Members Get More: Get a Library Card

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is my library card expired?

  Library cards do expire every few years so that we can ensure we have your most current information. To check if your card is expired, log into the catalog and go to your dashboard. If your card is expired or about to expire, you will see a notice below "My Borrowing" and above "Checked Out." If there is no notice, your card is active.

  To update your card for the full period, you'll need to 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 won't let you log in with an expired card, so you may need to know what to do if you get an 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. 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

• How do I get or replace a library card?

  • 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

• How do I reset my PIN?

  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

• My Educator Library Card is not working. What should I do?

  Your Educator Card is valid for the academic school year. It expires every year on June 30. You can renew your card by completing the form on our Educator Card page. Be sure to select the renewal option on the first question.

  Related Pages: Educator Library Card, Teachers & Educators