Auto-Renewal is Here

open book and stack of four closed ones lying on a table with a CD propped against them

The San José Public Library (SJPL) is excited to announce that starting July 25, 2019, it will begin to offer an automatic renewal service to all SJPL accounts. This service will automatically renew checked out books, DVDs and CDs, up to three times.

SJPL’s three-day courtesy email notice will inform library members of items that are eligible and ineligible for automatic renewal. The notice will also indicate the updated due dates of the renewed items.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is automatic renewal?

The Library system will automatically renew eligible materials checked out on customer's accounts for an additional 3 weeks, from the original due date.

Which items automatically renew?

Most physical items checked out from the Library may be eligible for up to 3 auto-renewals. Link+ items will only be automatically renewed once, if eligible.

What conditions prevent items from being automatically renewed?

  • Non-renewable materials such as Lucky Day books and DVDs, magazines and Reference materials
  • Items that have reached their renewal limit, 3 times for most materials
  • Items with a hold or outstanding request
  • Digital items, such as eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMovies, eMusic, etc.
  • Nontraditional items such as instruments and kits
  • Items checked out by the hour (laptops, game controllers, etc.)
  • Interlibrary Loan (ILL) items
  • Accounts with fines and fees that exceed $20

What happens to items that are not eligible for auto renewal?

They will retain their original due date.

When will items automatically renew?

The system will attempt to renew item(s) 3 days before their due date.

How am I notified when an item auto renews?

Customers who have an email address in their account, and have selected email as their notification preference, will receive a notice 3 days prior to the due date of their item. This notice will indicate which items were renewed and which items could not be renewed. These notices are only sent out via email and will be titled “Courtesy Notice.”

If you do not have an email listed in your account your items will still be automatically renewed. You can check the status and due dates of your items by logging into your account via our website, calling 1-408-808-BOOK or your local branch library. Please talk to a staff member if you have questions about adding or editing the email address in your account.

 

example courtesy notice showing a renewed and not-renewed item
Example courtesy notice showing a renewed and not-renewed item

What information is in an auto-renewal notification?

The courtesy message that is sent 3 days prior to the original due date will display the NEW due date and the status “RENEWED” for eligible items and the original due date and the status “NOT RENEWED” for ineligible items. (See example)

Am I still able to renew materials on my own?

Yes, you may renew materials any time you like, even after receiving the notice. Please note if you renew manually. the new due date will based upon the day you renew.

You can renew your materials:

  • Online: login to your account
  • By telephone: 24/7 automated renewal line at 1-408-808-2665 or 1-408-808-2000 during open hours
  • In Person: at the self-check machines or Accounts Desk at any library

Do I have to sign up for auto renewal?

No, this feature is automatically available to all our customers.

Please do not hesitate to contact library staff in person, online or over the phone in regards to any questions about this new feature and your account.

Blog Category
Newsroom

Comments

Submitted by S. Leung on Tue, 10/29/2019 - 10:36 PM

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Your Comment
Too good to be true! Thank you for those who proposed and implemented this auto-renewal feature.

Submitted by Sue on Sat, 11/16/2019 - 8:46 AM

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Your Comment
LOVE this, this is so helpful! Despite my best intentions, my book returns have often been late, so this is a very welcome feature.

Submitted by Avid Reader on Tue, 11/19/2019 - 6:43 PM

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Your Comment
Auto renewal is the best news I've ever heard from a library! This is awesome!!!

Submitted by Saragarvani on Mon, 12/02/2019 - 11:28 AM

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Your Comment
Great feature ,helps a lot on the renewal since at times we forget the due dates
Thanks to the SJPL

Submitted by TRUNG PHAN on Wed, 03/11/2020 - 5:47 PM

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Your Comment
SJPL is the best library in the world.

Submitted by Victoria Lim on Fri, 04/03/2020 - 12:24 PM

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Your Comment
I had finished them but want to know. How I can return when libraries are closed.

One branch had boxes around that I can’t passed . One branch had a homeless
Sleeping and due to distance , I can’t go near to check if the machine will accept the returns.

What do you recommend.

Your Comment
Materials may be returned once the library reopens. All checked out library items will have automatic renewals and due dates will automatically be extended for the duration of the closure. No late fines will be assessed during the closure.

Submitted by Hema on Sat, 06/27/2020 - 12:52 PM

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Wonderful feature! Saves me an added work especially in these terrible times! Thank you for being so thoughtful!

Submitted by Barbara Lingens on Sun, 06/28/2020 - 8:41 AM

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Your Comment
I received a non renewal notice on my Link+ book. It’s checked out from the Santa Teresa Branch. Do I just stick it in the book return slot there?

Your Comment
You can return Link+ materials to any of our Express Pick Up locations Monday - Saturday from 1-6. Once you have arrived at the branch call or text to indicate you have a Link+ item to return. You will be provided with instructions by staff on how to return that item. Please note the item will be cleared from your account in three days since that is the time required for us to quarantine materials.

Submitted by Pat Beall on Sat, 01/02/2021 - 9:43 AM

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Your Comment
The San Jose Library system is a shining port in the storm. Thank you for being assessable and providing books during these times.

Submitted by Joan P Smith on Sat, 02/20/2021 - 9:49 AM

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Your Comment
If items aren't auto-renewed, are fines still being assessed?

Submitted by Access Service… on Mon, 02/22/2021 - 9:58 AM

In reply to by Joan P Smith

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Your Comment
At this time we are not assessing fines on materials returned late.

Submitted by Deana maloney on Wed, 10/19/2022 - 8:27 AM

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Your Comment
I'd like to renew this laptop

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 05/09/2023 - 7:22 PM

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Your Comment
Auto renewal and email notice are great features I'm always relying on. But recently I didn't receive the email reminder and my items are not auto renewed, now I have to renew manually and pay the overdue fine. Is the feature still working?

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Comments are expected to follow the basic rules of civility and be relevant to the topic being commented upon. Comments will be reviewed prior to posting. Blog comments represent the views of the person commenting, not necessarily those of San José Public Library. For more information see SJPL's Comment Guidelines.