FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions - SFPL

How do I access The New York Times outside the library?
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2026 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
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Views: 1148105
How do I get a library card?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 927188
How do I renew my Library Card?
Last Updated: Oct 31, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 372385
Printing, Copying, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library
Last Updated: Apr 29, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 339982
How do I renew my checked out items? Why can't I renew?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 262727
What documents are required to get a Library Card?
Last Updated: Jan 08, 2026 |
Topics:
- My Account
- Services
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Views: 167761
What is Hoopla Digital and how does it work?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 160304
What is Libby by OverDrive and how does it work?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 145123
What is Kanopy and how does it work?
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2025 |
Topics:
- eVideo
- FAQ
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Views: 130642
How do I use Discover and Go?
Last Updated: Nov 01, 2025 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- Services
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Views: 99082

What types of software are included on the library's computers?
Last Updated: Jan 22, 2026 |
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Views: 3902
Why was my digital hold canceled?
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2026 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 4
How do I access The New York Times outside the library?
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2026 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
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Views: 1148105
Can I request books to be sent through the mail?
Last Updated: Jan 09, 2026 |
Topics:
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Views: 2581
Why am I receiving a notice from the San Francisco Treasurer & Tax Collector?

Last Updated: Jan 08, 2026 | Views: 51
What documents are required to get a Library Card?
Last Updated: Jan 08, 2026 |
Topics:
- My Account
- Services
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Views: 167761
What is the difference between Hoopla's Flex and Instant Borrow?
Last Updated: Dec 30, 2025 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 204
How many may I reserve / hold? How many may I borrow? How long may I keep items?
Last Updated: Dec 20, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 49250
How do I renew eBooks and eAudiobooks?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 19209
What apps are available for your eResources?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 2082
What is Libby by OverDrive and how does it work?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 145123
What is Hoopla Digital and how does it work?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 160304
How do I suggest a title?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 10109
How do I return an ebook or audiobook early?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 11651
What is Adobe Digital Editions and why do I need it?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eBooks
- eResources
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Views: 21418
What is Rosetta Stone and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 20774
What is Treehouse and how do I get an account?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eLearning
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Views: 26005
What is KANOPY KIDS and how do I access it?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eVideo
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Views: 2955
What is Gale Courses and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 12074
What is EBSCO Discovery Service?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
- eResources
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Views: 1781
What is ABCmouse.com Bring Learning Home?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 2864
What is Udemy and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 13903
What is O'Reilly for Public Libraries?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 6920
How do I get my ebook or eaudiobook?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 4087
What is Peterson's Test Prep and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eLearning
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Views: 1187
What is Kanopy's ticket system?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eResources
- eVideo
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Views: 1069
How do I transfer eBooks to my Nook ereader?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 6703
Can I access my OverDrive history in Libby?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 879
What is MyHeritage Library Edition?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 859
How do I log into Oxford English Dictionary (OED)?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 1115
What is ProQuest African American Heritage?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 10
How do I access The Wall Street Journal (wsj.com)?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
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Views: 7095
How do I access a supplementary PDF mentioned in my OverDrive audiobook?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 297
Why is Libby asking me to verify my PIN?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 144
What are tags in Libby and how do I use them?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 262
What happened to the Deliver Later feature for my holds in Libby and the OverDrive website?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 109
What happened to Boundless?
Last Updated: Dec 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 2204
Can I receive a notice when holds are ready / items are due?
Last Updated: Dec 10, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 5508
I did not receive email that my item is due / overdue / ready for pickup
Last Updated: Dec 10, 2025 |
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Views: 2731
Where are my ebooks?
Last Updated: Dec 09, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 7207
How do I pay my fees online?
Last Updated: Nov 26, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 14199
My library card is lost or stolen. How do I replace my library card?
Last Updated: Nov 24, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 53611
What is Bibliocommons and why should I use it?
Last Updated: Nov 24, 2025 |
Topics:
- BiblioCommons
- My Account
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Views: 20605
What is Auto Renew?
Last Updated: Nov 24, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 11000
What is Borrowing History?
Last Updated: Nov 24, 2025 |
Topics:
- BiblioCommons
- My Account
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Views: 3317
What are my responsibilities as a library cardholder?
Last Updated: Nov 21, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 6231
How do I get a library card?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 927188
How do I renew items by phone?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 4777
How much are fees?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 22401
How do I renew my checked out items? Why can't I renew?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 262727
How do I use the Classic Catalog to find items?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 563
How do I login to my online Library account?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 12468
Where can I return items?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- Services
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Views: 30194
Can I make photocopies and/or scan items at the library?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 8618
What can I do on the computer I reserve and what types of software are available?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 4014
What is InterLibrary Loan (ILL) and how does it work?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 86563
Does the library lend laptop computers?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
- Computers / Equipment
- Services
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Views: 21716
How do I donate a book or AV item to the library?
Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025 |
Topics:
- Donations
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Views: 1374
What is SFPL's Collection Development Plan?
Last Updated: Nov 05, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 14415
How do I use Discover and Go?
Last Updated: Nov 01, 2025 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- Services
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Views: 99082
digitalsf.org FAQs
Last Updated: Sep 26, 2025 |
Topics:
- FAQ
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Views: 108
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: 20788
Which locations have seed lending libraries?
Last Updated: Sep 18, 2025 |
Topics:
- Branches
- FAQ
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Views: 296
How do I get Kindle Books from Libby by OverDrive?
Last Updated: Sep 12, 2025 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 45481
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: 547
Why is my Kanopy account blocked?
Last Updated: Sep 05, 2025 |
Topics:
- eResources
- eVideo
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Views: 561
Do you have typewriters?
Last Updated: Sep 05, 2025 |
Topics:
- Computers / Equipment
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Views: 425
How do I access newspapers and magazines on PressReader?
Last Updated: Aug 27, 2025 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
- eResources
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Views: 44376
What is the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection?
Last Updated: Aug 26, 2025 |
Topics:
- FAQ
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Views: 5227
How do I change my PIN / Password?
Last Updated: Aug 18, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 90341
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: 267
Does the library have 3D printers I can use?
Last Updated: Jul 11, 2025 |
Topics:
- Printing
- Services
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Views: 8506
Does SFPL offer exam proctoring?
Last Updated: Jul 11, 2025 |
Topics:
- Services
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Views: 3536
What is the Scholar Card?
Last Updated: Jun 25, 2025 |
Topics:
- Library Card
- Scholar Card
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Views: 4305
What is a Teacher Card and how can I get one?
Last Updated: Jun 11, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 13485
How do I use the FOR LATER Shelf?
Last Updated: Jun 11, 2025 |
Topics:
- BiblioCommons
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Views: 3840
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: 153
What is "delayed paging"?

Last Updated: Jun 04, 2025 | Views: 295
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: 3962
Printing, Copying, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library
Last Updated: Apr 29, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 339982
What is The MIX?
Last Updated: Apr 01, 2025 |
Topics:
- Main
- Services
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Views: 2059
What is Excel Adult High School?
Last Updated: Mar 10, 2025 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- Services
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Views: 1380
What is Flipster and how do I use it?
Last Updated: Feb 20, 2025 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
- eResources
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Views: 10867
What is Kanopy and how does it work?
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2025 |
Topics:
- eVideo
- FAQ
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Views: 130642
How do I reserve a meeting room for my group to use?
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 2857
Can I access Hoopla ebooks on my Kindle Paperwhite?
Last Updated: Dec 30, 2024 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 494
Can I print from my own computer or laptop?
Last Updated: Nov 09, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 26319
How do I renew my Library Card?
Last Updated: Oct 31, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 372385
How do I update my address?
Last Updated: Oct 15, 2024 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- My Account
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Views: 3926
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: 765
How do I borrow OverDrive ebooks on a Kobo ereader?
Last Updated: Jun 28, 2024 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 5509
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: 3891
What is LinkedIn Learning?
Last Updated: Dec 08, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
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Views: 6190
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: 13413
What is My China Roots and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Sep 22, 2023 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 1763
What is happening to the legacy OverDrive app?

Last Updated: Sep 12, 2023 | Views: 2541
Placing a hold/ Reserving an Item
Last Updated: Aug 03, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 17547
What is CAreer Pathways?
Last Updated: Jul 07, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 582
Can I get an obituary for...?

Last Updated: Jul 05, 2023 | Views: 367
How do I use Chinese Characters on Library Computers?
Last Updated: Jun 22, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 1777

Why am I receiving this newsletter?
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2020 |
Topics:
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Views: 2774

Why do I need my PIN at the self-checkout machines?
Last Updated: Oct 08, 2021 |
Topics:
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Views: 1006

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

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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?