Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the San José Student Library Card different from the regular card?
- The San José Student Library Card has a 5 physical item limit. The regular card has a 100 item limit.
- The San José Student Library Card has no late fines on any overdue materials. The regular card has no late fines only on children's and teen materials.
- Both cards provide free access to library eResources.
How many items can be requested with a San José Student Library Card?
5 items can be requested at anytime. (Link+ materials not included)
Can my child have a San José Student Library Card and regular SJPL library card?
Yes, your child can have both cards. (see above for differences between the cards)
How do I apply for a regular library card number?
Parents/Guardians can apply for a regular library card for their child at a branch or online, then visit any location with a valid picture ID and current mailing address.
What is my child’s San José Student Library Card number?
- If you received a San José Student Library Card from your school, your library card number is located on the back of the card.
- If your school instructed you to use your student ID number to access your San José Student Library Card membership, you will type in a '21193' prefix and possibly additional numbers before your student ID number to log in. See details
What is the San José Student Library Card PIN?
Your 4-digit San José Student Library Card PIN is your Birthday Month and Day (e.g. June 1 would be 0601)
Who do I contact if I do not want a San José Student Library Card?
Inform the school that you do not want a San José Student Library Card.
Are all students eligible for a San José Student Library Card?
All students in the participating school districts are eligible for the San José Student Library Card.
How will the San José Student Library Cards be distributed to the students?
Distribution varies by participating school district and school within the school district.
Will San José Student Library Cards work during the summer while school is not in session?
Yes, the cards are valid all year.
How are the San José Student Library Card accounts created?
Using data updates by the school district, City of San Jose/San José Public Library will create an account for the students automatically.
Are there fines and rules that apply to the San José Student Library Card?
- No late fines for overdue library materials.
- Lost and damaged items can be resolved by reading or volunteering away fines at the school or at the library, there is also a book replacement program for lost items.
- Library cards are not transferable and can only be used by the individual registered for that card.
- Lost or stolen cards must be reported to SJPL as soon as possible to avoid being held responsible for items checked out on the card.
Where can I use my San José Student Library Card?
- Any of the 25 library branch locations.
- Online library resources and research databases can be accessed from any Internet connected device.
Do San José Student Library Cards expire?
San José Student Library Cards will expire when the student graduates or leaves the district.