FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions - SFPL

How do I get a library card?
Last Updated: Sep 30, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 873420
How do I access The New York Times?
Last Updated: Aug 26, 2024 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
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Views: 832251
How do I renew my Library Card?
Last Updated: Oct 31, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 331730
Printing, Copying, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library
Last Updated: Feb 06, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 253920
How do I renew my checked out items? Why can't I renew?
Last Updated: Oct 31, 2024 |
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Views: 253190
What is Hoopla Digital and how does it work?
Last Updated: Aug 22, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 154071
What documents are required to get a Library Card?
Last Updated: Oct 19, 2024 |
Topics:
- My Account
- Services
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Views: 149180
What is Libby by OverDrive and how does it work?
Last Updated: Nov 06, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 141488
What is Kanopy and how does it work?
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2025 |
Topics:
- eVideo
- FAQ
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Views: 124623
How do I use Discover and Go?
Last Updated: Dec 22, 2021 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- Services
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Views: 84197

What is Excel Adult High School?
Last Updated: Mar 10, 2025 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- Services
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Views: 1229
Do you have typewriters?

Last Updated: Mar 04, 2025 | Views: 119
How do I suggest a title?
Last Updated: Feb 28, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 8918
Can I receive notification via text message of holds ready to pickup and items due back?
Last Updated: Feb 27, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 22414
What is the Scholar Card?
Last Updated: Feb 25, 2025 |
Topics:
- Library Card
- Scholar Card
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Views: 3416
Does the library have 3D printers I can use?
Last Updated: Feb 25, 2025 |
Topics:
- Printing
- Services
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Views: 6305
What is Flipster and how do I use it?
Last Updated: Feb 20, 2025 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
- eResources
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Views: 9959
What apps are available for your eResources?
Last Updated: Feb 07, 2025 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 1700
Printing, Copying, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library
Last Updated: Feb 06, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 253920
Why is my Kanopy account blocked?

Last Updated: Jan 18, 2025 | Views: 98
What is Kanopy and how does it work?
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2025 |
Topics:
- eVideo
- FAQ
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Views: 124623
How do I reserve a meeting room for my group to use?
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 2294
How do I access The Wall Street Journal (wsj.com)?

Last Updated: Jan 09, 2025 | Views: 2956
What is Borrowing History?
Last Updated: Jan 05, 2025 |
Topics:
- BiblioCommons
- My Account
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Views: 3060
Can I access Hoopla ebooks on my Kindle Paperwhite?
Last Updated: Dec 30, 2024 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 127
What is SFPL's Collection Development Plan?
Last Updated: Dec 24, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 12903
Can I print from my own computer or laptop?
Last Updated: Nov 09, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 25411
How do I renew my checked out items? Why can't I renew?
Last Updated: Oct 31, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 253190
How do I renew my Library Card?
Last Updated: Oct 31, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 331730
What is the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection?
Last Updated: Oct 29, 2024 |
Topics:
- FAQ
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Views: 4551
How do I pay for or replace a Lost or Damaged item?
Last Updated: Oct 28, 2024 |
Topics:
- Borrow Items
- My Account
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Views: 18744
What documents are required to get a Library Card?
Last Updated: Oct 19, 2024 |
Topics:
- My Account
- Services
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Views: 149180
How do I pay my fees online?
Last Updated: Oct 15, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 12772
How do I update my address?
Last Updated: Oct 15, 2024 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- My Account
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Views: 3323
How do I get a library card?
Last Updated: Sep 30, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 873420
Can I request books to be sent through the mail?
Last Updated: Sep 14, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 2261
What is ABCmouse.com Bring Learning Home?
Last Updated: Sep 06, 2024 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 2515
What is Udemy and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Aug 30, 2024 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 12275
How do I access The New York Times?
Last Updated: Aug 26, 2024 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
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Views: 832251
How do I log into Oxford English Dictionary (OED)?
Last Updated: Aug 26, 2024 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 657
How do I find out if the Library carries a particular magazine, newspaper, or journal?
Last Updated: Jul 31, 2024 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
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Views: 305
What types of software are included on the library's computers?
Last Updated: Jul 16, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 3403
What is InterLibrary Loan (ILL) and how does it work?
Last Updated: Jul 10, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 76258
How do I transfer eBooks to my Nook ereader?
Last Updated: Jun 28, 2024 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 6088
What is Adobe Digital Editions and why do I need it?
Last Updated: Jun 28, 2024 |
Topics:
- eBooks
- eResources
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Views: 20419
How do I borrow OverDrive ebooks on a Kobo ereader?
Last Updated: Jun 28, 2024 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 4742
How do I get Kindle Books from Libby by OverDrive?
Last Updated: Jun 17, 2024 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 42908
Does the library have an archive of the San Francisco Chronicle?
Last Updated: Jun 13, 2024 |
Topics:
- Books and Materials
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Views: 3374
How many may I reserve / hold? How many may I borrow? How long may I keep items?
Last Updated: May 25, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 44073
Does the library lend laptop computers?
Last Updated: May 16, 2024 |
Topics:
- Computers / Equipment
- Services
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Views: 20790
How do I access an EPUB/PDF-formatted ebook from Boundless?
Last Updated: Apr 05, 2024 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 36211
How do I return an ebook early?
Last Updated: Apr 05, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 11023
How do I reconnect my Kanopy account after renewing my library account?

Last Updated: Mar 22, 2024 | Views: 251
How do I renew eBooks and eAudiobooks?
Last Updated: Feb 26, 2024 |
Topics:
- eBooks
- FAQ
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Views: 18621
What is Peterson's Test Prep and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2024 |
Topics:
- eLearning
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Views: 822
My library card is lost or stolen. How do I replace my library card?
Last Updated: Feb 01, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 49453
How do I donate a book or AV item to the library?
Last Updated: Jan 30, 2024 |
Topics:
- Donations
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Views: 765
How do I access newspapers and magazines on PressReader?
Last Updated: Jan 22, 2024 |
Topics:
- eMagazines & eNews
- eResources
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Views: 41013
What is Auto Renew?
Last Updated: Dec 14, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 10077
What is Gale Courses and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Dec 08, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 10753
What is Treehouse and how do I get an account?
Last Updated: Dec 08, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
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Views: 23909
What is LinkedIn Learning?
Last Updated: Dec 08, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
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Views: 5412
What is Mango Languages account and how do I create an account?
Last Updated: Dec 05, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 11514
What is Rosetta Stone and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Dec 05, 2023 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 18590
Where are my ebooks?
Last Updated: Nov 21, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 6177
What is Bibliocommons and why should I use it?
Last Updated: Nov 06, 2023 |
Topics:
- BiblioCommons
- My Account
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Views: 18799
What is SimplyE?
Last Updated: Nov 06, 2023 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 15366
How do I get my ebook or eaudiobook?
Last Updated: Nov 06, 2023 |
Topics:
- eBooks
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Views: 3628
What is Libby by OverDrive and how does it work?
Last Updated: Nov 06, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 141488
What is Kanopy's ticket system?
Last Updated: Nov 01, 2023 |
Topics:
- eResources
- eVideo
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Views: 575
What is Boundless and what happened to Axis 360?
Last Updated: Oct 25, 2023 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 7831
What is MyHeritage Library Edition?
Last Updated: Sep 22, 2023 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 577
What is My China Roots and how do I get started?
Last Updated: Sep 22, 2023 |
Topics:
- eResources
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Views: 1342
What is a Teacher Card and how can I get one?
Last Updated: Sep 20, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 12211
What is happening to the legacy OverDrive app?

Last Updated: Sep 12, 2023 | Views: 2386
What is The MIX?
Last Updated: Aug 14, 2023 |
Topics:
- Main
- Services
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Views: 1606
Placing a hold/ Reserving an Item
Last Updated: Aug 03, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 16297
What do I need to know when the OverDrive app sunsets in April 2023?
Last Updated: Jul 07, 2023 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 155
What is CAreer Pathways?
Last Updated: Jul 07, 2023 |
Topics:
- eLearning
- eResources
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Views: 436
What is "delayed paging"?

Last Updated: Jul 05, 2023 | Views: 153
Can I get an obituary for...?

Last Updated: Jul 05, 2023 | Views: 241
How do I use Chinese Characters on Library Computers?
Last Updated: Jun 22, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 1555
What is LINK+ and how does it work?
Last Updated: May 25, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 68314
How do I remove items from my Borrowing History?
Last Updated: Mar 07, 2023 |
Topics:
- BiblioCommons
- Books and Materials
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Views: 6852
How do I manage requests / holds using my Classic Catalog account?
Last Updated: Feb 11, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 7315
Does the library take donations of money?
Last Updated: Feb 07, 2023 |
Topics:
- Donations
- Library Administration
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Views: 7716
What are my responsibilities as a library cardholder?
Last Updated: Feb 06, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 5727
How much are fees?
Last Updated: Jan 31, 2023 |
Topics:
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Views: 21862
How do I get a notification about a Suggested Title arriving at SFPL?
Last Updated: Dec 23, 2022 |
Topics:
- Books and Materials
- Holds / Reserves
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Views: 1105
Can I access my OverDrive history in Libby?

Last Updated: Dec 12, 2022 | Views: 681
What should I read?
Last Updated: Dec 07, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 298
Is there an “Add to Apple Wallet” option for library cards?
Last Updated: Nov 29, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 2447
How do I renew items by phone?
Last Updated: Nov 16, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 4453
What can I do on the computer I reserve and what types of software are available?
Last Updated: Nov 10, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 3538
What happened to OverDrive's automatic checkout of holds?
Last Updated: Aug 22, 2022 |
Topics:
- eAudiobooks
- eBooks
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Views: 1034
What is Hoopla Digital and how does it work?
Last Updated: Aug 22, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 154071
What is BCAF and how do I get started?

Last Updated: Jul 29, 2022 | Views: 646
Why do I have to visit in person to get a library card?
Last Updated: Jul 25, 2022 |
Topics:
- My Account
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Views: 18902
What was the Tech It Forward laptop donation program?
Last Updated: Jul 06, 2022 |
Topics:
- Donations
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Views: 1134
What time does the Library open / close?
Last Updated: Apr 20, 2022 |
Topics:
- About
- Libraries
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Views: 2702
Can I receive a notice when holds are ready / items are due?
Last Updated: Apr 20, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 4873
What happens when an item is overdue?
Last Updated: Apr 19, 2022 |
Topics:
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Views: 9299
Does SFPL offer exam proctoring?
Last Updated: Mar 23, 2022 |
Topics:
- Services
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Views: 3151
What is the Lucky Day Collection?
Last Updated: Feb 22, 2022 |
Topics:
- Books and Materials
- Borrow Items
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Views: 7391
Where can I return items?
Last Updated: Dec 29, 2021 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- Services
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Views: 27991
How do I use Discover and Go?
Last Updated: Dec 22, 2021 |
Topics:
- FAQ
- Services
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Views: 84197
Mission Construction Q & A
Last Updated: Nov 19, 2021 |
Topics:
- Branches
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Views: 995
How do I change my PIN / Password?
Last Updated: Oct 13, 2021 |
Topics:
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Views: 78624
Why do I need my PIN at the self-checkout machines?
Last Updated: Oct 08, 2021 |
Topics:
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Views: 835
How do I do a Preferred Search?
Last Updated: Oct 06, 2021 |
Topics:
- Books and Materials
- Classic Catalog
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Views: 3005

Why am I receiving this newsletter?
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2020 |
Topics:
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Views: 2497

Why do I need my PIN at the self-checkout machines?
Last Updated: Oct 08, 2021 |
Topics:
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Views: 835

System Status

Current status of the Library's online systems

Contact Us

phone / email / text hours:

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

12-6

9-6

9-8

12-6

10-6

send email

call 415-557-4400

send text (sms) to 415-723-4414

eBook / eAudiobook help

suggest a title

My Library Account

How do I get a Library Card / Account?

How do I renew an expired account?

How do I change my PIN / password?

How many items may I borrow?

How many items may I hold / reserve?

How long may I keep items?

How do I renew items? Why can't I renew?

How do I replace or pay for lost / damaged items?