Get a Santa Clara City Library card by completing a Library Card Registration Form.

After completing the library card registration, you will be able to pick up your physical card with a valid photo ID at any library location during open hours.

Related: Library Cards | Lending Guidelines

To place an item on hold:

1. Sign in to your library account.
2. Search for the item you want to request on our catalog.
3. Place a Hold on the item.
4. Select a Location for item pickup.
5. Wait for the confirmation email when your item is Ready for Pickup.

Related: Video Tutorial

After you have received a confirmation email that your requested item is Ready for Pickup, you can pick up your materials at any library location during open hours.

To pick up your library materials on hold:

1. Visit the library location selected for item pickup.
2. Enter the building and find your items on the hold shelves.
3. Bring your items to the self-checkout machines.
4. Scan your library card and check out the items onto your account.

For assistance, please feel free to ask Library staff for help.

The book drops at all Santa Clara City Library locations are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for item returns. (Excluding City Holidays at Central Park and Northside Branch Libraries)

Our libraries are equipped with the following technology services:

• Public computers with limited Internet access and printing capabilities
• Printing in both black-and-white and color
• Copying in both black-and-white and color
• Scanning
• Print From Anywhere and pick up at any Library printing station

A Santa Clara City Library card is required to access a public computer. A library card is not required for copying, scanning or Print From Anywhere services.

Related: Public Computers & Printing

The Library offers events and programs to our community. Our event calendar contains a full listing of these events and programs.

Note: Online library events and programs are hosted through Zoom.

Related: Zoom Help

The Bookmobile provides service to schools, parks, housing and senior communities in Santa Clara. Please view the schedule to find the next Bookmobile stop in your neighborhood.

Related: Special Events

In addition to the physical library collections, your Santa Clara City Library account also provides access to our Digital Library materials. These include e-books, research databases, genealogy resources, and much more.

Related: Digital Resources Video Tutorials

We are accepting books, CDs, and DVDs. Donations are only accepted at the Central Park Library. Please bring your books, movies, and music to the Friends of the Library Bookstore in the lobby or drop them in the bin outside the Friends Bookstore.

All large donations must be made by appointment. Please contact Onvipa de la Riva by email (odelariva@SantaClaraCA.gov) or phone (408-615-2988), our Book Selling Manager, to set up your appointment.

Related: Donating to the Library | Santa Clara City Library Foundation & Friends

Please feel free to reach out to us online using our Ask A Librarian reference service or our Suggestions/Comments forms. We will do our best to respond to all submissions in a timely manner. 

For questions about library programs and services, or help with your library account, you may call any of our locations during service hours.

Related: Locations & Hours | Contact Us