Library Card Portal FAQs

  • General Questions

    Apply online. After successful completion, you will receive your library card number. A welcome email will be sent that includes “getting started” information. If you didn’t receive the email, check your spam/junk folder.

    This card allows access to eLibrary, including downloadable books, audiobooks and magazines, and some online resources like genealogy and language learning. It also provides the ability to place holds on materials for pick up at a branch. It does not allow checkout of physical items.

    Convert your eCard to a Standard Card by visiting any San Diego County Library branch with your valid photo ID.

    The most common reason would be our system could not verify your name and address. For example: if your address is outside of our service area or could not be validated, if you recently moved or changed your name, or if you already have an account with our library system.

    Please visit any San Diego County Library branch and library staff will assist you.

    Yes.

    • California residents and military: Free
    • Non-California residents: $5 one time fee

    Persons residing outside the County of San Diego are not eligible for our eCard, eLibrary collection, Circuit or Link+ materials.

    Please visit a branch in person and provide a valid photo ID and verification of current address.

    Visit any San Diego County Library branch with a valid photo ID and verification of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement or mail date stamped within the past 30 days.

    Common reasons may include: the website is down, the library card is expired, the library card does not have permission to access the online service in question, or the card may be from another library system.

    For assistance:

    Renew your library card online! The online application performs a name and address verification and renews your card. If verification is successful, there’s no need for you to visit a library. Your library card must already be expired before the renewal can occur.

    When you renew your library card, you agree to return borrowed materials on time and assume responsibility for lost or damaged items.