You may choose to receive notices from SFPL by email, telephone, or postal mail.
Email Notices
If you opt to receive email notices, you will receive the most complete messaging method the Library provides. You will be informed when:
- an item is due in 2 days or has been Auto Renewed
- an item on hold is ready to be picked up or has expired
- an item is 3, 10, or 21 days overdue
- an item is 30 days overdue and is billed to your account
- Login to your Classic Catalog library account and click "modify personal information" to enter your email address.
- Select email as your notice preference and click "save."
If you didn't receive an email notice, SFPL provides info on steps you can take to help ensure you receive the notices we send.
Phone Notices
Contact us to change the telephone number in your online account. If you opt to receive phone notices, you will receive fewer direct communications from SFPL. You will be informed when:
- an item on hold is ready to be picked up
- an item is 3, 10, or 21 days overdue
You will need to check your Library account online or speak with Library staff for information about when an item is due in 2 days or has been Auto Renewed. You will receive a notice by postal mail when an item on hold has expired. You will receive a bill by postal mail if an item is 30 days overdue and is billed to your account.
Postal Mail Notices
If you do not have an email address listed in your account the library will send a notice by postal mail when:
- an item on hold is ready to be picked up or has expired
- an item is 3, 10, or 21 days overdue
- an item is 30 days overdue and is billed to your account
Text Message Notices
San Francisco Public Library subscribes to a service called LibraryElf that you can configure to send text message and email alerts for overdue items and items on hold. Complete details about LibraryElf are at sfpl.libanswers.com/faq/97333.
