Device Checkout FAQs

  • Chromebook

    You will need the following to check out most SJ Access devices:

    • Library Card: One of our physical library cards. If you have an eLibrary Card, you will need to get it converted to one of our physical cards. Here are the requirements for a Full Access physical library card:      
      • Visit one of our 25 locations to get your card.
      • Be a California resident.
      • Show a valid Photo ID with your legal name. Examples:
        • California driver’s license
        • Passport
        • Permanent resident ID
        • Employee ID
      • Show proof of your current address in California. Examples:
        • California driver's license
        • Paycheck
        • Mail postmarked within 30 days.
      • Agree to our Borrower's Agreement.
      • If you don't meet one the above requirements, contact us. We have other types of physical cards that you might qualify for.
    • Maybe an Adult: Library card members ages 17 and under need to be accompanied by an adult to pick up their device.

    Related Page: SJ Access: Free Internet & Tech Devices

    You will need to use a cloud-based platform to save documents and media.

    Related Page: Borrow a Chromebook

    You can log in with your Google account and have access to or download Google apps from the Google Play Store. Anything you save should sync with your Google account.

    Related Page: Borrow a Chromebook

    If you don't have a cloud account, you may want to save documents to Google Drive. To do this you will need to get a Google account. The Chromebook will walk you through this process.

    Related Page: Borrow a Chromebook

    Your activity will be deleted from the Chromebook when you return it. This includes apps you purchased and data you downloaded.

    Related Page: Borrow a Chromebook

    You may not be able to access documents from a flash drive.

    Related Pages: Borrow a Chromebook

    SJPL is not responsible for apps, music, or data purchased and stored on borrowed devices.

    Related Page: Borrow a Chromebook

    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

    San Jose Public Library customers can check out Chromebooks, iPads and laptops from our branches. See our Tech Access page for more information.

    Related Pages: Borrow a Chromebook, Borrow an iPad

    The maximum number of holds you can place is two for any combination of SJ Access devices. Any more than two holds will be canceled. Also, you can only have two SJ Access devices checked out on your account at a time.

    Related Page: SJ Access: Free Internet & Tech Devices

  • Hotspot

    Due to budget adjustments for the fiscal year 2024-2025, the Hotspot circulation program will be discontinued as of August 1, 2024

    Please return the hotspot device and charging cables to any SJPL location in person or through the book drop.

    Related Page: Important Update: SJ Access Hotspot Program Ending 

    Due to budget adjustments for the fiscal year 2024-2025, the Hotspot circulation program will be discontinued as of August 1, 2024

    Access Free Library and Community Wi-Fi

    You can access free Wi-Fi (wifi) at library branches or connect to Community Wi-Fi in Downtown San José or select East Side Union High School District (ESUHSD) attendance areas. The process is simple and works for any wireless-enabled device, which includes most laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

    Free and Low-cost Internet Plans

    For households that meet specific income restrictions many internet service providers (ISPs) offer free or low-cost internet plans. To find out what plans you may qualify for:
    • Go to the Everyone On website
    • Search for your zip code
    • Check any boxes that apply to you
    • See information about any plans you might qualify for
    Additionally, the Lifeline Program is a federal program that makes phone and phone-internet service more affordable. You may be eligible to get Lifeline based on your income or participation in a government assistance program. If you qualify, you can get a monthly deduction off the cost of home phone or cell phone services. Visit the California Lifeline website for more information.
     

    Community-Based Organizations 

    We’d also like to highlight the following community-based organizations! They provide a variety of public support services including helping people sign up for affordable home internet, help with getting an affordable device, and offering digital skill-building classes. Below are links to their websites, contact information, and a brief description of their focus area. 

    Organization  Contact  Focus Area 
    Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County  408-468-0100
    info@ccscc.org
    2625 Zanker Rd, Suite 201, San Jose, CA 95134 Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm      		Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County serves and advocates for individuals and families in need, especially those living in poverty. 
    International Children Assistance Network (ICAN)  408-509-8788
    2072 Lucretia Avenue, San Jose, CA 95122      		ICAN’s mission is to engage, inform and inspire Vietnamese Americans to raise the next generation of leaders. 
    International Rescue Committee, Inc. (IRC)  408-277-0255
    SanJose@Rescue.org
    1210 South Bascom Ave. Suite 227 San Jose, CA95128      		The International Rescue Committee provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America. 
    Step Up and Do Something! Inc.  408-772-8679
    unite@stepupanddosomething.org
    1314 Gainsville Avenue San Jose, CA 95122      		StepUp! provide services to help people find solutions and resolutions to problems in at risk communities. 
    Sacred Heart Community Service  408-278-2160
    1381 South First Street San Jose, CA 95110      		Sacred Heart’s mission is to build a community free from poverty by creating hope, opportunity, and action. 
    Tech Exchange  510-866-2260
    support@techexchange.org
    2530 International Blvd., Oakland, CA 94601      		Tech Exchange’s mission is to ensure that all families have a computer, internet access, and the technology skills necessary to improve and enhance their lives 
    Vietnamese Voluntary Foundation Inc (VIVO)  408-532-7755
    2072 Lucretia Ave, San Jose, CA 95122      		VIVO’s mission is to empower refugees and immigrants, low-income ethnic families to become productive participating citizens, by providing comprehensive Community Social and Cultural Services. 

    Related Page: Important Update: SJ Access Hotspot Program Ending 

  • iPad

    You will need the following to check out most SJ Access devices:

    • Library Card: One of our physical library cards. If you have an eLibrary Card, you will need to get it converted to one of our physical cards. Here are the requirements for a Full Access physical library card:      
      • Visit one of our 25 locations to get your card.
      • Be a California resident.
      • Show a valid Photo ID with your legal name. Examples:
        • California driver’s license
        • Passport
        • Permanent resident ID
        • Employee ID
      • Show proof of your current address in California. Examples:
        • California driver's license
        • Paycheck
        • Mail postmarked within 30 days.
      • Agree to our Borrower's Agreement.
      • If you don't meet one the above requirements, contact us. We have other types of physical cards that you might qualify for.
    • Maybe an Adult: Library card members ages 17 and under need to be accompanied by an adult to pick up their device.

    Related Page: SJ Access: Free Internet & Tech Devices

    You will need to use a cloud-based platform to save documents and media.

    Related Page: Borrow an iPad

    No, you don't need an iCloud account.

    Related Page: Borrow an iPad

    If you have an iCloud account, you can log in. You will have access to your data that is stored in the iCloud.

    Related Page: Borrow an iPad

    Your activity will be deleted from the iPad when you return it. This includes apps you purchased and data you downloaded.

    Related Page: Borrow an iPad

    You will not be able to access documents from a flash drive.

    Related Page: Borrow an iPad

    SJPL is not responsible for apps, music, or data purchased and stored on borrowed devices.

    Related Page: Borrow an iPad

    The checkout period is 3 weeks with one auto-renewal of 1 week if there are no other requests on the item.

    Related Page: Borrow an iPad

    San Jose Public Library customers can check out Chromebooks, iPads and laptops from our branches. See our Tech Access page for more information.

    Related Pages: Borrow a Chromebook, Borrow an iPad

    The maximum number of holds you can place is two for any combination of SJ Access devices. Any more than two holds will be canceled. Also, you can only have two SJ Access devices checked out on your account at a time.

    Related Page: SJ Access: Free Internet & Tech Devices