Library Accounts FAQs

  • General Questions

    We are now accepting returns at any time! You may return items to any of our Alameda County Library locations, opens a new window, no matter which location they were originally checked out from. Book drops may be closed if full.

    We are not accepting donations at this time, and return receipts are unavailable.

    All eligible AC Library items renew automatically three (3) days before their due date, and most can be renewed twice. However, if you decide that you would like to renew your items ahead of that date, you can do so online or by phone 24/7.

    To Renew Your Items Online

    Renewing a Single Item

    1. Log in to your account.

    2. On the menu, click Checked Out.

    3. Find the title you want to renew.

    4. Click the Renew button below the item.

    5. A popup message will let you know if your renewal was successful.

    Renewing Multiple Items

    1.Log in to your account.

    2. On the menu, click Checked Out.

    3. If necessary, filter your checkouts by clicking Overdue, Next due or Due later under the My Borrowing summary on the left of the page.

    4. 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.

    5. A bar appears at the bottom of the page. Click Renew selected. The number of items affected appears in brackets on the menu.

    6. A popup message will let you know if your renewals were successful.

    To Renew Your Items by Telephone

    Have your library card number and the barcode numbers for the items you wish to renew ready, then call 510-790-8096 and follow the automated instructions. Our telephone renewal service is available in English, Mandarin, and Spanish.

    Reasons Why Your Renewal Wasn't Successful

    Unable to renew? Your renewal request might not have been completed for the following reasons: 

    • Another member has put a hold on the item.
    • Your library balance is $10.00 or more.
    • An item on your record is ten or more days overdue.
    • The item has already been renewed twice.
    • Your library card account needs to be updated.

    If you are interested in donating material, please contact your local library first to inquire. 

    If we are not the right fit for your donation, StopWaste.org may help you locate another option in your community.

    LINK+ is a free service that lets you borrow books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, and VHS tapes from more than 60 libraries in California. With your Library Card, you can request these items and have them sent to your local library for pickup.

    Borrowing Basics

    • Delivery Time: Most items arrive in about 4 days.
    • Hold Period: Items stay on the hold shelf for 10 days.
    • Loan Period: 3 weeks.
    • Renewals: You can renew once if no one else is waiting. Renewals can be requested within 3 days of the due date.
    • Limits: You can have up to 15 LINK+ transactions at one time.
    • Fees: Lost or damaged LINK+ items may cost up to $115.

    How to Request LINK+ Items

    • Search the Catalog: If AC Library does not own the item, click Try Your Search in LINK+.
    • Choose the Item: When you find what you want in LINK+, click Request It.
    • Pick the library: Select Alameda County Public from the drop-down list.
    • Enter Your Info: Type your name, Library Card number, and desired pickup location. Then click submit.
    • Get a Notification: You will get a notice by email, phone, or text when the item is ready for pickup.

    The number of items you can borrow or place on hold depends on your account type.

      Total Physical Items Video (DVDs, BluRays) Audiobooks eDevices (Tech It Out) eBooks & eAudioBooks
    Library Cards & Extended Services Cards 100 20 20 2 10 per platform
    Welcome Cards 15 10 10 2 10 per platform
    eCards 0 0 0 0 10 per platform

    All Alameda County Library items check out for 3 weeks with the exception of in-library-use-only electronic devices.

    Your borrowed items may be renewed up to 2 times unless there is a hold on the item from another member, you owe $10.00 or more in fees, or you have an item that is 10 or more days late.

    Items borrowed from other libraries through Link + are subject to the borrowing policies of the owning library.

    We love all animals, but pets, emotional support animals, and other animals that have not been trained to perform specific acts directly related to an individual’s disability are not allowed into our libraries. Service animals are always welcome in our libraries.

    The information below is a summary of our fines and fees. Please see our Policies page for the full text of our Borrowing Policy.

    Please note, as of January 2022, cash registers have been removed from our libraries. Charges for replacement materials may be paid in the following ways:

    • Online by credit card by logging into your account in the basic catalog.
    • At a Library location (not available at Niles or Mobile & Outreach Services) at a printing kiosk. Kiosks accept credit cards, and $1 and $5 bills.
    • Mail a check to our finance office. Please include your library card number beginning with 21157 on the check. You may also bring a check to your local Library instead of mailing.
      Mail to:
      Alameda County Library Finance
      2450 Stevenson Blvd.
      Fremont, CA 94538

    Late Returns

    All Books, Media, & Magazines - we no longer charge daily overdue fines for late items.

    Lost or Damaged Items

    • Alameda County Library bills members the cost of any item more than 21 days past its due date. This bill is waived upon return of the item in good condition.
    • An item will be billed for damage if, due to misuse or negligence on the part of the borrower, it is no longer fit to loan.
    • A member’s borrowing privileges are suspended if the member is billed for any item. Borrowing privileges are restored once the outstanding issues are resolved.
    All Books, Media, Magazines, and Equipment
    • List price, if indicated by the publisher, or...
    • Cover price, if indicated on the item, or...
    • Price determined and listed in the Library's catalog (for items without a cover or list price in US Dollars)

    A California State Library Parks Pass is a borrowable pass that grants free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 participating state park units operated by State Parks. The pass is valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle.

    Alameda County Library Cardholders can borrow a California State Library Parks Pass for 21 days from any of our libraries. See current availability or place a hold on a California State Library Parks Pass.

    Please note that not all state parks are participating in this program. For details, visit the interactive map of participating state parks, or the list of parks not accepting the pass.

    Classroom Cards are special AC Library accounts that allow teachers to borrow more items, for longer, for classroom use.

      Classroom Card Library Card
    Max number of items 170 100
    Loan period 28 days; 2 renewals 21 days; 2 renewals
    Max number of holds 20 15

    Teachers, educators, administrators, school librarians, child care providers, or after school program providers who teach in Alameda County are all eligible for a Classroom Card.

    If you are a teacher who would like to apply for a Classroom Card, please complete our Classroom Card Application and bring it to any of our libraries’ Circulation Desks along with your school ID or proof of employment as an educator in Alameda County.

  • Library Cards & eCards

    Getting a library card is free and easy for anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in California.

    Step 1: Apply Online

    • Complete the online application.
    • You'll get an eCard and can start using our eLibrary right away after you set your PIN.
    • If you're under 13, a parent or guardian needs to help with the form.

    Step 2: Know Your Card Options

    Do you live:

    • In Alameda County? You can keep your eCard for 5 years, or switch to a Library Card for greater access. Either one can be renewed after that 5 years.
    • Elsewhere in California? Your eCard is temporary and lasts 30 days. Use this time to switch to a Library Card. A Library Card is valid for 5 years and can be renewed.
    • Outside California? You are not eligible for any AC library cards.

    Step 3: Switch to a Library Card (Optional)

    Bring one ID that shows your name and a current California address to any AC Library location. We accept a:

    • California driver's license or state ID
    • School-issued ID
    • Utility bill (paper or digital)
    • Recent mail addressed to you

    Ways to Switch to a Library Card

    • In person: Show your ID to a staff member at any AC Library location.
    • By mail: If you can't visit the library in person, you can request a card by mail.   
      • After applying online, complete this form to tell us where to send your Library Card. We'll mail your Library Card within one week.
      • When your card arrives, verify your account online or by phone.

    Other Ways to Apply

    • In Person: Visit any AC Library location to get a Library Card. Bring one of the accepted IDs with your name and current California address, and we'll help you get started.
    • Paper Forms: Prefer paper? You can ask for a printed application at any AC Library location. Fill it out, bring your ID, and we'll get you started.

    Need Help?

    We're happy to help. Visit any library location, give us a call at 510-745-1500, or contact us online.

    Related FAQs: How to Set Your PIN, How to Set up Your Account Online, How to Renew Your Card, The Difference Between eCards and Library Cards

    After you get a library card, register your account in our Catalog for the best way to search for items, discover what we have to offer, and manage your library account, including your holds.

    1. Go to the Catalog Log In / Register page.
    2. Enter your library card number and PIN.
    3. Select Continue to Account Setup.
    4. Check that your information is correct, then select Continue.
      • Note: Your birth date should appear from your library account. If it's missing or wrong, the system may treat you as under 13 and assign you a child username. Contact the library to fix your record.
    5. Set up your username: This is your "library nickname". It shows on any reviews, comments, or lists you share. You can also use it to log in instead of your card number.
      • If you are under 13: Choose from a list of usernames made by the system (like a color + animal). You cannot type in your own yet.
      • If you are 13 or older: Create your own username. It must be one-of-a-kind. If the name you want is already taken (even at another library), you'll need to pick a different one.
      • Tips for choosing a username:
        • Don't include personal details (like your name, library card number, address, phone number, or birthdate).
        • Usernames can have letters, numbers, underscores (_), hyphens (-), or periods (.).
    6. Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
    7. Select Complete Account Setup.
    8. After setup, you can go back to what you were doing or open your account settings. In account settings, you can:
      • Keep or adjust your privacy settings (all are set to the highest level by default).
      • Pick your preferred library locations so those show first for item availability.
      • Choose your browsing language.

    Prefer not to register?

    You can still use your account in the basic catalog by logging in with your card number and PIN. The link is always in our website footer.

    Related FAQs: How to Get a Card, Managing Holds

    Alameda County Library Cards and eCards must be renewed every five (5) years. You can renew your account in a few different ways:

    • Online via our Library Card Renewal form.
    • Over the phone by calling any AC Library location. We'll ask you to provide the following information to verify it's really you:
      • Library Card or eCard number
      • Full name
      • Mailing address
      • Phone number and/or email address
    • In-person at any AC Library location. You will be asked to provide your Library Card or identification with name and current address.

    Related FAQs: How to Reset Your PIN, How to Set up Your Account Online

    Both cards are free. An eCard gives you access to most of our online resources. A Library Card gives you access to online resources, borrowing physical items, and more.

    eCard Details

    Note: Some online resources are only available with a Library Card (more about eCard limits).

    Library Card Details

    Other Cards

    We have a few other library cards with unique requirements and benefits:

    • Welcome Cards: For people who don't have an ID with their address when getting a Library Card. Welcome Cards come with limited borrowing privileges.
    • Classroom Cards: For teachers, educators, administrators, school librarians, childcare providers, or after-school program providers who teach in Alameda County. These cards let you borrow more items, for longer, and for classroom use.
    • Extended Service Cards: For members with disabilities or mobility issues. With this card, you can check out items for longer than other library cards.

    Related FAQ: How to Get a Library Card

    There are currently two eResources that are not compatible with the eCard:

    In addition, there are some eResources that are only available inside our libraries.

    We are working to expand access to all of our resources. We will update this list as things change.

    You can do everything an eCard can do, plus:

    Related FAQs: The Difference Between eCards and Library Cards

    For your convenience, Alameda County Library allows Library Cardholders to add authorized users to their account by submitting a completed Additional Users Authorization form, either online or print. These forms are also available at each location's Circulation Desk.

    An Additional User can:

    • Check out the primary member’s holds
    • Borrow and request items on the primary member’s account
    • Pay fees
    • View borrowing records and account balance

    To access the account to which one is an approved user, the Additional User must do one of the following:

    • Present the primary member’s library card
    • Present an approved form of ID, know the name and address of the member, and be listed as an approved additional user on the account
      • Please note: Exceptions to the ID requirement may be permitted for Additional Users under 13 years old.

    Revoking Additional User access must be done in person or by submitting an Additional Users Removal form, either online or in print. Copies of this form are also available at each location's Circulation Desk.

    All Alameda County Library cardholders agree to the following terms prior to receiving an account:

    I agree to follow all library rules, to notify the library of any changes to the above information, to immediately report any lost or stolen cards or materials, and to pay any charges resulting from lost or damaged materials. 

    I understand that all library materials and services are available to all members, regardless of age or reading level, and that the Library’s use of my personal information is governed by CA Government Code Section 6267 and the Library’s Privacy Policy.  

    For applicants under the age of 13: I understand that my parent/guardian will be authorized to access to my library account records.

    For parents and guardians (if the applicant is under the age of 13): 

    I understand that I am responsible for my child’s use of all library materials and services, including internet access and any overdue fines or charges. 

    Please contact us if you have any questions about this agreement.

    An eCard is a digital-only library card for Alameda County residents. It gives you instant access to most of our eLibrary, including eBooks, audiobooks, streaming movies, magazines, newspapers, and other online resources.

    If you live in Alameda County, your eCard stays active for 5 years. You can switch to a regular Library Card anytime for full access to everything AC Library offers.

    If You Live Outside Alameda County: 

    If you live elsewhere in California, you can still apply online for an eCard to begin the process of getting a Library Card. Your eCard will stay active for 30 days, giving you time to switch to a Library Card for continued access.

    If you live outside California, you aren't eligible for AC Library cards.

    Related FAQs: How to Get a Card, The Difference Between eCards and Library Cards, How to Renew Your Card

    Extended Services Library Cards are intended to ease access to library materials for our members with disabilities or mobility issues. These cards allow members to borrow items for 30 days (as opposed to the normal 21 days). 

    To have an account updated to an Extended Services Library Card, the member just needs to show some form of verification of disability, including (but not limited to):

    • A statement or letter on a physician's/medical professional's letterhead stationary.
    • A statement, record, or letter from a government agency that issues or provides disability benefits.
    • Certification from a vocational rehabilitation counselor or another counselor that issues or provides disability benefits.

    If you cannot easily provide this verification, just speak with your local Alameda County Library staff or contact Accessibility Services. We'll find a solution.

    Members that have a hard time physically visiting a library may also be interested in adding an Additional User to their account (to designate another person that is allowed to pick up and borrow library items on their behalf).

    If your library card number changes, you'll need to update it in your hoopla account.

    On the hoopla Website

    1. Go to hoopla and sign in with your email and password.
    2. Select the gear icon at the top of the page to open Settings.
    3. Choose Library.
    4. Make sure the library name is Alameda County Library (CA).
    5. Enter your new library card number.
    6. Click Save.

    In the hoopla App

    1. Open the app and tap the gear icon in the lower right corner for Settings.
    2. Depending on the device:
      • iOS:  
        • Tap Library Settings.
        • Make sure Alameda County Library (CA) is displayed. Change it if it is not.
        • Enter your new card number in the Library Card field.
        • Tap Save Library Settings when finished.
      • Android:  
        • Scroll to Library and make sure Alameda County Library (CA) is displayed.
        • Go to Library Card and tap to enter your new card number.
        • Tap Save when finished.

    Related FAQs: hoopla Limits

    Welcome! Here's how to start using your eCard with our online resources, including eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers, movies, music, and more.

    1. Save Your eCard Number: After applying for your eCard, write down or save the eCard number you were given on the confirmation page or in the confirmation email you should have received. You'll need that number to sign in to most online resources.
    2. Set Your PIN: You'll need a PIN to check out or access online resources.
    3. Explore our eLibrary: AC Library offers eBooks and audiobooks through several providers. Visit our Quick Start Guide to learn about each service, how to install their apps, and how to start borrowing.

    Need Help?

    If you run into any issues, contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as we can.

    Related FAQs: How to Set Your PIN, The Difference Between eCards and Library Cards

    You can upgrade your Welcome Card to a Library Card in person at any of our locations. Simply bring your Welcome Card and identification with name and current address.

    And, for a limited time, we’re offering Welcome Card upgrades by mail.

    Upgrading your Welcome Card by mail is easy:

    1. Request a Welcome Card upgrade code.
    2. Receive your new upgrade code in the mail within a week.
    3. Verify your new account online or by phone.
    4. Start enjoying your expanded eResource access and borrowing privileges! 

  • PINs

    Option 1: Reset in the basic catalog (works for everyone):

    1. Go to the My Account login page in the basic catalog.
    2. Select Forgot your PIN?.
    3. Enter your library card number in the Bar Code field and select Submit.
    4. Check your email connected to your library card and follow the reset link.
    5. Enter your card number and new PIN twice.
    6. Select Submit.

    Option 2: Reset in the Catalog (only if you've already set up an account there):

    1. Go to the Log In page.
    2. Select Forgot your PIN?.
    3. Enter your library card number in the Barcode field and select Send.
    4. Check your email connect to your library account and follow the reset link.
    5. Enter your card number or username, new PIN, and confirm it.
    6. Select Save.

    Related FAQs: How to Set Your PIN, How to Set Up Your Account Online

    1. Go to the My Account login page in the basic catalog.
    2. Enter your library card number. Leave the PIN field blank.
    3. Select Submit.
    4. When prompted, enter a PIN of at least four digits. Confirm it by entering it again.
    5. Select Submit.

    Tips for Choosing a Good PIN

    Pick a PIN that's easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. Avoid using:

    • Birth dates, anniversaries, or any other important dates
    • Simple or memorable number patterns (1234, 2468, 000000, 314159, 8675309, etc.)
    • Any part of your Social Security number, address, or phone number

    Keep Your PIN Private

    Your PIN protects your library account. Treat it like you would your ATM PIN or phone password and don't share it with others.

    Related FAQs: How to Reset Your PIN, How to Set Up Your Account Online

  • Notices

    You have the option to receive courtesy, overdue, and hold pickup notices by email or by phone. In addition, Alameda County Library also offers SMS text notices through Shoutbomb.

    • Courtesy notices are sent three days in advance of your item's due date. If your item was automatically renewed, the notice will display the new due date.
    • Overdue notices are sent 10 days after your item's due date.
    • Hold pickup notices are sent the day your requested item becomes available.
    • Hold cancellation notices are sent if your requested item is no longer available.
    • Outstanding library charges statements are sent after an item has become billed after 21 days overdue, or if a previously billed item has been returned (as an account adjustment).

    Sometimes our reminder notices won't make it to your voicemail or inbox, for a variety of reasons. Here are a few steps you can take to help ensure you receive your library notices:

    1. Log in to your account online to verify that your provided contact information is correct.
    2. Add donotreply@aclibrary.org to your contacts or trusted senders lists so that our notices don't end up in your spam folder.
    3. If you currently receive email notices, consider signing up for text notices as well.
      1. Please note: we are unable to offer both phone and text notifications simultaneously. If you enroll in text notices, you will no longer receive phone notices. 

    Please remember: Alameda County Library provides phone, email and text reminder notices as a courtesy. As a library cardholder, it is your responsibility to return your materials on time or to contact us whenever that is not possible.

    We currently offer Shoutbomb text message notices in English, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese. 

    To sign up for Shoutbomb text message notices, text the message SIGNUP, REGISTRESE, or 注册 to (844) 225-7200 and reply with your card number. The language you use to sign up will determine what language Shoutbomb uses to communicate with you in the future.

    Please note: we are unable to offer both phone and text notices simultaneously. If you enroll in text notices, you will no longer receive phone notices. 

     To update your notification preferences or other account information:

    1. Log in to your account.
    2. On the menu, click My Settings.
    3. On the My Settings page, find the Account Information section.
    4. Click Change next to the setting you want to change.

    To update your notification preferences in the Basic Catalog:

    1. Sign in to My Account and click Modify Personal Information.
    2. Confirm that your phone number(s) and/or email address are correct. 
    3. Choose whether you would like to receive your notices by email or telephone. You can also sign up for SMS text notices here.
    4. Click Submit. 

    When your item is ready, we'll notify you by email, phone, or text, depending on your account preference.

    Your item will be held for one (1) week at your selected pickup location. If it's not picked up within that time, the hold will expire and the item will go to the next person in line or return to the shelf.

    With Shoutbomb's text message service, you can use a variety of text commands to help manage your AC Library account:

    English Spanish Simplified Chinese Description 
    ADDCARD ADDCARD 添加卡 Register additional cards on the same phone
    ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS Turn on/off library announcements (this service is set to be ON by default)
    CXH CXH 取消待取 Cancel holds ready for pickup. If canceling multiple holds, select the number next to the title and put a space between each number.
    DROPCARD DROPCARD 移除卡 Unregister cards added with ADDCARD
    FEES TASA 费用 Turn on/off notices about your fees (this service is set to be OFF by default)
    HELP AYUDA 帮助 Get information about all Shoutbomb keywords
    HL HL HL Get a list of holds that are ready for pickup
    HOLDS MANTENER 预定 Turn on/off notices about items that are ready for pickup (this service is set to be ON by default)
    IOWEU TEDEBO 欠款 List of fee/fine balance under each registered card
    MYBOOKS MISLIBROS 我的书 Get a list of checkouts, holds, and account balance
    MYCARDS MISTARJETAS 我的卡 Get a list of registered cards and their expiration dates
    NOTICES AVISOS 通知 Get a list the types of notices you have opted in to receive
    OA OA OA Renew all eligible overdue items
    OI OI OI Get a list of overdue items that are not eligible for renewal
    OL OL OL Get a list of overdue items
    OVERDUE ATRASADO 逾期 Turn on/off notices about items that are ready for pickup (this service is set to be ON by default)
    OW OW OW Get a list of reasons overdue item is not eligible for renewal
    RA RA RA Renew all eligible items
    RENEW RENOVAR 续订 Turn on/off notices about items you can renew (this service is set to be ON by default)
    RESEND REENVIAR 重发 View messages from the last three days.
    RI RI RI Get a list of items coming due that cannot be renewed
    RL RL RL Get a list of items you can renew
    RW RW RW Get a list of reasons an item is not eligible for renewal
    NF NF 停止费用通知 Stop receiving fine/fees balance reminders
    QUIT SALIR 退出 Cancel registration for Shoutbomb text notices
    SWITCHPHONE CAMBIARTELEFONO 新号码 Change the phone number receiving texts
    TEST PRUEBA 测试 Test your connection to the service
    YF YF 继续费用通知 Get fine/fees balance reminders

    If you would like to update the language in which you receive your circulation notices, please submit a request online or contact any of our locations.

    We currently offer email notices in the following languages:

    • English
    • Spanish
    • Simplified Chinese

    We offer phone notices in the following languages:

    • English
    • Mandarin Chinese
    • Spanish

  • Holds

    You can place a hold from either search results or an item's details page in our Catalog.

    From Search Results:

    1. Search for the item using keywords.
    2. When you find the title, select Place a Hold next to your desired format.
    3. In the pop up, log in to your library account.
    4. Select your pickup location (your default location will be suggested).
    5. Select Place Hold.
    6. You should see a confirmation message: "Hold requested on [title]."
    7. If you change your mind, you can select Cancel Hold.

    From a Title's Details Page:

    1. On that title's detail page, be sure you have the desired format selected. Format options are listed below the tite, author, and ratings but above the description.
    2. Select Place a Hold.
    3. In the pop up:
      • Log in to your library account.
      • Select your pickup location (your default location will be suggested).
      • Select Place Hold.
    4. You should see a confirmation message: "Hold requested on [title]."
    5. If you change your mind, you can select Cancel Hold.

    Notes:

    • To see which libraries have the item available, use the Availability by Location link.
    • You can enable single-click holds to skip the location step (more details).
    • For eBooks or other digital items:
      • If available, the button says Download Now.
      • If not available, the button says Request this Download.
    • Some items (e.g., reference books or microfiche) cannot be placed on hold. Ask staff for help.

    Related: Canceling Holds, Pausing Holds, Checking Holds

    You can have up to 15 active holds of physical items on your account at a time. Holds limits on eLibrary items varies, depending on the platform.

    You have the option to receive courtesy, overdue, and hold pickup notices by email or by phone. In addition, Alameda County Library also offers SMS text notices through Shoutbomb.

    • Courtesy notices are sent three days in advance of your item's due date. If your item was automatically renewed, the notice will display the new due date.
    • Overdue notices are sent 10 days after your item's due date.
    • Hold pickup notices are sent the day your requested item becomes available.
    • Hold cancellation notices are sent if your requested item is no longer available.
    • Outstanding library charges statements are sent after an item has become billed after 21 days overdue, or if a previously billed item has been returned (as an account adjustment).

    When your item is ready, we'll notify you by email, phone, or text, depending on your account preference.

    Your item will be held for one (1) week at your selected pickup location. If it's not picked up within that time, the hold will expire and the item will go to the next person in line or return to the shelf.

    You have 7 days after you get a notification to pick up your items from the Library Lockers.

    If you don’t pick up your items from the Library Lockers within 7 days of your notification, we will return it to the library for others to borrow.

    You can place a new hold. If you place a new hold, you will need to wait until you receive a new notification that your item is ready.

    You can pick up your items at the Library Lockers during these hours:

    • Outside the Wally Pond Community Center: 24/7
    • Inside the Warm Springs Community Center:
      Monday – Friday
      8:30 am – 12:30 pm
      1:30 pm – 5:30 pm

    No. Unfortunately we can't transfer existing holds from the Mobile Library to the Library Lockers. If you missed the Mobile Library, you may cancel your holds and request them again for the Library Lockers.

  • AC Library App

    The AC Library app is a free mobile app that lets you search the catalog, manage your account, place holds, and find library locations. It's available for Android and iOS devices.

    Related: How to Get the App

    Tap the card icon in the top right of the app to see your library card barcode. Your card number and expiration date will appear there, too.

    You can scan your barcode at a self-service station or reference your card number when signing in to eResources.

    • Tap the search icon.
    • Tap the barcode icon in the search bar.
    • If this is your first time scanning, you may need to allow the app to access your camera.
    • Scan the ISBN on any book to find out if it's available at AC Library.

  • Library Lockers

    You can pick up your library holds at two new pickup locations! They are self-service lockers where you can get books, DVDs, and more. Learn more about Library Lockers, including how to use them.

    Yes! You can request an ADA-friendly Library Locker. When you place your hold, select one of these options:

    • Wally Pond Locker - ADA Accessible
    • Warm Springs Locker - ADA Accessible

    If you need help, let us know.

    No. You cannot return items in the Library Lockers. Please use the book drops next to the lockers or return items to any Alameda County Library location.

    Check that you’re entering the correct Library Card number. If your Library Locker still won’t open, message us anytime or call us at 510-745-1515 during these hours:

    • Tuesday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
    • Wednesday and Thursday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
    • Friday and Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

    You have 7 days after you get a notification to pick up your items from the Library Lockers.

    If you don’t pick up your items from the Library Lockers within 7 days of your notification, we will return it to the library for others to borrow.

    You can place a new hold. If you place a new hold, you will need to wait until you receive a new notification that your item is ready.

    You can pick up your items at the Library Lockers during these hours:

    • Outside the Wally Pond Community Center: 24/7
    • Inside the Warm Springs Community Center:
      Monday – Friday
      8:30 am – 12:30 pm
      1:30 pm – 5:30 pm

    No. Unfortunately we can't transfer existing holds from the Mobile Library to the Library Lockers. If you missed the Mobile Library, you may cancel your holds and request them again for the Library Lockers.