Members Get More: Get a Library Card

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Your free library card opens a world of wonders.

Membership Options

Choose the card that's best for you.

Replacement Library Cards

Replacement cards are available at any library location. Do you need to access your lost/stolen card but can't go to the library? Connect with a staff member to get your library card number and reset your PIN (personal identification number).

We're Here to Help

Contact us 7-days a week through SJPL's chat service or call 408-808-2000.

About Your Membership

Borrow & Return

Learn how to use your library card. Get information on checkout periods, renewals, holds, fines and fees, and more.
9 library card designs, including the classic, SJ Sharks, 49ers, and design contest cards.

Choose Your Library Card Design

Select from designs by local artists, sports team logos, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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".

    To update your card:

    • Take the card and a picture ID with your current address on it to any of our library locations.
    • If your ID doesn't have your current address, it's okay to bring a piece of mail that shows the address too.

    Some of our eResources, such as Hoopla, Libby, and OverDrive, won't let you log in with an expired card. 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. 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..."

    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

    • 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.

    If you are unable to visit a location, contact us through SJPL's chat service or call 408-808-2000, to get assistance with your library card number and resetting your PIN (personal identification number).

    Related Page: Member Services

  • This depends on which library card you have:

    • eLibrary Card: 60 days
    • Full Access Card: 4 years
    • Limited Status Card: 60 days
    • Student Card: When the student graduates or leaves the district.
    • Educator Card: June 30, each year

    Related Pages: Membership, San José Student Library Card, Educator Library Card

  • 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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