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All library buildings remain closed. Visit an outdoor Express Pickup location when your holds are ready - appointments are available but not required.

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Become a Member: Get a Library Card

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Top Reasons to Become an SJPL Member

  1. It's FREE to be a member.
  2. Get 24/7 access to Online Resources.
  3. Express Pickup is available at select locations.

Membership Options

 

eLibrary Card

  • Who's Eligible? Available to any San José resident.
  • Card Type: Virtual card number and PIN.
  • What Can I Check Out? Online learning, eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMovies & eMusic.
  • Item Checkout Limit: Varies based on vendor.
  • Item Holds Limit: Varies based on vendor.
  • Expiration: Valid until locations fully reopen.

Sign Up

 

Temporary Card

  • Who's Eligible? Available to adults with eLibrary Cards.
  • Card Type: Your choice of physical card design with number and PIN.
  • What Can I Check Out? Everything that an eLibrary card gets you plus physical items.
  • Item Checkout Limit: 20 physical items. Electronic items vary based on vendor.
  • Item Holds Limit: 10 physical items. Electronic items vary based on vendor.
  • Expiration: Valid for one (1) year.

Sign Up

 

Full Access Card

  • Who's Eligible? Not available to new members at this time.
  • Card Type: Your choice of physical card design with number and PIN.
  • What Can I Check Out? Everything a Temporary Card gets you and more.
  • Item Checkout Limit: 100 physical items. 10 physical videos. Electronic items vary based on vendor.
  • Item Holds Limit: 30 physical items. Electronic items vary based on vendor.
  • Expiration: Valid for four (4) years, and then must be renewed.

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Help with Your Library Card Membership

All 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.

Parent and child check out books at the self-checkout machine with their library cards.

How to Use Your Card

Information about checkouts, renewals, and accounts.

Mailboxes with flowers and apartment numbers painted on them.

Temporary Card

After getting an eLibrary Card number, adult San José residents can use this form to convert their eLibrary Card to a Temporary Card.

Friendly library worker stands ready at the help desk to assist customers at the library.

Get Help with Your Account

Contact information to chat, email, or call us.

Library customer explores the library website on their laptop while at SJPL Works, the Business and Career Center at MLK Library downtown.

Get Membership Updates

Sign up for our eNewsletters to stay informed.

teens in classroom with teacher

Middle School / High School Library Card

Teens can get a SJPL library card and borrow one item at a time without a parent or guardian signature.