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
Due to declines in budget, demand, and use, we have reduced our budget for purchasing new Reference books. Online access to Britannica and many other reference resources are available here: sjpl.org/homework-help.
What can I check out instead?
Materials currently in our collection will remain available. You can also explore other formats such as Children’s Read Alongs and our eMedia collections.
Some of the formats you may not being seeing new releases in are:
Due to decline in budget, demand, and use, we are no longer purchasing materials in these formats. As an alternative, we invite you to explore the following digital streaming services from our eResources collection, which may have the titles you’re looking for:
| Desired Format | Streaming service (eResource) to try instead |
| Audiobooks on CD | Libby, Overdrive, Palace |
| Children’s DVDs | Estante Infinito (Spanish) |
| Informational DVDs, including documentaries, performing arts, and other nonfiction | Alexander Street, The Great Courses (from Libby), Estante Infinito (Spanish) |
| Music CDs | Smithsonian Global Sound (from Alexander Street) |
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
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.
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.
Related Pages: San José Public Library, Policies
Here is how to search LINK+ (search and request from other libraries) from the SJPL catalog:
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+.
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
