Your Account

How do I get a library account and card?

Apply online for a free library card then pick it up at any one of our libraries! We will need you to provide identification and proof of your current address. If you are under 18, you will need a guardian's signature.

How do I log in to my account?

Click on the My Account link at the top of our website to log in with your name, library card number (see back of card), and PIN.

What is my PIN? Can I change it?

Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is something you choose when you get a library card. If you do not choose one, it may be set to be the last 4-digits of your phone number. If you know your PIN, you can change it at any time by logging into My Account and choosing "Modify Your PIN." If you've forgotten it, you can Reset Your PIN. An email will be sent to the email address in your library record, including a link that will allow you to select a new PIN.

Get Physical and Digital Titles

How do I find a book, movie, or album?

Use the catalog search tab at the top of our website. You can search by title, author, or any keyword describing what you're looking for. You might want to try our Advanced Search page if you want to search for specific formats (e.g. only DVDs) or only items at a specific location.

How do I renew materials?

You can renew most items 3 times. You can renew a few different ways:

• Online: Log in to your account, and click on Checkouts/Renew.
• Phone: Call the Telephone Renewal System at 408-808-BOOK (808-2665) or call our staff at 408-808-2000
• In-Person: Visit an Accounts Desk or Self-Check Machine at any library

For more, see Checkouts, Renewals, and Requests.

How do I place a request for an item?

Log in to your account, and search for the item you wish to request. Click on the Request button at the top of the page. For more, see Checkouts, Renewals, and Requests.

How do I find articles?

The library has online subscriptions to thousands of magazines, journals, and newspapers. You can click on our Learn tab to get quick access to all our research resources, or look at our list of research resources by topic. Our general article search service will cover most online magazines and journals.  For newspapers we recommend trying Newspaper Source Plus, or the San José Mercury News archive. We also have dozens of other resources for language learning, biographies, homework help, business data, reading recommendations, health information, and practice tests.

How do I download digital content?

You can download thousands of eBooks, eAudioBooks, and digital music from the library's website, 24/7 and at no cost to you. Please see the Need Help section of our Downloads page for extensive information about what will work on your devices and how to troubleshoot.

How do I use My Reading History?

My Reading History is a feature you can use to keep a list of titles you have checked out from the library. To turn it on, log in to your account and click on My Reading History. Then click on Turn My Reading History On. For more on what information is kept and privacy, see the My Reading History FAQ.

How do I set up email alerts for new items?

You can set up notifications by email for any search you've saved (e.g. all books by William Gibson, or all new DVDs at Berryessa). You have to set this feature up for each search you want alerts for. For detailed instructions, see the Preferred Search and Email Alert FAQ.

How do I get a copy of a book you don't have?

You can search our Link+ partner libraries and if they have the book, you can request it for free and have it sent to your local branch within a few days. You can also interlibrary loan the book from another library, which takes up to 7-10 days. Or you can suggest that we buy it! For more on all these options, see If We Don't Have Your Title.

Use the Library's Technology Services

How do I use the free wifi?

All library locations offer free wireless from 6am-midnight in and around our buildings. At the King Library, please log in with your library card number and PIN. At all of our branches you can use the wireless without logging in.

How do I make a computer reservation?

Our public-use computers are available for reservations up to 2 hours per day with your library card. You can make reservations up to 4 days in advance or you can walk up and use any available computer. Make a reservation now.

How do I get information about your computers?

The Library's computers are all PCs and include the following software: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet Explorer, Adobe Reader, and a CD Player. You can use your own USB drives as well.

Interact with Us

How do I get research help from a librarian?

Use the Contact Us link at the top of our website. You can reach us by email or phone. And of course you can come in to any of our libraries and get in-person research help too!

How do I get help with my account?

For questions about your library account, contact Library Access Services at (408) 808-2000 during regular hours or email circ.sjpl@sjlibrary.org.

How do I get help using eBooks, eMedia, and research resources?

Try the help information in the Get Help section of the Downloads page. That's a good place to start. And you can always use the Contact Us link at the top of our website and we'll do our best to help you via email or phone. You can also come in to any of our libraries and get in-person help too.

How do I leave a comment on the website?

There are blog posts all over our website and we invite you to tell us what you think too. Each post has a link to Add a New Comment at the bottom. Click on that and tell us what you think about what we said. Please do keep in mind our posting and commenting guidelines.

How do I follow the library online?

You can subscribe for email or RSS updates for any of the library's blogs, new event alerts, or new item alerts. You can also follow us on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. See the Updates page for all of these options and more.

How do I give you feedback?

We want to hear from you! Contact us via chat, email, phone, or in-person.

Get Involved

How do I join the Friends of the Library?

Become a Friend of the Library! The Friends of San José Public Libraries are volunteers that support, advocate and raise funds for a library.

How do I volunteer?

Fill out our volunteer match form, starting with your zip code, and we'll be in touch!

How do I make a donation?

The library happily accepts (and greatly appreciates!) your donations of materials and money. Support the Library and get information on donations and donate online.