Top Questions

To reset your PIN:

  • Select Log in / My SJPL at the top of any page on the website, then click or tap My Settings.
    • If you need to set up your PIN for the first time: Visit our FAQ on setting your PIN.
    • If you know your PIN:       
      • Log in with your username/library card number and PIN.
      • Select the "change" link under Account Information > PIN, next to the text that says, "Change your account PIN."
      • Complete the fields on the next page and select the "Save PIN" button.
    • If you don't know your PIN:       
      • Select the "Forgot Your PIN?" link.
      • Complete the fields on the next page.
      • Select send.
      • Check your email for the reset link.
      • Follow the prompts to reset your PIN.
    • If you don't know your PIN, and you don't have an email address associated with your account:       
      • Please visit a library location and speak with a staff member for help.
      • Bring a picture ID with you.
  • You're all set!
Choosing a Good PIN

We highly recommend not including any of these items in your PIN: 

  • Significant dates such as your birth year or your spouse’s birthday
  • Simple number sequences like 1234 or 0000 (including repetition 1122 or 2233)
  • Any part of your social security number
  • Any part of your address or phone number

NOTE: If you don't have your account set up in our main SJPL catalog yet, please see our FAQ on how to set up your account.

Related Page: Members Get More: Get a Library Card

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Library cards do expire, so that we can ensure we have your most current information. The expiration date varies, depending on the type of card you have. To check if your card is expired:

  • Go to "My Settings" and log in.
  • View your expiration date toward the top of the page after the words "Card Expiry Date".
  • If you have an expired card, follow these instructions for how to renew your card.

Note on Accessing eResources:

  • Upgrade to a Full Access Card Today: Some eResources like Hoopla, Libby and Coursera require a Full Access Library card. Visit any SJPL location, opens a new window to upgrade to a Full Access Card. Learn more at sjpl.org/membership, opens a new window.  
  • Expired Card & eResources Access: Some of our eResources, such as Hoopla, Libby, and OverDrive, won't let you log in with an expired card.
  • eResource Expired Card Message: Most of our eResources will tell you that an expired card is the problem when you are unable to log in, but others are more general. For example, Hoopla will give you this message:   
    • "Yikes! Something is wrong with your library card. Please double-check your info in settings, and if you still have issues, contact your local library..."
  • Contact Us: If you are unable to log in to one of our eResources, and you think the problem is an expired card, just send us an email using the form on our eResources help page, and we'll take a look.

Related Pages: Members Get More: Get a Library Card, Borrow & Return, Expiration Date FAQ, Library Card Renewal FAQ

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Three SJPL card designs.

This table outlines what is available for each main library card type, including eLibrary, Full Access, and Library-by-Mail cards.
Library Card Type Libby, Hoopla, & Coursera Other eResources Physical Collections
Full Access Card:       
  • Available to California residents.
  • Bring your photo ID and proof of address to any of our 25 locations.
 Icon: Green circle with check mark, indicating yes or available.
Available 		Icon: Green circle with check mark, indicating yes or available.
Available 		Icon: Green circle with check mark, indicating yes or available.
Available
eLibrary Card:       
  • Available to California residents.
  • Apply online for instant access.
 Icon: red circle with x, indicating no or not available.
Not Available 		Icon: Green circle with check mark, indicating yes or available.
Available 		Icon: red circle with x, indicating no or not available.
Not Available

We also offer the following card options that have access similar to our Full Access Card with some differences:

  • Limited Status Card: Do you live in California and want access to our physical collection and all eResources but can't show proof of address? Visit any of our locations, in person, and talk with a staff member when you arrive to pick up your card.
  • Student Card: Access to our physical collection and all of our eResources for students in participating San Jose School Districts.
  • Educator Card: Extended checkouts and renewal periods for adults (18+) who work for a preschool or K-12 school (public, charter, private) that is located in the San Jose.

For general inquiries regarding disability access, please email accessibility@sjlibrary.org.

We do not issue San José Public Library cards to anyone living outside California.

Related Pages: Members Get More: Get a Library Card, Accessibility

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  • To Get: Visit our Become a Member page to learn about San José Public Library cards.
  • To Replace: San José Public Library can re-issue or replace library cards at any of our library locations.

Please call into the library to report your card lost or stolen and library staff will block your account to prevent unauthorized use.

Related Page: Member Services

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The San Jose Public Library provides free online access to the New York Times on Internet computers and library wi-fi at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library and at all Branch libraries during our normal operating hours. We also offer 72-hour offsite "At- Home" access through our website. The daily edition is also available from Pressreader.

Offsite "At-Home" access:

  1. Select this link to get your New York Times access code. This code will be usable by you for 72 hours.
  2. Click on "Redeem".
    After the first 72 hours have passed, you will need to redeem another code for another 72 hours of remote access (i.e. Repeat Steps 1&2).  
  3. Create an account with the New York Times or sign in with an existing New York Times account.  Please be advised that registering an email address with New York Times will opt you into receiving marketing emails from the New York Times. To opt out of receiving emails, be sure to click on the check box during your initial sign up.
  4. You will see a page that looks like this*:

Click on "Go to NYTimes.com". Please note the date when your access ends.

  1. Enjoy the New York Times for 72 hours!

Reading on The New York Times app

The New York Times Digital app is free and available for the following operating systems:

  • Android
  • iOS
  • Kindle Fire

Please visit your device's app store to get the app. You will need to follow the "Offsite " At-Home" access" instructions above in a browser before you log in to the The New York Times app:

  1. Follow steps 1 and 2 above to get your 72 hour access.
  2. Open the NYTimes app
  3. Log in with the email you used to register -- the access code will have already been applied.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

In-Library New York Times Access: 

To access The New York Times Online on library internet computers and over branch wifi:

Go to your favorite browser and type in www.nytimes.com. You can also find it by going to the San Jose Public Library website.

  1. Select Books & eResources at the top of the San Jose Public Library homepage. 
  2. Select “Newspapers & Magazines” from the “eBooks & Other Formats” category
  3. Find “New York Times (In-Library Access)” in the alphabetical list and press on the link for New York Times (In-Library Access)
  4. Finally, press on the link for the New York Times (In-Library Access) to access this resource

* The text in the image reads:

Welcome to The New York Times
Enjoy your 3 days of unlimited access to NYTimes.com, and the NYTimes smartphone and tablet apps.
An email confirmation has been sent to [your email]. Your digital access begins immediately and runs through [date]. Go to NYTimes.com [link].

Related Page: Online Resources Help

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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 

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Here are a few methods to solve this issue: 

Change your default Kindle to your new device.

    1. Go to www.amazon.com and sign into your account.
    2. Mouse over the "Accounts & Lists" menu and choose "Content & Devices.
    3. Once you're in "Content & Devices", you'll see four tabs across the top of the screen, Select "Devices."
    4. You will see a section for your "Amazon devices" and another for "Amazon apps installed on devices". Select the image for "Amazon devices."
    5. It will give you images of all devices you have connected.
    6. Under one of them, with blue lettering will be the words "Default device". If you want to make the new Kindle the default device, select the image of that new Kindle.
    7. It will open a page with three grey text boxes on the right side. Select "Set as default device."
    8. When the confirmation window pops up, select "Save".
    9. Now, when you send items to your Kindle from OverDrive, they will automatically go to your new device.

Choose a different Kindle when you check out your book.

If you don't want to change your default device, you can just choose a different device when you collect your OverDrive book.

    1. After you have checked the book out and have been redirected to Amazon to "Get Library Book", look under the yellow button and choose a different device
    2. Select "Deliver" when you've made the selection.
  •  

Download book from your Kindle Library.

    1. If you have sent your Kindle book to the wrong device, you can still read it by going to your Kindle Library on the Kindle you prefer and tapping on the cover
    2. The book should download to your device.
    3. If you don't see it in your library, select the "Sync" button to force your Kindle to check for library updates.
      • Make sure that you are connected to Wi-Fi.

Related Page: Online Resources Help

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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 

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San José Public Library eBooks can be checked out with a valid SJPL library card.

Upgrade to a Full Access Card Today: Some eResources like Hoopla, Libby and Coursera require a Full Access Library card. Visit any SJPL location, opens a new window to upgrade to a Full Access Card. Learn more at sjpl.org/membership, opens a new window.  

Depending on the eBook format, you may need to download additional software. Visit the eBook Help pages for device-specific instructions.

SJPL customers may obtain a OneSearch account to access San Jose State University materials. SJPL customers may access the University Library electronic resources only while in the King library on either personal computers or wireless devices.

Related Page: Online Resources Help

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There are currently two ways for you to view the new website in a language other than English:

  • Translation Dropdown:   
    • Scroll to the bottom of any page on sjpl.org.
    • Find "Powered by Google Translate".
    • Select your preferred language.
    • Enjoy the website!
  • Browser Settings: Depending on your browser language settings, you may be asked whether you want the page translated in your preferred language.

We also have some blog posts that have been written originally in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese.

Explora el nuevo sitio web de SJPL.org en español.

  • Visita: sjpl.org.
  • Desplásate hasta abajo de la página y busca “Powered by Google Translate”.
  • Selecciona tu idioma preferido.
  • ¡Disfruta del sitio web!

Hãy xem thử trang mạng SJPL.org mới bằng Việt Ngữ.

  • Đến sjpl.org
  • Cuộn xuống đáy trang và tìm “Powered by Google Translate”
  • Chọn ngôn ngữ thích hợp với quý vị
  • Tận hưởng trang Web!

試試 SJPL 的新網站中文

  • 請瀏覽 sjpl.org
  • 移動到頁面底部並找到“Powered by Google Translate”
  • 選擇您的首選語言
  • 享受該網站！

We have a variety of group study rooms. These are are available at the King Library and SJPL branch libraries.

You will need a full access library card to book a room.

More details:

  • How to Reserve: You can reserve these rooms online, for free, up to 4 days in advance.
  • Room Capacity: These rooms are limited to individuals and small groups.
  • Max Hours: You may reserve a room for up to two hours per day.
  • No Fees: The rooms may not be used for any activities which require a fee.
  • Regular Courses/Meetings: These rooms are not to be used for regularly scheduled university courses or public meetings.

Related Page: Reserve a Room

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There are a few different choices you have to make about Boundless (Formerly Axis 360) eBooks depending on how you checked them out.  

  • Via Library Catalog: If you checked out through the library catalog:    
    • When you check out through the library catalog, you are given a choice of two different formats to download. You should consider a couple of things before you choose. Are you going to be reading on a mobile device, or on a computer? Below we have broken down the choices:
      • EPUB - can ONLY be read using an eReader like Adobe Digital Editions or the Bluefire reader. This is how you would read if you are planning to open the book on a laptop or desktop computer.
      • Boundless - can ONLY be read using the Boundless app on a mobile device.
  • Via Boundless Website: If you checked out through the Boundless website in a browser:    
    • You will have a chance to download the eBook when you check it out, but you should, again, consider where you are going to read.  If you plan to read on the computer on which you checked out the book, go ahead and download at the time of check out.  If you plan to read using the Boundless app, wait to download until you have the app open, and download from there.
  • Via the Boundless App: If you checked out through the Boundless app on a mobile device:    
    • If you plan to read in the app, go ahead and download at the time of check out.  If you plan to read on a different device or on a computer, wait to download until you get to that computer or device. 

For questions or additional help, please feel free to contact us through our email form or call 408-808-2104 if you need help or have questions.

Related Page: Online Resources Help

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