Borrowing

Library Cards

A free library card is available to anyone with proof of California Residence. Children aged fourteen and under require a parent's signature on the application. Get a card online.

Manage Your Account

From your account online, you can:

• Check your account status
• See due dates
• Renew items
• Sign up for email and text notifications
• Pay fees, and more!

Renew an Expired Card

Library cards expire every three years to ensure your account is up-to-date. Renewing your card is easy: bring photo identification and proof of your current home address to any public library in San Mateo County. Library staff will renew your card in just a few minutes. If you have any questions or are unable to come in, please contact us for assistance.

Borrowing Materials

Item Limits

50 items may be borrowed.

Renewing Items

Items on all accounts are automatically renewed up to 5 times as long as there are no requests on them. All eligible items will automatically renew two days before the due date. Accounts will receive a notification via email or telephone that lists which items were successfully renewed and which items were not, if applicable. To update, or add, your email address on your account login here.

Items not eligible for auto-renewal:

• Items on an account that has reached a $50.00 balance
• Items that are on hold for other patrons
• Items that have reached their renewal limit
• Non-traditional items and devices

Returning Items

When you're ready to return your items, you can do so at any public library or community college library in San Mateo County.

Lost Items

Accidents can sometimes happen, so you should know that if you lose materials you'll need to pay the replacement cost.

Holds

You can reserve an item online or at the library at no charge. Up to 25 holds may be placed on your account.

Loan Periods and Fines

Beginning July 14, 2020, Redwood City Public Library is no longer charging daily overdue fines for our items that are returned late. Learn more

As a friendly reminder we'll send courtesy renewal email notifications two days before your item is due. Once overdue, we can notify you by email, telephone, or mail (for a three-week checkout item, overdue notice is sent 14 days after the due date; for a one-week checkout item, overdue notice is sent seven days after the due date). Don’t let overdue items sit too long – after 30 days, we’ll have to send you a bill.

Teacher Cards

If you are a teacher, home school educator, preschool or day care provider who lives or works in our service area, you are eligible for a Teacher Card. Benefits include: a separate account for your teaching materials. To get started, go here.