Library Materials FAQs

  • General Questions

    Friends of the Library are only able to accept limited donations at some locations. Visit our Donations page for up-to-date information.

    We encourage monetary donations that allow our librarians to choose materials based on our policy guidelines.

    Related Page: Donate Your Materials

    For SJPL customers, the best way to submit a purchase suggestion is through our online form on the SJPL library website.

    Using the forms ensures that the purchase suggestion goes straight to the appropriate person.

    As a general rule, the library does not purchase textbooks. However, there are instances where the library may have access to course materials.

    Search for the name of your book or its ISBN in the library catalog to find out if we own a copy.

    Related Page: Catalog & Website - TIPS - Searching the Catalog

    Interlibrary Loan allows library users to borrow hard-copy items (books, microfilm, etc.) and articles (paper, electronic) from other libraries. Interlibrary Loan does not fill requests for:

    • Items owned by the San José Public Library
    • Textbooks

    Before requesting an item from Interlibrary Loan, please check thebSan José Public Library Catalog, opens a new window to see if the title you need is already listed in the Library's collection.

    You may also want to check Link+, opens a new window for your title as it often has a faster turnaround than Interlibrary Loan. Learn more at Interlibrary Services.

    Any request to remove specific materials from the collection are considered based on our selection guidelines and the City Council Library Materials and Services Policy.

    If you feel an item does not follow the guidelines in this policy you may complete a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form by contacting a branch manager. The City Librarian, or designee, will review your request and reply within 30 days. The item in question will remain on the shelf until a decision has been made.

    Read the Full Policy

    Related Page: Policies

    Our library selects materials in many formats including books, DVDs, magazines, CDs, and audiobooks. Electronic resources such as electronic books and audiobooks, streaming and downloadable video and music, electronic magazines and newspapers, and databases are also purchased for you to borrow and use. We select materials across a broad range of subjects to respond to the diverse needs of our community. The items in our collection meet the needs of a wide range of ages, languages, educational backgrounds, interests, and reading levels.

    Read the Full Policy

    Related Pages: San José Public Library, Policies

    Here is how to search LINK+ (search and request from other libraries) from the SJPL catalog:

    From Search Results

    1. Perform a search on the main catalog page by selecting Keyword, Title, Author or Subject.
    2. You will find “Try your search in LINK+” under “Search other resources” at the top right.

    Note: If you select any other option in this box, if you use Advanced Search, or if you choose a link that says Broaden Search, you will NOT see the link to LINK+.

    From a No Results Page

    1. If your search retrieves no results (e.g. search for randomly typed characters), you will see “Try your search in LINK+” after the section that says nothing was found.
    2. Select the "Search" link in the "Try your search in LINK+" section.

    Can't Find the Title in Link+?

    If you don't find what you need in LINK+, you can request items from libraries throughout the rest of the country using our traditional interlibrary loan service, Illiad.

    Related Page: Link+

    Community Credits are a feature of our online catalog that lets you track your participation in activities like reviewing books or creating lists.

    This feature is just for fun so you can participate as much or as little as you want. You can view your Community Credits on your profile page.

    Related Page: Welcome to Our New Catalog & Website