Frequently Asked Questions

Most books can be renewed 3 times. Each renewal will be for 3 weeks. In most cases, the renewals will be done automatically, so you don't have to renew the items manually yourself. You should receive an email notification informing you of which items were renewed. However, if an item has hold requests (others waiting), then you will not be able to renew.  Non-Fiction DVDs can be renewed if there are no requests. Lucky Day DVDs, Lucky Day books, and magazines are not renewable.

Related Page: Borrow & Return 

No, however, we do offer a different parks pass for Santa Clara County Parks that is also FREE! 

To see what you already have checked out, you have two options:

• Go Directly:
  • Selecting "Log In / My SJPL" in the upper right corner of any page on our site, and then select "Checked Out" under "MY BORROWING".
  • You'll be prompted to log in with your username/card number and PIN.
    • If it's your first time logging in, you'll go through a few steps to register your account. During this process you'll be prompted to create a username.
• Go to My Library Dashboard:
  • If you prefer to see everything at once — checkouts, holds, fees, and more — select "My Library Dashboard" from the "Log in / My SJPL" dropdown in the header.
  • Then, select "Checked Out" from the sidebar on the page under "My Borrowing".

Related Pages: Borrow & Return, Catalog & Website – TIPS – My Dashboard, Account Help - Checked Out

For fastest service and self-service options, please use your library card to borrow items.

For occasions when you may not have your library card with you, you may present a valid photo ID.

Related Page: Borrow & Return

San José Public Library holds limits are:

• Full Access Cards: up to 15 holds on physical items, including 2 maximum on SJ Access Devices.
• Limited Status Cards: up to 1 hold on physical items.
• Student Cards: up to 5 holds on physical items, including 2 maximum on SJ Access Devices.
• Educator Cards: up to 30 holds on physical items, including 2 maximum on SJ Access Devices
• Limits vary for eLibrary items.

For questions about these changes, please connect with a library staff member available 7-days a week through SJPL's chat service or call 408-808-2000.

Additional Notes:

• Reference Materials may not be requested.
• Get more information about borrowing at Borrow & Return.

Related Page: Borrow & Return

The checkout period is 3 weeks with one 1 week automatic renewal if there are no other requests on that item.

Related Page: Borrow a Chromebook

There are two ways to get a pass:

• In-Person: Please check in with library staff to see if there is a pass available.
• Place a Hold: We also have some reservable passes. Those requestable passes can be placed on hold.

Related Page: California State Park Adventure Pass

The pass is valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle at participating state park units.

The pass will not be honored at state park units operated by federal or local government and private agencies or concessionaires. Also, the pass is not valid for per-person entry or tour fees (such as museums), boat use, camping, group use or sites, special events, additional/extra vehicle fees, sanitation disposal use or for supplemental fees.

Related Page: California State Park Adventure Pass

There are over 200 California State Parks accepting the pass, but there are some that are not. Here is the link to ineligible park locations. Federal parks are not included in this program.

Related Page: California State Park Adventure Pass

No, there is a limit of one pass at a time on an account. You can check out the pass more than once.

Related Page: California State Park Adventure Pass

Return the pass in its case to any SJPL location. If possible, we prefer passes to be returned to staff at the information desk during library operation hours. This can help prevent the item from being lost or damaged.

Related Page: California State Park Adventure Pass

Passes can he checked out for a loan period of 3 week with no renewals.

Related Page: California State Park Adventure Pass

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

Related Page: Auto-Renewal is Here

Items not eligible for automatic renewal will retain their original due date.

Related Page: Auto-Renewal is Here

Items that may not automatically renew include the following:

• 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 an eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMovies, eMusic, etc.
• Nontraditional items such as instruments and kits.
• Items checked out by the hour, such as laptops, game controllers, etc..
• Interlibrary Loan items.
• Items checked out on an account with fines and fees that exceed $20.

Related Page: Auto-Renewal is Here, Borrow & Return

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

Items will not automatically renew if they have been requested by someone else or have an outstanding hold.

Related Page: Auto-Renewal is Here

The Library system will automatically renew eligible materials checked out on your account for an additional 3 weeks from the original due date.

Related Page: Auto-Renewal is Here

If you notice that items continue to appear on your account after a week please contact staff via chat, email, or telephone at 408-808-2000, Monday-Saturday from 11-6 PM.

There could be a number of reasons why your library card is not working.

First, make sure you have entered your library card number correctly with no spaces.

If the number has been entered correctly, and you are still having problems, call 408-808-2000 to speak to someone about your account.

Related Page: Member Services

You can log in to your San Jose Public Library account, and it will list all the items you have checked out with their due dates. You will also be able to renew eligible items online.

Yes, items belonging to the San Jose Public Library may be returned to any of the SJPL branch locations. Book drops are open and available 24/7.