FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions - SFPL

How do I get a library card?
Last Updated: Sep 29, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 759658
How do I access New York Times?
Last Updated: Feb 06, 2023 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
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Views: 449076
How do I renew my Library Card?
Last Updated: Feb 06, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 268292
How do I renew my checked out items? Why can't I renew?
Last Updated: May 25, 2023 |
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Views: 235399
What is Hoopla Digital and how does it work?
Last Updated: Aug 22, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 143256
What is the OverDrive / Libby ebook collection and how does it work?
Last Updated: Sep 16, 2022 |
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Views: 133041
What documents are required to get a Library Card?
Last Updated: Aug 17, 2023 |
Topics:
- My Account
- Services
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Views: 117656
Printing, Copying, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library
Last Updated: Jul 05, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 116668
What is Kanopy and how does it work?
Last Updated: Oct 21, 2022 |
Topics:
- eVideo
- FAQ
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Views: 114692
What is the Axis 360 ebook collection and how does it work?
Last Updated: May 22, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 81231

How do I get a library card?
Last Updated: Sep 29, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 759658
What is Boundless and what's happening to Axis 360?
Last Updated: Sep 26, 2023 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 229
What is MyHeritage Library Edition?
Last Updated: Sep 22, 2023 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 7
What is SFPL's Collection Development Plan?
Last Updated: Sep 22, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 10148
What is My China Roots and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Sep 22, 2023 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 194
How do I pay for or replace a Lost or Damaged item?
Last Updated: Sep 21, 2023 |
Topics:
- Borrow Items
- My Account
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Views: 15172
What is a Teacher Card and how can I get one?
Last Updated: Sep 20, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 10010
Does the library lend laptop computers?
Last Updated: Sep 14, 2023 |
Topics:
- Computers / Equipment
- Services
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Views: 18950
How do I log into Oxford English Dictionary (OED)?
Last Updated: Sep 12, 2023 |
Topics:
- eResources
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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:
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Views: 41172
What documents are required to get a Library Card?
Last Updated: Aug 17, 2023 |
Topics:
- My Account
- Services
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Views: 117656
What is The MIX?
Last Updated: Aug 14, 2023 |
Topics:
- Main
- Services
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Views: 988
What is Rosetta Stone and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Aug 03, 2023 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 13061
Placing a hold/ Reserving an Item
Last Updated: Aug 03, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 14112
What is Peterson's Test Prep and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Jul 14, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
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Views: 73
How do I access newspapers and magazines on PressReader?
Last Updated: Jul 11, 2023 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
- eResources
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Views: 31931
What is GetSetUp and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Jul 10, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
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Views: 641
What do I need to know when the OverDrive app sunsets in April 2023?
Last Updated: Jul 07, 2023 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 16
What is CAreer Pathways?
Last Updated: Jul 07, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 30
Printing, Copying, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library
Last Updated: Jul 05, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 116668
Does the library have an archive of the San Francisco Chronicle?
Last Updated: Jul 05, 2023 |
Topics:
- Books and Materials
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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:
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Views: 1136
How do I transfer eBooks to my Kobo or Nook?
Last Updated: May 31, 2023 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 3991
What is Auto Renew?
Last Updated: May 26, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 7942
What is LINK+ and how does it work?
Last Updated: May 25, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 51101
What is Flipster and how do I use it?
Last Updated: May 25, 2023 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
- eResources
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Views: 8490
How do I renew my checked out items? Why can't I renew?
Last Updated: May 25, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 235399
What is Mango Languages account and how do I create an account?
Last Updated: May 23, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 8113
What is the Axis 360 ebook collection and how does it work?
Last Updated: May 22, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 81231
How do I pay my fees online?
Last Updated: Apr 18, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 9780
How many may I reserve / hold? How many may I borrow? How long may I keep items?
Last Updated: Apr 07, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 35177
What is the Scholar Card?
Last Updated: Apr 06, 2023 |
Topics:
- Library Card
- Scholar Card
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Views: 1692
What is LinkedIn Learning?
Last Updated: Mar 14, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
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Views: 3637
How do I remove items from my Borrowing History?
Last Updated: Mar 07, 2023 |
Topics:
- BiblioCommons
- Books and Materials
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Views: 5118
How does the SFPL Book Stop work and where is it located?
Last Updated: Feb 22, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 349
What is Udemy and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Feb 21, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 8874
How do I manage requests / holds using my Classic Catalog account?
Last Updated: Feb 11, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 6386
How do I renew eBooks and eAudiobooks?
Last Updated: Feb 09, 2023 |
Topics:
- eBooks
- FAQ
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Views: 17807
Does the library take donations of money?
Last Updated: Feb 07, 2023 |
Topics:
- Donations
- Library Administration
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Views: 6003
How do I renew my Library Card?
Last Updated: Feb 06, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 268292
What are my responsibilities as a library cardholder?
Last Updated: Feb 06, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 4731
How do I access New York Times?
Last Updated: Feb 06, 2023 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
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Views: 449076
How much are fees?
Last Updated: Jan 31, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 20800
What types of software are included on the library's computers?
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 2518
How do I get a notification about a Suggested Title arriving at SFPL?
Last Updated: Dec 23, 2022 |
Topics:
- Books and Materials
- Holds / Reserves
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Views: 864
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:
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Views: 112
Is there an “Add to Apple Wallet” option for library cards?
Last Updated: Nov 29, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 1059
How do I access an EPUB/PDF ebook from Axis360?
Last Updated: Nov 26, 2022 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 30706
How do I renew items by phone?
Last Updated: Nov 16, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 3774
What can I do on the computer I reserve and what types of software are available?
Last Updated: Nov 10, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 2786
What is InterLibrary Loan (ILL) and how does it work?
Last Updated: Nov 02, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 58161
What is Kanopy and how does it work?
Last Updated: Oct 21, 2022 |
Topics:
- eVideo
- FAQ
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Views: 114692
How do I get Kindle Books from OverDrive / Libby?
Last Updated: Sep 16, 2022 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 35402
What is the OverDrive / Libby ebook collection and how does it work?
Last Updated: Sep 16, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 133041
How do I return an eBook Early?
Last Updated: Aug 24, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 9926
What happened to OverDrive's automatic checkout of holds?
Last Updated: Aug 22, 2022 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 732
What is Hoopla Digital and how does it work?
Last Updated: Aug 22, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 143256
What is Adobe Digital Editions and why do I need it?
Last Updated: Aug 17, 2022 |
Topics:
- eBooks
- eResources
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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
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Views: 13360
What is SimplyE?
Last Updated: Jul 21, 2022 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 13611
How do I suggest a title?
Last Updated: Jul 19, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 7294
What was the Tech It Forward laptop donation program?
Last Updated: Jul 06, 2022 |
Topics:
- Donations
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Views: 710
What is the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection?
Last Updated: May 13, 2022 |
Topics:
- FAQ
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Views: 3307
What time does the Library open / close?
Last Updated: Apr 20, 2022 |
Topics:
- About
- Libraries
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Views: 2027
Can I receive a notice when holds are ready / items are due?
Last Updated: Apr 20, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 3883
What happens when an item is overdue?
Last Updated: Apr 19, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 5718
Does SFPL offer exam proctoring?
Last Updated: Mar 23, 2022 |
Topics:
- Services
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Views: 2424
What is the Lucky Day Collection?
Last Updated: Feb 22, 2022 |
Topics:
- Books and Materials
- Borrow Items
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Views: 5619
What is Borrowing History?
Last Updated: Feb 08, 2022 |
Topics:
- BiblioCommons
- My Account
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Views: 2591
What is Bibliocommons and why should I use it?
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2022 |
Topics:
- BiblioCommons
- My Account
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Views: 14969
How do I reserve a meeting room for my group to use?
Last Updated: Jan 05, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 1435
Where can I return items?
Last Updated: Dec 29, 2021 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- Services
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Views: 23794
How do I use Discover and Go?
Last Updated: Dec 22, 2021 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- Services
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Views: 58104
What is Treehouse and how do I get an account?
Last Updated: Nov 30, 2021 |
Topics:
- eLearning
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Views: 19529
What is Gale Courses and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Nov 23, 2021 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 8335
Mission Construction Q & A
Last Updated: Nov 19, 2021 |
Topics:
- Branches
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Views: 449
How do I change my PIN / Password?
Last Updated: Oct 13, 2021 |
Topics:
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Views: 55169
Why do I need my PIN at the self-checkout machines?
Last Updated: Oct 08, 2021 |
Topics:
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Views: 534
How do I do a Preferred Search?
Last Updated: Oct 06, 2021 |
Topics:
- Books and Materials
- Classic Catalog
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Views: 2676
What are the plans for the Mission Branch Library Renovation?
Last Updated: Sep 20, 2021 |
Topics:
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Views: 505
Why does air quality affect SFPL operations? Why do some branches close during heavy smoke events?
Last Updated: Aug 30, 2021 |
Topics:
- Library Administration
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Views: 221
What is Enki eBooks?
Last Updated: Aug 30, 2021 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 1098
How do I pay my fines online?
Last Updated: Aug 30, 2021 |
Topics:
- Classic Catalog
- My Account
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Views: 616
How do I get my ebook or eaudiobook?
Last Updated: Aug 30, 2021 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 2468
How do I borrow OverDrive ebooks on a Kobo ereader?
Last Updated: Aug 30, 2021 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 3139
Are there opportunities to volunteer at the Library?
Last Updated: Aug 30, 2021 |
Topics:
- About
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Views: 2838
What Library facilities have air conditioning?
Last Updated: Aug 25, 2021 |
Topics:
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Views: 504
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
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Views: 347
Can you distribute fliers?
Last Updated: Aug 09, 2021 |
Topics:
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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
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Views: 2350
What is Career Online High School?
Last Updated: Jul 28, 2021 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- Services
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Views: 950
I returned my library item but it still shows as checked out.
Last Updated: Jul 03, 2021 |
Topics:
- Borrow Items
- My Account
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Views: 3104
Can I print from my own computer or laptop?
Last Updated: Apr 15, 2021 |
Topics:
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Views: 23481
How do I print in the library and how much does it cost?
Last Updated: Apr 02, 2021 |
Topics:
- Printing
- Services
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Views: 76094
Can I make photocopies and/or scan items at the library?
Last Updated: Apr 02, 2021 |
Topics:
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Views: 7970

Why am I receiving this newsletter?
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2020 |
Topics:
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Views: 2080

Why do I need my PIN at the self-checkout machines?
Last Updated: Oct 08, 2021 |
Topics:
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Views: 534

System Status

Current status of the Library's online systems

Contact Us

phone / email / text hours:

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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?