San Francisco Public Library (2024)

FAQs

Can I get a San Francisco library card if I don't live there? ›

Visitors from outside of CA with a valid photo ID, must provide a temporary San Francisco address and pay a $10 fee (card is valid for 3 months and may be renewed with an additional fee).

Residents of California may receive a free library card. A San Francisco Public Library card opens the door to a world of information and entertainment.

The old main library, which was damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, was rebuilt as the new Asian Art Museum. At over 376,000 square feet (34,900 m²) and with six floors above ground and one below, the new library is more than twice as big as the building it replaced.

For occasions when you may not have your library card with you, you may present a valid photo ID.

Yes, you'll need a library card for each library you want to borrow from. You can add multiple libraries to Libby, and you can even add multiple cards for each library. Each library has their own guidelines for getting a card.

Can I keep library materials indefinitely? Customers are encouraged to return materials in a timely fashion to the Library so others may enjoy these shared resources. Items not returned within 28 days of their due date will go to a “lost” status and customers will be billed for their replacement.

Most types of Library Cards are valid for 4 years. You can renew your expired account a few different ways: 1. By email to info@sfpl.org.

Libby by OverDrive

You may also access Libby in a web browser at sfpl.overdrive.com, libbyapp.com or through the SFPL Catalog (BiblioCommons). Sign in with your 14-digit library card number (no dashes or spaces) and PIN/password. Borrow an available title or place a hold on a wait-listed one.

The doors of San Francisco's first public library swung open on June 7, 1879 in Pacific Hall, a rented space housing a collection of 6,000 books in a Bush Street office building in the Financial District.

What is the largest public library in the Bay Area? ›

Located between downtown and Lake Merritt, Oakland's Main Library is one of the largest public libraries in the Bay Area. The Main Library has over 350,000 books, hundreds of current and historic magazines and newspapers, a major collection of sheet music, and thousands of maps.

Items can be returned to any SFPL location. Books drops are at every branch location and at the Main Library for returning SFPL library materials during open or closed hours.

All California residents are eligible for a SFPL library card. Apply online and then present a valid photo ID in-person at any SFPL location to receive a card. A San Francisco Public Library card gives you free access to books, streaming, tutoring, museum and attraction passes, printing and so much more!

Children: No overdue fines. Adults: No overdue fines for South San Francisco materials.

The vast majority of public libraries (at least in the US and Canada) are open to anyone. No card, membership, etc. needed to enter the facility, sit down and read. A card will be needed to check out books, and may be required for Internet access, depending on library policy.

Out of State Residents: Residents who do not live in California are required to pay for an out-of-state card unless they can show proof of a permanent second home (not business) in California. Out of state visitors may purchase a library card for $10. This card must be renewed every year.

Welcome! California residents can get a digital library card by registering online. A digital library card provides immediate, free access to our online databases and downloadable e-content. Access research and homework resources and download or stream e-books, audiobooks, movies, magazines, music and more!

Utility Bill (must have your name on it) Property Tax Statement (must have your full legal name on it) Bank Account Statement (must have your name on it) Other type of recurring commercial bill received within the past 90 days (must have your name on it)

I don't live in Los Angeles, may I still apply for an e-card? Anyone may apply for a full-access library card by visiting one of our library locations with identification and proof of address.