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Become a Member: Get a Library Card

SJPL staff holding up letters that spell, #RightToLibrary

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.

Member Options

General 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.
  • Available: During closure.

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, including hotspot devices. LINK+ items are not included.
  • 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.
  • Available: During closure.

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, including LINK+ items.
  • Item Checkout Limit: 100 physical items. 10 physical videos. Electronic items vary based on vendor.
  • Item Holds Limit: 10 physical items. Electronic items vary based on vendor.
  • Expiration: Valid for four (4) years, and then must be renewed.
  • Available: When libraries reopen.

Unavailable

School Membership Options

Student Library Card.

Student Card

  • Who's Eligible? See Participating Schools.
  • Card Type: Depends on the Participating School.
  • What Can I Check Out? Everything that an eLibrary card gets you plus physical items.
  • Item Checkout Limit: 5 physical items. Electronic items vary based on vendor.
  • Item Holds Limit: 5 physical items. Electronic items vary based on vendor.
  • Expiration: When the student graduates or leaves the district.
  • Available: Anytime, including through the summer.

Participating Schools

Educator Card.

Educator Card

  • Who's Eligible? Adults (18+) who work for a preschool or K-12 school.
  • Card Type: Custom physical card design for educators with number and PIN.
  • What Can I Check Out? Most materials are available to check out on an Educator Card.
  • Item Checkout Limit: 100 physical items, including up to 30 DVDs.
  • Item Holds Limit: 30 physical items:
  • Expiration: June 30th each year.
  • Available: Anytime.

Sign Up

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.

Illustration by C. H. Sonder with an open book rests on a desktop with a dragon tail, sword, and arrow peaking out of the pages, papers flying out of the middle and transforming into birds, and numbers, puzzles, and more wonders floating out of the pages.

Borrow & Return

Learn how to use your library card. Get information on checkout periods, renewals, holds, fines and fees, and more.

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

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