San Diego County Library: Cards, Branches & Services
Find San Diego County Library resources for locating a branch, getting a library card, borrowing materials, accessing digital collections, printing documents and reserving community rooms.
This guide covers San Diego County Library (SDCL), which is separate from the City of San Diego’s San Diego Public Library system. Use SDCL’s official branch directory, catalog and account services for the information described here.
Independent guide. This website is not affiliated with San Diego County Library or the County of San Diego. Verify current eligibility rules, fees, hours and service availability through the linked official library resources. Complete applications and reservations through the appropriate official service.
Find a Branch and Plan Your Visit
The official San Diego County Library website provides access to branch information, collections, account services and announcements. SDCL operates 33 branches, along with bookmobiles and library kiosks.
Use the official branch directory to search by library name, address or ZIP code. Open the individual location listing to check its hours and contact details. If expected locations are missing, review or clear active search filters.
The library’s in-person services page lists computer use, printing and copying, holds pickup, Wi-Fi, and books, movies and CDs for checkout at its branches. It also states that materials may be returned at all branches 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Indoor services remain subject to branch opening hours.
Operational changes may occasionally limit a branch to doorside pickup. Check current branch notices before traveling, particularly if you need a computer, printing equipment or another indoor service.
Library Cards and Eligibility
SDCL offers an eCard for eligible county residents and a Standard Card obtained at a branch. Your card type and place of residence determine which services you can use. Review the official library card application page before applying.
Apply for an eCard
San Diego County residents can apply online for an eCard and receive immediate access to eligible eLibrary resources. Applicants under 18 need a parent or legal guardian to complete the application with them.
An eCard does not allow physical borrowing. To borrow physical materials or use services requiring a Standard Card, visit an SDCL branch to convert it. The new Standard Card number replaces the eCard number.
Get a Standard Card
Visit an SDCL branch with a picture ID and proof of your current address. Applicants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The library lists Standard Cards as free for California residents and military applicants. Non-California residents pay a one-time $5 fee. A card fee does not remove residency restrictions on particular resources.
| Feature | eCard | Standard Card |
|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | Online | In person at an SDCL branch |
| San Diego County residency required | Yes | No; some services have residency restrictions |
| Physical books and movies | No; convert to a Standard Card | Yes |
| Libby and eLibrary resources | Yes | San Diego County residents only |
| Link+, Circuit and interlibrary loan | No | San Diego County residents only |
| Discover & Go | No | San Diego County residents only |
Consult the library’s Card Types & Borrowing Rules for the complete comparison. Do not assume eligibility for a library card includes access to every digital resource or borrowing program.
Accounts, Holds and Renewals
Set Up MySDCL and Search the Catalog
After obtaining your card, open the official MySDCL login and registration page to sign in or set up your online profile. MySDCL lets you place holds, manage account information and change your PIN. No account is required to read this independent guide; official library services have their own login requirements.
Search the official catalog by title, author or subject. Use the advanced catalog search when you need to narrow results by format, language, audience, location or availability.
Check whether a result is a physical book, eBook, audiobook CD or eAudiobook before requesting it. Review availability and the pickup location rather than assuming a matching title is ready at your preferred branch.
Renew an Expired Library Card
The online library card renewal application verifies your name and address. The card must already be expired for this online renewal process. If verification succeeds, a branch visit is not required.
Card renewal is different from extending a borrowed item’s loan period. For materials renewals, check your borrowing account or contact your local branch. If online card verification fails, ask library staff how to update your account.
eLibrary and Learning Resources
The official eLibrary organizes digital reading, research and learning services. Available resources include:
- Reading and listening: Libby eBooks, eAudiobooks and digital magazines.
- News: Newspapers and magazines through services such as PressReader.
- Skills and languages: LinkedIn Learning and Rosetta Stone.
- Student support: Homework help, encyclopedias and research resources.
- Family history: Genealogy research tools and historical records.
For the 2026–2027 school year, SDCL lists HomeworkCA live tutoring for K–12 homework help, skills building and test preparation. Check the current resource listing for access instructions and availability.
Access depends on your card type, residency and the resource’s requirements. Enter digital services through the official eLibrary links so you receive the library’s access instructions rather than a provider’s general subscription offer.
Museum and Attraction Passes
Eligible county residents with a Standard Card can use Discover & Go to find passes for participating museums and attractions. Review the official program page for the reservation link, eligibility rules and instructions.
Availability and admission conditions vary by attraction. Check the selected pass for the number of people admitted, identification requirements and whether a printed or mobile pass is accepted before planning your visit.
Printing, Copying and Scanning
SDCL lists printing, copying and scanning at its library locations. Fax services are not available. You can print from a library computer or submit a job remotely for collection at a selected branch.
Submit and Collect a Print Job
- Open the official printing page and select your branch’s printer link or ID.
- Upload your documents and check the print settings.
- Visit that branch during opening hours and pay at the print release terminal.
- Collect your prints within 24 hours of submission. Uncollected jobs are automatically deleted after that period.
Mobile printing is available through the branch links or the Princh app identified on the official page. Plan submission around branch hours so you can collect the job before it expires.
Printing Prices and Payment
- Black-and-white printing: $0.15 per page.
- Color printing: $0.45 per page.
- Payment: At the print release terminal. The mobile printing system does not accept cards or online payments; bring small bills and coins.
These are the published printing prices. Ask staff about copying or scanning arrangements and any applicable charges. Verify current prices and equipment availability before making a special trip.
Events and Programs
Use the official library events calendar to find programs by date, branch, audience, event type or language. Offerings may include baby storytimes, children’s activities, teen gaming, book clubs, technology instruction, language learning and adult education.
Read each listing for its age range, location, registration requirements and available spaces. Recurring programs may have several dates, while exhibits may run across a longer period.
Some branches also host scheduled visits from community service providers. These listings do not mean that the service is available throughout normal library hours. Confirm the next session and the organization providing assistance before visiting.
Reserve a Community Room
SDCL makes community rooms available to eligible community organizations when the library is not using them. Not every branch has a room, and capacity and equipment vary. Start with the official community room page to review locations, policies and application routes.
Eligibility and Event Rules
- An SDCL library card is required to book a room.
- Events must generally be free and open to the public. Government agencies may receive an exemption with application approval.
- Rooms are not available for private events.
- Commercial and for-profit agencies without an established library partnership are ineligible.
- Sales are prohibited except for authors or performers selling books or media at a library program.
- Publicity may identify the library as the location but must not present it as the event’s co-sponsor.
Applications and Confirmation
Check the selected room’s availability and submit the appropriate application. The library describes online submission as a temporary reservation pending staff review. Wait for the confirmation email before treating the booking as approved.
Encinitas Library uses the City of Encinitas reservation application. Lincoln Acres Library uses the County Parks and Recreation application. Follow the links provided for those locations.
If you plan to distribute food or drinks, review the library’s food-permit guidance and confirm applicable requirements with the Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ). The library advises allowing up to 90 days for DEHQ approval. Room approval does not replace any required food-related approval.
Help and Contacts
For account questions, holds and materials renewals, contact your local SDCL branch during its business hours.
The official library contact page provides live chat and routes for customer support or feedback. Published chat hours are:
- Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
The chat icon appears on the official SDCL website. Chat hours are separate from individual branch opening hours.
The library advises against including confidential information, such as card numbers, passwords or credit card details, in its general email contact form. For questions requiring identity verification, contact your branch for the appropriate assistance method.
San Diego County Library Office
5560 Overland Avenue, Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: 858-694-2415
For borrowing, returns, printing and other branch services, use the branch directory to select a service location rather than relying on the library office address.