Library Lending
In order to borrow library materials you must present a valid San Diego Public Library card.
With a San Diego Public Library Card, you can:
- check out books, magazines, DVDs and CDs
- place holds and access your account online
- access library databases from home
- download audiobooks and ebooks
Library cards are free to applicants who reside in California or own property in the City of San Diego, and to men and women serving in the Armed Forces who are stationed within San Diego County. For non-residents, the annual fee for a library card is $30.
When you sign your library card you assume responsibility for anything that is checked-out on the card. If you change your address, email address, etc., notify the library on your next visit. If your library card is lost or stolen, it is very important to notify the library as soon as possible since you are still responsible for items checked out on your card.
When an item is lost, you will be charged the cost of the item, any accrued overdue fines, plus a processing fee.
Your library card privileges must be renewed every two years.
The fee to replace a library card is $2.00/adult and $1.00/children.
Your Library Card may be used at any San Diego Public Library location.
Loan Policy and Item Limits
Maximum Items on a Library Card at One Time: 40
| Limits by Material * | Item Limit | Loan Period |
|---|---|---|
| Books, magazines, and music scores | 40 | 21 days |
| Audiocassettes (AC) | 15 | 21 days |
| CD-Rom/DVD-Rom | 3 | 21 days |
| Compact Discs (CD) – Audio Books and Music | 10 | 21 days |
| Video Material (DVC, DVD, VCD, VC [video cassette], VHS [video cassette], VD) | 5 | 7 days |
| Museum Membership Pass | 1 | 10 days |
| eReader | 1 | 21 days |
*Material may not be transferred from one library card to another.