023 | Views: 2509
Placing a hold/ Reserving an Item
Last Updated: Aug 03, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 17307
What is CAreer Pathways?
Last Updated: Jul 07, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 560
Can I get an obituary for...?

Last Updated: Jul 05, 2023 | Views: 347
How do I use Chinese Characters on Library Computers?
Last Updated: Jun 22, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 1744
What is LINK+ and how does it work?
Last Updated: May 25, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 76136
How do I remove items from my Borrowing History?
Last Updated: Mar 07, 2023 |
Topics:
- BiblioCommons
- Books and Materials
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Views: 7515
Does the library take donations of money?
Last Updated: Feb 07, 2023 |
Topics:
- Donations
- Library Administration
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Views: 8521
Can I access my OverDrive history in Libby?

Last Updated: Dec 12, 2022 | Views: 844
What should I read?
Last Updated: Dec 07, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 422

Why am I receiving this newsletter?
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2020 |
Topics:
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Views: 2732

Why do I need my PIN at the self-checkout machines?
Last Updated: Oct 08, 2021 |
Topics:
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Views: 980

System Status

Current status of the Library's online systems

Contact Us

phone / email / text hours:

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

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10-6

send email

call 415-557-4400

send text (sms) to 415-723-4414

eBook / eAudiobook help

suggest a title

My Library Account

How do I get a Library Card / Account?

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?