Borrowing & Renewing Materials
Getting a Library Card
- Fill out an application either online, or at either of our libraries. If preferred, Written Application Forms are also available at the library.
- Bring a valid California driver's license or I.D. card and proof of your current residential address to the Main Library or the North Branch Library. Registration services end fifteen minutes before closing time. Please see the Application Page for details.
- Children are eligible for a card at age five. A parent or guardian must co-sign registration forms for young people under the age of eighteen.
- Library cards expire 3 years from the date that they are issued, and need to be renewed (effective January 1, 2016).
- Out of state visitors may purchase a card for $10 per year. Please provide a current driver's license (or other valid government I.D.) for this service.
- 7 Days: Adult feature film/TV program DVDs, children's entertainment DVDs, and children's holiday books (in season).
- 14 Days: Interlibrary Loans (ILLs).
- 21 Days: All adult, teen and children's books (except children's holiday books), audiobooks on CD, music CDs, foreign language DVDs, nonfiction DVDs, magazines, pamphlets, and engravers.
- Loan periods for digital materials vary by provider and item type. Most ebooks can be checked out for 21 days.
- The renewal loan period starts on the day that the item is renewed.
- Your materials will be automatically renewed unless they have holds on them. If you want to renew materials manually, you can do so online through our Website. Please select "My Account."
- In person or by phone on or before the due date. (Please Note: The Telecirc Number on the back of your Library Card is no longer in service. Renewal by phone can be done by calling the Circulation Desk at 310-318-0675 Option #2)
- Most materials can now be renewed three times. Your materials will be automatically renewed unless they have holds on them.
- Renewals on interlibrary loans are dependent on the owning agency. Renewals are not available on items that have been placed on hold for another user.
Separate book and audiovisual return bins are located outside the Main Library and the North Branch for 'round the clock return of materials. If materials are dropped in the bins before the library opens, items will be treated as if they were returned the prior open day.
Self-Service Checkout
Why wait in line when you can check out your own books, CDs and DVDs? Just use the Self-Check machines located by the entrances of the Main Library and the North Branch Library. Follow the simple instructions and receive an itemized receipt, including due dates.