My Library Card isn't Working

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My Library Card isn't Working

Have you ever had a library card with the Salinas Public Library, but it's old, lost, or expired? Forgot your PIN? Think you need to start over again with a replacement card?

Read below for our most common library card issues with their solutions:

I Lost Access

  • I lost my library card years ago. 
    • We've all been there. Come in-person to one of our three branches with a valid photo ID and $2 for the replacement library card fee, and we can restore your access.
    • Welcome September, where replacement library cards are FREE!
  • I can't remember my library card's login information (PIN, password, email, etc)
    • Most passwords are the last four digits of the phone number used to register the account. If that still doesn't work, you can request a password reset link HERE.
    • Come in-person to one of our three branches with your library card or photo ID and staff can update your login and contact information right then.
  • My library card is blocking me from using online services (my card expired)
    • To renew your library card if you have changed addresses, we will need to verify your updated address from documents like mailed bills, a rental agreement, etc
    • Digital Access Card types: excess expires once the card has been registered for 90-days and is non-renewable, and so restoring access does require coming in-person to upgrade your library card to a renewable option.
    • Click HERE to verify which proofs of identity and address are accepted.

I Still Have Overdue Materials and High Library Fees

In a majority of cases, all lost/need replacement AND processing fees are WAIVED OFF YOUR ACCOUNT when the materials are returned in good condition under 6 months from the due date.

To enjoy completely fee-less library resources, check out our 'Download It' webpage by clicking HERE for our library apps and our Research and Learning page by clicking HERE for our online resources. 

  • I have overdue library materials I haven't returned in a really long time, and my account is charged a lot of fees.
    • I lost the items and they cannot be located: Account balance charged is accurate. Click HERE to learn about payment.
    • I still have the items and know where they are located: Please refer to the chart below
Items were overdue... Item Condition Replacement/Lost Fee (Charged) Processing Fee (Charged) Fixable Damage Fee (Added) After Items are Returned
/ Good WAIVED WAIVED NA $0 balance
Less than
6 months ago		 Damaged (fixable) WAIVED WAIVED + $5/item Current account fees waived, but
add +$5/item damaged
\ Damaged (severely) Charged, but
eligible for equal replacement*		 Charged NA Account balance charged is accurate.
Click HERE to learn more about
payment options.
/ Good WAIVED +$5 per item
re-added to shelf		 NA The largest fee is waived, but
keep +$5/item re-added
Greater than
6 months ago		 Damaged (fixable) WAIVED +$5 per item
re-added to shelf		 + $5/item The largest fee is waived, but
keep +$5/item re-added AND
add +$5/item damaged
\ Damaged (severely) Charged, but
eligible for equal replacement*		 Charged NA Account balance charged is accurate.
Click HERE to learn more about
payment options. 

 

I can't tell what condition my overdue library materials are.

  • Fixable Damage: multiple ripped pages, RFID tag damage, spine break, etc
  • Severe Damage: a foul odor, large tears, missing front or back cover, missing pages, etc
  • Still have questions? Contact us by email at library [at] salinas.gov or phone at (831) 758-7311

My account's overdue fees from a decade ago are massive even though I returned all my materials.

  • Come in-person to any one of our three branches and we will remove those overdue fees from pre-elimination (July 2022)

I have so many fees on my account that the library blocked my card from borrowing. 

  • Our online resources and econtent are always available 24/7 to every cardholder with an active library card and smart device
  • For more information about our on-demand digital resources with no damage or processing fees, click HERE to browse our 'Download it" webpage and HERE to browse our "Research and Learning"