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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?

Library cardholders can borrow a total of 25 physical items with a limit of 5 each for the following item types: Playaways, Playaway Views, DVDs, CDs, periodicals, and children's read-along kits.

How many digital items can I check out at a time?

How long can I keep Library items?

Loan period for all items is 3 weeks.

Can I renew items?

Yes, items can be renewed up to 2 times if there are no pending requests. Renewals can be done in person, online, or by telephone....

Put an Item on Hold?

A total of 5 items can be put on hold per Library card. 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 5 days.

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?

Overdue fines for adult library materials are 25¢ per day for each item ($5 max). Payments are accepted via cash or check only. There are no overdue fines on child or teen library materials. 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.