Library District

The Santa Clara County Library District provides library materials, online collections, learning programs, reference assistance, and services for residents who have difficulty visiting a library. This article explains how to choose a library card, locate a district library, browse materials, understand borrowing limits and fees, attend programs, and request accessibility or home delivery services. It also identifies the right library staff to contact for reading recommendations, account questions, and outreach assistance.

Santa Clara County Library District Services

The Santa Clara County Library District website is the official starting point for district services. Often abbreviated SCCLD, the district offers books, movies, music, magazines, games, and digital materials, along with computer services and programs for children, teens, adults, and older adults. Its website connects users to library card applications, the catalog, online collections, event listings, and staff assistance.

Choosing the right part of the website depends on your task. The catalog helps you browse materials and manage borrowing. The Online Library provides digital reading, streaming, research, and learning services. The events calendar covers scheduled activities. Library staff handle reference questions and account questions through separate service channels, so a question about finding a book should be directed differently from a question about a card, PIN, renewal, or fee.

Library Locations and Visit Planning

The district’s location and program listings include Campbell Library, Cupertino Library, Gilroy Library, Los Altos Library, Milpitas Library, Morgan Hill Library, Saratoga Library, and Woodland Branch Library. The district also operates a Bookmobile. When planning a visit, use SCCLD’s own location directory to identify the library where you intend to receive service.

The official library location directory supports searches by library name, address, or ZIP code. It also offers a location-based search, grid and map views, and an “Open now” filter. Searching by ZIP code or address is useful when you know your starting location but have not chosen a library.

Pay attention to active filters. An “Open now” filter limits the results to libraries currently open, so it can hide a location you want to visit later. Remove that filter when planning a future trip or looking for a particular library. For a card application, visit during the library’s service hours; for a program, confirm the event’s specific location and time separately.

Choosing the Right Library Card

The district offers several types of library access. The main choice for individual users is between a Full Access Library Card and a Library eCard. Both provide access to the Online Library, but they serve different needs. A full-access card includes borrowing physical materials and other library services, while an eCard provides online access.

The library card application and card types page explains the available options. Library cards and eCards are available to all ages. Before applying, consider whether you need digital services immediately, physical borrowing, or access for a school-related purpose.

Full Access Card Applications

Apply for a new or replacement Full Access Library Card by visiting a library during service hours. From inside the library, complete the online application and then go to the Accounts Desk. You must present valid identification showing your picture and name, together with proof of your current address, which must be a U.S. mailing address.

Prepare your identification and address documentation before the visit. The card page provides information about acceptable forms of photo identification and proof of address. Review those requirements rather than assuming that any document showing your name will establish both identity and your current mailing address.

A Full Access Library Card allows you to borrow physical materials, access computer services and online resources, reserve a meeting room, and reserve passes through the district’s Discover & Go service. A person who lives outside Santa Clara County but has a U.S. mailing address can receive a free Full Access Library Card during a library visit.

Immediate Online Access With an eCard

Santa Clara County residents with a valid mailing address can apply for a Library eCard from home and receive instant access to the Online Library. The district directs users who are outside a library to the online eCard application. This option provides free access to digital collections without first completing an in-person full-access card application.

An eCard covers the entire Online Library, including eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, magazines, newspapers, international content, online learning, and research. County residence is an eligibility requirement for this card type. Do not confuse that requirement with the broader U.S. mailing address requirement described for a Full Access Library Card.

Card Numbers and eCard Characters

Full Access Library Card numbers contain 14 digits. Library eCards contain 14 characters, including the dash. When entering an eCard identifier into an online service, include the dash as part of the identifier. The difference matters when a login fails because the number or character sequence was entered incorrectly.

Limited Access and School Accounts

A Limited Access Library Card permits borrowing up to three items at a time, requesting up to three items at a time, and using computer services and online resources. Its borrowing and request limits differ from those of a full-access card.

Database-Use Only Library Cards are available to teachers, school librarians, and administrators at schools located in Santa Clara County for demonstrating library databases to students. These cards are valid for one year and allow database use only. Some databases can be accessed only inside a district library. To apply, contact a supervising librarian or circulation supervisor at a library.

Student eAccounts are issued through collaboration with local schools. They are a separate access arrangement from an individual eCard application or an educator’s Database-Use Only Library Card.

Catalog Browsing and Borrowing Limits

The district’s official library catalog provides access to materials and reading ideas. Its recent activity page includes staff lists for children, teens, and adults, with selections organized by genres and subjects such as mystery, science fiction, graphic novels, home and garden, and business. Staff lists can help narrow your choices when you have a topic or reading interest but no particular title in mind.

The catalog also displays reviews, ratings, and other reader activity. Distinguish a staff recommendation from a reader’s review or rating. A title appearing in an activity list does not, by itself, establish that a copy is immediately available for checkout.

Full-access borrowing limits are up to 100 items at a time, including no more than 10 console games and 30 DVDs or Blu-rays. A full-access card also permits up to 12 requests or holds at a time. These are separate limits: the number of items you can borrow is not the same as the number you can request.

For help with catalog functions, the Catalog and Account Help pages organize assistance under borrowing, searching and filtering, account configuration, lists, and other catalog features. Consult the category that matches your task rather than treating every catalog difficulty as a library card problem.

Loan Periods, Renewals, and Fees

Most adult and teen materials have a three-week loan period and allow up to three renewals. This includes most materials, console games, magazines, and feature and non-feature DVDs. Children’s materials also have a three-week loan period and allow up to three renewals. Items with holds cannot be renewed, so an item’s usual renewal allowance does not guarantee that a renewal will be available.

The official loan periods and fees page identifies exceptions. Adult book club kits have a six-week loan period with no renewals. Circulating reference materials have a one-week loan period with no renewals. Laptops and devices have a three-hour loan period, no renewals, and a listed late charge of $1 per hour. Interlibrary loan periods and renewal allowances vary, with a listed daily fine of $1 per item.

Bestsellers and Special Collections

Bestseller and special collections are intended for browsing and immediate checkout of popular materials. They include fiction and nonfiction books, audiobooks, and DVDs. No holds are allowed on these browsing collections. Bestseller books, audiobooks, and DVDs have three-week loan periods and cannot be renewed.

These restrictions matter when you are planning a reading schedule or hoping to reserve a popular title. A browsing collection follows different rules from an ordinary requestable item. Review the collection designation and borrowing terms before relying on a hold or renewal.

Overdue Items and Lost Charges

Most library materials do not accrue daily overdue fines. However, materials overdue by more than four weeks are considered lost, and the account is charged the item’s cost plus a processing fee. The absence of a daily fine does not remove the obligation to return borrowed materials.

Returning lost materials in a timely manner clears the associated charges except a rebilling fee. Processing fees are nonrefundable once paid. If an item has already been marked lost or you have paid a charge, direct questions about the account to Account Questions before assuming that returning the item will refund every payment.

Borrowing and renewing privileges are restricted when the balance owed reaches $50 or more. Accounts with balances of $100 or more may be referred to a rebilling service, and a $10 rebilling fee is assessed per account. Individuals referred to the rebilling agency cannot check out items until their balance reaches zero.

Payment Options for Library Fees

Library fees can be paid by cash or check at any district library, or a payment can be mailed. The district also provides a credit card payment option through the user’s account in the online catalog. Questions about charges belong with library account staff, who handle account balances and borrowing concerns.

Digital collections have their own lending periods where time limits apply. Do not assume that the three-week physical borrowing period applies to every downloadable or streaming item.

Digital Reading, Research, and Learning

The Online Library provides free access to eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines, newspapers, music, streaming video, and research materials. Log in with your Library Card or eCard when prompted. Online Library access is available around the clock through the district’s website.

Collections are grouped by purpose. The eBooks and audiobooks section offers more than 100,000 books to download or stream. Other sections cover movies, television, music, digital publications, learning and test preparation, and research articles and multimedia. Choosing the appropriate category helps distinguish a reading collection from a course, tutoring service, or research database.

Learning and test preparation resources include skills instruction, classes, tutoring, job resources, and student services. Separate children’s and teens’ online sections bring together age-focused reading, entertainment, homework help, study materials, and learning options.

The district also provides brief video tutorials and recorded demonstrations for online resources. These can help with unfamiliar services before you request staff assistance. For a technical problem with an online resource, the district directs users to its Online Library Support form; questions about a library card or PIN belong with Account Questions.

Programs, Storytimes, and Homework Help

The official library events calendar allows filtering by date, location, audience, event type, and program language. Locations include individual libraries, the Bookmobile, and online events. Audience filters distinguish adults, older adults, teens, and children in several age or grade groups.

Review active filters before concluding that a library has no matching programs. A search limited to certain branches or online events will exclude other locations. Clear filters when you want a broader view, then narrow the results by the date, age group, or activity that matters to you.

Program listings include storytimes, homework assistance, book discussions, arts and crafts, technology activities, English-language learning, and recreation. Read the individual description for the intended audience, registration requirements, location, and any capacity restrictions. Some programs require registration, while some homework assistance sessions accept walk-ins as space allows.

Age Groups and Attendance Restrictions

Children’s programs may be designed for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, families, or particular school grades. Match the child’s age or grade to the event description rather than relying only on a broad children’s audience filter. Homework assistance offerings can also differ by library and grade range.

Some storytime descriptions identify limited capacity, parking limitations, or stroller restrictions. Event listings may also show cancellations. Confirm the selected session’s status before traveling, especially for a recurring program: the presence of other dates does not establish that every session will take place.

Accessibility and Outreach Services

The district’s accessibility services page covers assistive reading devices, interpreter requests, Bookmobile service, BookDash home delivery, and services for people with print disabilities. These options address different needs, so choose the service that matches the barrier you are experiencing.

Reading Devices and Interpreter Requests

Accessibility kits are available for use inside libraries. Each kit includes reader pens that scan, translate, and read text aloud, along with a desktop magnifier that illuminates and enlarges printed text. Visit the Adult Reference Desk at a library to borrow a kit for in-library use and ask how the devices work.

American Sign Language interpreter or translation services can be requested through the district’s online form. Although the district tries to secure an interpreter or translator at any time, at least seven days of advance notice offers the best chance of arranging service for a specific program or event. Staff at a local library can assist with submitting a request during open hours.

Bookmobile Stops and Material Returns

The Bookmobile regularly visits designated sites within Santa Clara County. Consult its route schedule for stop locations and times, or obtain a schedule at a community library. A Bookmobile stop follows its route schedule rather than a fixed library’s daily service hours.

Bookmobile materials have a two-week checkout period. They can be returned to the Bookmobile or any library in the district. This shorter loan period is distinct from the three-week period that applies to most materials borrowed through regular library service.

BookDash Home Delivery Eligibility

BookDash is a free home delivery service for eligible users who cannot visit a library on their own because of temporary or long-term illness, family illness, injury, impairment, a medical condition, or disability. Independent medical certification of homebound status is not required.

Applicants must have a valid SCCLD library card and live within the district’s service area. The eligibility list includes Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, Monte Sereno, Saratoga, and unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. County residence alone should not be substituted for the specific service-area requirement.

Qualified users must choose either BookDash or regular library service, including in-library and Bookmobile visits. Both service arrangements cannot be used at the same time. Consider this restriction before enrolling if you currently make library or Bookmobile visits.

Enrollment and Monthly Deliveries

Enrollment is available through the online application or by contacting the Bookmobile Office. The application requests a name, street address, city, ZIP code, phone number, and email address. Telephone enrollment is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; assistance with application questions is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. After hours, callers can leave a message for a return call.

Once enrolled, users can place holds online or by phone. Deliveries occur once a month, and staff notify users of the scheduled delivery and arrange a delivery window. Service is contactless. To return materials, leave them outside your door on the morning of the scheduled delivery.

Services for Print Disabilities

Eligible Californians who cannot read standard print may receive free Braille and audio books, magazines, and playback equipment through California’s library services for people with print disabilities. The Braille and Talking Book Library is a branch of the California State Library. A local community library’s reference desk can help users learn about this service.

Reference Help and Account Questions

The district’s Ask a Librarian service provides reading recommendations, answers to factual questions, and help with online resources. In-person assistance is available at a community library’s information desk during open hours. Remote options include chat, phone, text, and an email form.

Reference chat is available Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone reference service is available Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Text assistance is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. These schedules exclude holidays and library closures. Chat responses may take time while staff finish assisting other users.

The email form requests your question and contact information if you want a response. Staff provide brief factual answers and suggest sources. Responses are generally prompt during regular weekday business hours, excluding holidays, but some inquiries take additional time. For an immediate answer, call or visit a community library.

Do not put confidential information, including a library card number, password, or credit card information, into the reference webform. Its contents are sent to staff by email. The district recommends another communication channel, such as telephone, when confidential information needs to be shared.

Account Questions handles library cards, PINs, renewals, holds, fines, and related account concerns. A request to add a title to the collection belongs with Suggest a Purchase. Directing the question to the appropriate service helps staff address the actual issue rather than redirecting a reference inquiry to account or technical support.

Library Offices and Contact Numbers

Santa Clara County Library District — Ask a Librarian
Phone: (408) 540-3947
Text: (833) 209-6600
Santa Clara County Library District — Account Questions
Phone: (408) 540-3945
Santa Clara County Library District — Bookmobile Office
Phone: (408) 883-6959
California State Library — Braille and Talking Book Library
Phone: 1-800-952-5666

Library District FAQs

Can I get voter registration help at the library?

The district’s official website identifies voter registration forms and registration assistance as library services. If you need help getting started, check the district’s current announcements for voter registration information before visiting. Getting a form or assistance does not mean your registration has been completed. Follow the submission instructions on the registration materials, and keep voter registration deadlines separate from library hours or the date of a library event.

Where can I check library construction updates?

The district publishes updates about outdoor-space construction at Los Altos and Woodland libraries, along with separate updates about Storybook play-space installations. Look for the announcement covering your specific library and project. An update about a children’s play space may not describe conditions elsewhere in the building. Before planning a visit around a particular space, review the latest project information rather than assuming an older announcement still describes what is available.

Is library catalog help available in other languages?

Yes. The catalog and account help guide offers language options including Spanish, Filipino, French, Japanese, Russian, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. Select your preferred language, then choose the section matching your question. For example, account configuration and searching have separate categories. These language options apply to the help guide; they do not establish that every library database, catalog record, or program is available in that language.

How can I keep up with library news?

The district offers a newsletter signup through its official website for library information and service announcements. This is useful when you want updates without repeatedly checking the homepage. Treat newsletter subscriptions and borrowing notices as separate needs: signing up for general news should not be taken as confirmation that your account is set up to receive hold or due-date notifications.