Library cards expire every four years so that we can update our records. Please contact your branch for assistance.
Top Questions
Please visit our Get a Library Card page for current information on how to sign up.
Visit Getting Started for detailed instructions. Scroll to the bottom of the link to get device-specific help.
With Libby, you can borrow free eBooks and eAudiobooks on your tablet, phone, or compatible device.
San Diego County Library utilizes an auto-renewal program.
- Automatic renewals: Three days before they are due, items will be automatically renewed from their original due date if they are eligible for renewal. Items with active holds and no available copies, already renewed ten (10) times, or belonging to the categories listed below are not eligible for renewal. Please verify your due dates by logging into the online catalog.
- Renewing online: You can renew materials by logging into your MySDCL online account.
- Renewing over telephone: Please call a library branch near you to renew by telephone (library card number required), or call the 24-hour renewal line: (858) 514-4765
- Renewing in person: Materials can be renewed by presenting a valid library card in person at any San Diego County Library location during regular hours of operation.
*The following items cannot be renewed: Items with outstanding holds, billed items, Hot.Right.Now. books and DVDs, interlibrary loan materials, laptop computers
If you’re not finished with the items you’ve borrowed, you may want to renew them instead of returning them to the library before they are due.
You renew the items you’ve borrowed from the Checked Out page. By default, titles on the Checked Out page are displayed in order of due date, so overdue items are listed first.
To renew a single item:
- Log in to your MySDCL account.
- On the menu, click Checked Out.
- Find the title you want to renew.
- Click the Renew button below the item.
A popup message will let you know if your renewal was successful.
To renew multiple items:
- Log in to your MySDCL account.
- On the menu, click Checked Out.
- If necessary, filter your checkouts by clicking Overdue, Next due, or Due later under the My Borrowing summary on the left of the page.
- Do one of the following:
- Click the checkbox next to each item you want to renew
- Click the checkbox above the items to select all of the items on the page.
- A bar appears at the bottom of the page. Click Renew selected. The number of items affected appears in brackets on the menu.
A popup message will let you know if your renewals were successful.
Notes:
On a tablet or smart phone, the Renew selected option is on the Manage items menu.
You can renew up to 10 items at a time.
If you were issued a new library card number and need to transfer your checkouts and holds to your new account, please contact Customer Support. Please include your new library card number, old library card number, and current email address.
Please visit the Troubleshooting Guide, or contact Customer Support for assistance.
Some SDCL branches provide hands-on workshops for a variety of ereaders and mobile devices. Please contact your local branch for information.
SDCL collects a variety of books and media that are written, published and/or produced locally. We are now accepting submissions of physical copies of locally produced books, DVDs and/or music CDs for review. To submit your item for consideration, print out a copy of the Local/Self-Published Author Donation Form and drop it off with one copy of your work at any of San Diego County Library's branches. This document also contains information about the library's selection process.