Library Catalog Notices

If the San Diego Public Library has your email address on file, you will receive automated email notifications when:

• Holds are available for pick up.
• Library materials will be overdue in one [1] day. 
• Library materials have been automatically renewed.
• Library materials are seven [7] days overdue. A follow-up notice is sent at fourteen [14] days overdue.

To ensure that notices reach your inbox and are not treated as spam, please add the following address to your list of contacts: sdplsys@sandiego.gov. This is an unmonitored email address and messages sent to it will not receive replies.

If you would like your email address added to your library account, please visit or contact your local branch library.

Paper bill notices are sent to patrons when:

• Unpaid bills exceed $9.99

Library Elf

Library Elf is a free third party online service that helps you keep track of materials you have checked out or on hold from your San Diego Public Library account. Additionally, you can consolidate multiple cards and multiple libraries under a single Library Elf account.* This makes the service ideal for families and patrons of multiple library systems.

Once signed up with Library Elf, you can receive the following types of notices:

• Text message alerts for "holds ready for pickup" and "items due the next day"
• Email and/or RSS alerts before items are due
• Email and/or RSS alerts on overdues and holds
• Email and/or RSS alerts on holds about to expire

Steps to create an Elf account:

1. Visit Library Elf's Sign Up page.
2. Add your library card by selecting "San Diego Public Library" from list of libraries and by entering your library card number and PIN.
3. Specify what types of reminder notices you would like to receive, how you would like to receive them (email, RSS and/or text message) and how frequently.
4. Confirm your subscription by clicking the link that Library Elf sent to your registered email.