Top Questions

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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You can suggest a purchase anonymously through this form or follow these instructions to suggest a purchase from your account.

  1. Select Log In / Register from the top right of any page.
  2. Select My Library Dashboard from the dropdown menu and log in when prompted.
  3. Choose +Submit a Suggestion from the dashboard menu under My Borrowing.
  4. Enter the title's information and click on Submit Suggestion.

To check on the status of previous suggestions:

  1. Click Log In / Register from the top right of any page.
  2. Select My Library Dashboard from the dropdown menu and log in when prompted.
  3. Choose Suggested this Month from the dashboard menu under My Borrowing.

  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

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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)

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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

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Your Library Card can do more than borrow books. It can get you free or low-cost tickets to local museums, theaters, science centers, zoos, and more through Discover & Go. It's one more way we connect you to your community.

Who can use it?

To use Discover & Go through Alameda County Library, you must:

  • Be at least 15 years old.
  • Live within Alameda County Library's service area, as defined by Discover & Go.
  • Have an Alameda County Library Card. (Note: eCards do not qualify. You'll need to switch to a Library Card to use this service.)

More Details

Related pages: Discover & Go, How to Get a Library Card

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We occasionally have technical difficulties with our eResources that make them temporarily unavailable.  If you aren't sure if the problem is with your computer/device or with our systems, you can look at our eLibrary. There is a box in the upper right side of the screen titled, "Current Technical Issues."  Any problems will be listed in that section.  

You can report problems to us by filling in our eResources email form. 

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There are a few different reasons why you might choose to use OverDrive/Libby differently.  Read the questions below and pick what's right for you.

Need more help?

Check out this helpful device guide from OverDrive or look at our Quick Start Guides for more info.

If you're still not sure which app is best for you, feel free to contact us - we'd be happy to help!

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