Members Get More: Get a Library Card

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I reset my PIN?

  To reset your PIN:

  • Select Log in / My SJPL at the top of any page on the website, then click or tap My Settings.
    • If you need to set up your PIN for the first time: Visit our FAQ on setting your PIN.
    • If you know your PIN:       
      • Log in with your username/library card number and PIN.
      • Select the "change" link under Account Information > PIN, next to the text that says, "Change your account PIN."
      • Complete the fields on the next page and select the "Save PIN" button.
    • If you don't know your PIN:       
      • Select the "Forgot Your PIN?" link.
      • Complete the fields on the next page.
      • Select send.
      • Check your email for the reset link.
      • Follow the prompts to reset your PIN.
    • If you don't know your PIN, and you don't have an email address associated with your account:       
      • Please visit a library location and speak with a staff member for help.
      • Bring a picture ID with you.
  • You're all set!

  Choosing a Good PIN

  We highly recommend not including any of these items in your PIN: 

  • Significant dates such as your birth year or your spouse’s birthday
  • Simple number sequences like 1234 or 0000 (including repetition 1122 or 2233)
  • Any part of your social security number
  • Any part of your address or phone number

  NOTE: If you don't have your account set up in our main SJPL catalog yet, please see our FAQ on how to set up your account.

  Related Page: Members Get More: Get a Library Card

• Is my library card expired?

  Library cards do expire, so that we can ensure we have your most current information. The expiration date varies, depending on the type of card you have. To check if your card is expired:

  • Go to "My Settings" and log in.
  • View your expiration date toward the top of the page after the words "Card Expiry Date".
  • If you have an expired card, follow these instructions for how to renew your card.

  Note on Accessing eResources:

  • Expired Card & eResources Access: Some of our eResources, such as Hoopla, Libby, and OverDrive, won't let you log in with an expired card.
  • eResource Expired Card Message: Most of our eResources will tell you that an expired card is the problem when you are unable to log in, but others are more general. For example, Hoopla will give you this message:  
    • "Yikes! Something is wrong with your library card. Please double-check your info in settings, and if you still have issues, contact your local library..."
  • Contact Us: If you are unable to log in to one of our eResources, and you think the problem is an expired card, just send us an email using the form on our eResources help page, and we'll take a look.

  Related Pages: Members Get More: Get a Library Card, Borrow & Return, Expiration Date FAQ, Library Card Renewal FAQ

• How do I get or replace a library card?

  • To Get: Visit our Become a Member page to learn about San José Public Library cards.
  • To Replace: San José Public Library can re-issue or replace library cards at any of our library locations.

  Please call into the library to report your card lost or stolen and library staff will block your account to prevent unauthorized use.

  Related Page: Member Services

• How do I renew my SJPL library card?

  This depends on the type of San José Public Library card you have, but all of our library cards require you to be a California resident. Here are the ways to renew:

  • eLibrary Card:     
    • Upgrade to Full Access Card: We encourage you to upgrade to a Full Access Card by bringing a valid photo ID and proof of your California address to any of our library locations.
    • Upgrade to Limited Status Card: If you can't bring proof of address, we can still upgrade you to a Limited Status Card by bringing a valid photo ID to any of our library locations.
  • Full Access Card:    
    • Bring a valid photo ID with your current California address to any of our library locations.
    • If your ID doesn't have your current address, it's okay to bring a piece of mail that shows the address too.
  • Limited Status Card: Please visit any library location with a valid photo ID, and we can work with you.
  • Educator Card: These cards expire every school year on June 30. To renew your card, complete the Educator Card Form and select the "Renewal" option.
  • Student Card: These cards do not expire until you graduate or leave the participating district. If you would like to continue your access to physical items and eResources, we encourage you to bring a photo ID and proof of California address to any of our library locations, so we can get you a Full Access library card.

  If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact us.

  Related Pages: Members Get More: Get a Library Card, Borrow & Return, Educator Card, Student Card, Expiration Date FAQ, Is Card Expired? FAQ