How many may I reserve / hold? How many may I borrow? How long may I keep items?

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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  borrow 25 || hold 15
-Hoopla  instant borrow per month 30 || flex borrow 10 || hold 10 
-Kanopy tickets per month 30

 

What is InterLibrary Loan (ILL) and how does it work?

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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

Can I receive a notice when holds are ready / items are due?

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You may choose to receive notices from SFPL by email, telephone, or postal mail.

Email Notices

If you opt to receive email notices, you will receive the most complete messaging method the Library provides. You will be informed when:

-an item is due in 2 days or has been Auto Renewed
-an item on hold is ready to be picked up or has expired
-an item is 3, 10, or 21 days overdue
-an item is 30 days overdue and is billed to your account

Do I have to set up a separate login to use BiblioCommons?

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To sync BiblioCommons features with your Library Card account, there is a one-time registration using your existing Library Card number (barcode) and PIN (password). The good news is, once you register, you can use your username OR barcode to log in. You don't have to try to remember your library card number.

Do I have to log in to use the catalog or website?

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You can use the BiblioCommons catalog , the Classic Catalog , and SFPL website without logging in. To access your library account online, you must login to BiblioCommons or to the Classic Catalog.

To sync BiblioCommons features with your existing Library Card account, there is a one-time registration using your existing Library Card number (barcode) and PIN (password). The good news is, once you register, you can use your username OR barcode to log in to BiblioCommons -- you don't need to enter your 14-digit library card number.