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Get a Library Card?

You can get a library card at any of our libraries: John Steinbeck, Cesar Chazez, El Gabilan, the Bookmobile, or Paletero Cart. Be sure to bring a photo ID (examples: drivers licence or school ID) with a current address/proof of residence (examples: drivers license or electric bill).

Library cards are free but to replace a lost card is $2.00.

Use My Library Card?

You can use your library card to:

  • Borrow items (view our catalog (link is external))
  • Use public computers at any of our libraries
  • Log into our Digital Branch services
  • Get discounts with Discover & Go

Learn About Library Item Circulation?

How many items can I borrow from the library?

Physical items: Starting September 27, 2021, we have removed limitation on the number of items that you can borrow from the library . We recommend that you consider the borrowing period to ensure that you can return items on-time.

Digital items:

How long can I keep Library items?

Currently, most items can be borrowed for 21 days, except for:

  • New movies (DVD or Bluray), new video games and magazines can only be borrowed for 7 days
  • Mobile hotspot and Kindle Fire tablet can be borrowed
    • ...

Put an Item on Hold?

To put an item on hold, log into your account (link is external) with your Library card number, or speak with a Reference Librarian. Once the item is received, notification may be via email or telephone. Items are held for 7 days. Please note specific limits exist when putting a hold on certain items such as video games, park passes, book bag kits, mobile hotspots, and other equipment.

Return Library Items?

Return items to a Library book drop, located inside and outside each of our libraries. You can also return books to the Circulation desk at each library and to the Bookmobile and Paletero Cart. Digital items can be returned inside of each digital App (they will also be automatically returned to the Library at the end of each checkout period).

Find out about overdue fines?

Effective July 1st, 2022, overdue or late fines for all library patrons has been eliminated. View the complete list of library fees here.

Use the Library computers?

You will need a library card to use the computers in any of the Salinas Public Libraries. There's more information about our computers here.

Use the Library Wi-Fi?

You do NOT need a Library card to connect to the Library's Wi-Fi on your personal device. Please see the Front Desk if you need help or more information.

Use the Library photocopy machine?

You do not need a library card to use the photocopy machine. Photocopies are 10¢ per page.

Use the microfilm machine?

A Library card or photo ID is required to use the microfilm machine. The microfilm machines are located at the John Steinbeck Library. Paper copies are 10¢ per page, or you can save copies to a flash drive or email for free.