Every computer on the reservation system provides access to the Internet and Office 2016. Click here for a complete list of software.

Each computer also has USB ports for using flash (jump) drives. When reserving a computer, choose between the following PC types:

        Desktop
        Laptop (at selected Branches)

Staff will assist Library users in getting started on the Internet. We offer limited assistance with basic Internet and word processing tasks; however, SFPL cannot guarantee that staff trained in all aspects of Internet or Word Processing will be available to assist users at all times. Staff is not able to offer extensive explanations about the Internet or personal computer use or provide in-depth training. Time permitting, staff will try to answer specific questions about the Internet and offer suggestions for effective searching.

Using Chinese Characters on Library Computers

在圖書館電腦上輸入中文字的步驟
-From the taskbar, click on EN and select CH for Chinese input mode (for Catalog search, Internet search, or word processing).
在工作列中，點擊 EN 並選擇 CH 中文輸入模式。
-The default Chinese input method is PinYin. 
預設的中文輸入法是拼音輸入法。
-For more Chinese characters with the same sound, press the space bar and then the down arrow key to select the character wanted.
如使用拼音輸入法，請按空白鍵 再按向下箭頭，選擇您所要的同音字。
-Press Alt+Shift to change back to English mode.
同時按下Alt和Shift 鍵，轉換成英文輸入法。

Information about Assistive Technology , which helps people with disabilities use computers, is available on the Library's Accessibility Services webpage. 

Downloading & Saving Documents

Library users may save their work onto any USB-compatible storage device. Documents and software cannot be downloaded or saved onto Library PCs, including the desktop. To download or save files, please bring your own USB device (e.g. jump drive or thumb drive).

How Long?

You may borrow for up to 21 days. Most items are eligible for up to 5 renewals of 21 days each.
Holds ready-for-pickup are available for 10 days.

How Many?

Limits on DIGITAL items for all SFPL Library Cards:

-Overdrive & Boundless borrowed or holds: 25 ea. per platform
-Hoopla borrowed per month: 30
-Kanopy tickets per month: 30

Printing, Copying, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library

Printing, Copying, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library

Printing, Copying, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library

What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a free service that allows cardholders to borrow books, articles, and microfilm not available at the San Francisco Public Library or via LINK+ .  ILL is a cooperative effort among many libraries in North America. 

How do I submit an ILL request?
submit your request online, and be sure to view the instructions at the top of each form: 

-Interlibrary Loan Book Request
-Interlibrary Loan Article Request
-Interlibrary Loan Microfilm / Microfiche Request