FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Borrowing From the Library
  • How do I get a Library card?
  • Do I have to renew my library card? Does my library card expire?
  • Why does my library card expire?
  • Can I renew my materials online?
  • Can I renew my materials over the telephone?
  • How much is the fine for overdue materials?
  • Can I use a credit card to pay my fines?
  • Do I have to pay all my late fees at once?
  • I recently paid for a lost book that I just found. Can I get my money back?
  • How can I request or reserve materials/place a hold online?
  • How many materials can I take out at a time?
  • Can I return my SFPL library materials to one branch if I checked them out from another?
  • How do I request multiple items?
  • How do I place an interlibrary loan?
• Online Card Application
  • Can I apply for a library card online?
  • How do I upgrade to a full-access library card?
  • Do I have to complete the application process at a library location?
• Your Library Record
  • What can I do with my Library Record?
  • What is a PIN?
  • Can I change my PIN?
  • What do I do if my card number is being used by someone else?
  • Can I get my overdue and request notices by e-mail or telephone?
  • Why am I not receiving my e-mail notices?
  • What is a preferred search?
  • What do the different status categories mean in my requests (holds) list?
  • I'm going out of town. Can I make sure my requested items don't come in while I'm away?
  • How can I rate an item in the Library Catalog?
  • How can I change a rating I have given to an item?
  • How long do my ratings stay in the Catalog?
• Searching the Catalog
  • How do I search if I don’t remember the complete title?
  • How can I find materials that are available at my branch?
  • How do I find materials in a language other than English?
  • How can I find items in a particular format, such as a CD, DVD, video, musical score, etc?
  • How can I find current periodicals on my subject?
  • How do I find large print books?
  • How do I save a list of titles of books, CDs, DVDs, etc...?
  • What does CHECK SHELF, LIBRARY USE ONLY, ON ORDER, etc. mean?
  • What does CIVSERV, GRABHORN, HARRISON, etc.. mean?
  • What is Limit to available?
  • What do the ratings mean?
  • Who rates items in the Catalog?
  • What is Link+?
• Types of Materials
  • What types of materials are available from the Library?
  • What are eBooks?
  • What are eAudiobooks?
• Visiting the Library
  • How do I reserve a computer?
  • Does the Library have typewriters or word processors?
  • Does the Library provide access to the Internet?
  • Does the Library provide wireless access to the Internet?
  • What options do I have for printing from Library computers?
• Suggesting a Title
  • How do I request/suggest that the library purchase a book, video, or other item?
  • Why do you ask for my name on the Suggest a Title form and ask if I have a San Francisco Public Library Card?
  • Will I be notified of the library’s decision regarding the item I suggested?
  • Can you notify me when/if the item arrives?
  • How long does it take for new items to become available?
  • I have written a book/ produced a video / music CD, etc. which I would like to see added to the library’s collection. What do I do?
• Donating to the Library
  • Does the Library accept donations of books, videos, etc.?
• Troubleshooting
  • I'm having problems accessing your site. What's wrong?
  • I'm having problems accessing the Community Services Directory, Dorothy Starr Sheet Music Collection, and the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection. What's wrong?