Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Get a Library Card?

Come to the front desk at any Redwood City Library location. It’s free!
     If you live in San Mateo County, you need to bring one of the following:

• California driver's license
• California identification card
• Check imprinted with name and address
• Official mail (post marked with current address)
• Current bill imprinted with name and address
• Current rent receipt

If you don’t live in San Mateo county, please bring two from the list above.


If you live in San Mateo County, and you don’t have any of these, we can help! Ask for a post card at the front desk.

If you are 14 years old or younger, a parent or guardian’s signature is required.


To fill out an application for a library card online, please go to:
http://www.plsinfo.org/access/library_card.htm

You can see a list of the items you have checked out (with their due dates), by looking online at:
1. http://www.rcpl.info/catalog_frames/cat_frameset.html
2. Click on “Your Library Account”
3. Enter your library card and your PIN number as directed (the last 4 digits of your telephone number)
4. Click the blue links to review what you have checked out, your active holds, and other information about your account.

5. Click "Logout" in the upper right corner when you are finished.
Please contact us if you have questions about your account.

How Do I Renew A Book?

Three easy ways to renew books: at the library, by telephone or online.
At the library:
Bring your materials to the public service desk and ask!
By telephone:
1. Call 650.638.0399
2. Enter your library card number (the 14-digit number beginning with 290... located on your library card) using the keypad on your phone
3. Enter your PIN number as directed (the last 4 digits of your telephone number)
4. Follow the menu instructions
Online:
1. Go to the catalog
2. Click on “Your Library Account”
3. Enter your library card and your PIN number as directed (the last 4 digits of your telephone number)
4. Click on "Items Out"

5. Check the boxes beside the items you wish to renew.
6. Now click on the button that says “Renew”
If the item is renewable, a new due date should now appear.

How Do I Set Up E-Mail Notification?

Use our online catalog to start receiving e-mail notices concerning holds, over dues, and fines - as well as our new service of a reminder 2 days before your books are due! (If you already receive e-mail notification, the reminders will be automatic.) First you must enter Your Library Account using your barcode and PIN. Once in, click on the Modify Personal Info button to see what e-mail address you have already. If you have any problems with this process, please contact us.

How Do I Change My Account Information?

You can change your PIN number by accessing Your Library Account through our online catalog. To change personal information, such as your address or phone number, or if you have a name change, you will need to contact one of our libraries directly.

What Are The Library Hours?

Redwood City libraries are open:
Main
Mon-Thurs 10am - 9pm
Fri-Sat 10am - 5pm

Sun 1-5pm
Schaberg
Mon-Thurs 10am-7pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Closed Friday and Sunday.

Fair Oaks
Mon-Thurs 10am-7pm
Fri 10am-5pm

For more information on our libraries, check out Contact Us.
For other county library hours, see:

http://plsinfo.org/library/library.asp

Yes, all Redwood City library branches provide a drop box for returning items when the library is closed. Most other PLS libraries also provide this option. In addition, items can be returned to any PLS library -- not only the location where you checked them out.

PLS is a coalition of 34 public and community college libraries, working together to provide innovative and cost-effective service to our customers. The system is funded primarily by member libraries. Cooperation through PLS allows our customers to search a shared catalog and to borrow and return books at any local library. PLS also runs a backup service for member libraries and maintains a central video collection available to all library users.
For more information about PLS, see:
http://www.plsinfo.org/aboutus/plsinfo.htm

You can request a title by e-mailing us at rclinfo@plsinfo.org or by filling out an online form.
Or you are welcome to suggest a book for purchase by calling or visiting any public service desk.

Three wonderful volunteer groups supplement public funding for the Redwood City Library to help make it the best possible Library for you: the Friends of the Library, the Redwood City Library Foundation and the Redwood City Friends of Literacy.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation, making a donation of books or becoming a library volunteer.
You can join the Friends by sending your name, address, telephone number, and a check for $5.00 to:
The Friends of the Library
Redwood City Public Library
1044 Middlefield Road
Redwood City, CA 94063

We gladly accept book donations at all library locations. All money from the sale of books is returned to the library and its programs.

To give to the Redwood City Library Foundation, please direct your enquiry to Celia LaRiviere at 780.7045.

To support literacy efforts at the library, give to:
The Redwood City Friends of Literacy
Project READ
1044 Middlefield Road
Redwood City, CA 94063

What are your policies on?

Visit our Policies page for the answer to all your questions.