My Library Account
How do I get a library card?
Fill out an application at any El Dorado County Library, or complete and print out an online library card application, and bring it to the library during open hours. A valid photo identification will also be required to get your library card.
Adult Library Card Application - en español
Child Library Card Application (birth - 17 years old) - en español
For juveniles a parent or guardian must accompany the child, complete the library card application and show acceptable photo identification.
Juveniles 16 to 18 years old: Teenagers who have a driver license may use it as identification. A parent or guardian must complete the library card application and sign it, but a parent or guardian need not be present.
Temporary Online Library Card: If you don’t already have a library card you can register for a Temporary Library Card here. You will be able to access the library’s online databases and request up to five item holds. To receive your permanent card, please show a government issued photo ID to library staff at any El Dorado County Library.
What type of identification is required to get a library card?
A non-expired government issued identification card is required to get a library card. We will accept the following as proof of identity:
- DMV-issued Driver’s License or Identification Card
- Mexican Matrícula Consular Card
- Military ID
- Passport
- Permanent Resident Card
How do I access my account?
Log in to your account here, or download our app for easy access to your account. From your account you can renew books, place and manage holds, and create book lists. Download the El Dorado County Library App on the App Store or get it on Google Play.
What is my PIN?
The default PIN is CHANGEME
If the above PIN does not work, or you created a personal PIN and are unsure of what that is, please call any El Dorado County Library so staff can assist you. Please have your library card number ready.
How can I receive email notifications from the library?
If the library doesn’t have your email address you can update your email address online by logging into your account. You may also call the library during open hours to have a staff member assist you. Please have your library card number ready.
As a courtesy to our patrons, the El Dorado County Library will send an email reminder before items are due. Patrons are responsible for returning items on time, even if reminder emails are not received. The library also sends emails when items are overdue, when items that have been placed on hold are available for pick up, and when library cards need to be renewed.
How do I renew my library card?
Library cards expire every four years. Please call or visit the library, or log in to your account online, to have your account updated. Library staff will verify your address, telephone number, and email address and extend your card for another four years.
How do I replace my lost card?
Please notify the library of lost or stolen cards. A valid photo identification will also be required to replace your library card. Lost cards must be replaced for a $1 fee before further checkout. The cardholder (or parent of minor) is responsible for any items or charges on the card until it is reported lost or stolen.
How does the library protect my privacy?
The El Dorado County Library recognizes the need to protect your right to privacy. Read the library’s Privacy Policy.
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Checkouts, Renewals, & Holds
How long can I keep library materials?
Most items check out for three weeks. There is a $1 charge for check out and renewal of DVDs. Some kits and specialty items check out for different timeframe and cannot be renewed. Please note Lucky Day books cannot be renewed.
If you’ve provided the library with your email address, a reminder email will be sent before items are due. Patrons are responsible for returning items on time, even if reminder emails are not received.
Where can I return my library materials?
El Dorado County Library items may be returned to any El Dorado County Library regardless of where the items were checked out. During closed hours items may be returned to the outside book drop. Please return all kits and any item that is too large to fit in the book drop to the service desk during open hours.
How many items can I check out?
For your first check out you can borrow two items, after that the limit is 50 at any given time. Class field trip cards and other special cards may have other limits.
How do I renew items?
Items that are not a Lucky Day book, a specialty item, or on hold for another patron may be renewed three times, for three weeks each time. You may renew your items online. Log in to your account and follow instructions on the screens. You may also renew items by calling the library during open hours. Please have your library card number ready.
If you need to renew items that the library charges a fee for, or that are overdue, you may do so and make your payment the next time you visit the library. Once an account reaches $20 no additional items may be renewed or checked out and no further online business may be conducted until the balance is brought below $20. Please call the library for further assistance.
How do I place items on hold?
Search for items in the library’s online catalog. Click on the Place Hold button, enter your library card number and PIN to log in, select your Pickup Library, and click Place Hold. The default PIN is CHANGEME. If you need assistance please contact the library.
How do I know when to pick up my holds?
The library will send an email when items that have been placed on hold are available for pick up. If you don’t have access to email, library staff will call you. When picking up items, please be sure to have the library card that was used to place the hold.
If the library doesn’t have your email address you can update your email address online by logging into your account, You may also call the library during open hours to have a staff member assist you. Please have your library card number ready.
Can I borrow an item from another library?
Patrons may place holds on items from any El Dorado County Library by using the library’s online catalog. If you need assistance please contact the library.
If you are looking for a book, audiobook, or DVD that is not owned by any of the El Dorado County Library branches please check the Link+ catalog. Link+ is a catalog of materials from over 70 participating libraries throughout California and Nevada. For more information about Link+ please click here. Anyone with an El Dorado County Library Card in good standing may request an item through Link+.
If you don’t find what you're looking for through the above catalogs you may want to request the item through an Interlibrary Loan. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service provided by the El Dorado County Library that allows you to borrow materials from other libraries. Anyone with an El Dorado County Library Card in good standing may request a book through Interlibrary Loan.
To borrow an ILL please see a staff member at any El Dorado County Library. Additional costs such as return postage or borrowing fees charged by the lending library are the responsibility of the patron. Patrons will be notified by telephone, usually within two to six weeks, when the requested materials arrive. Check our Interlibrary Loan Patron Agreement for more information.
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Fines & Fees
What does the library charge for overdue items?
Fines of $0.25 per day per item are assessed for late items up to a maximum of $5 per item. The replacement price plus a $7 processing fee may be charged for each lost item. Once an account reaches $20 no additional items may be renewed or checked out and no further online business may be conducted until the balance is brought below $20. Please call the library for further assistance.
Are library materials free to check out?
Most items are free to check out. DVDs charge $1 per item to checkout and to renew.
Can I pay my fines online?
At this time we can not accept online payments. You can pay your fines with cash or local check at any El Dorado County Library during open hours.
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Technology
Do you have free Wi-Fi?
Yes, all El Dorado County Libraries offer free Wi-Fi.
Do you have a copy machine?
Yes, all locations have a copy machine that prints in black & white for $0.15 per single side copy.
Do you have computers for the public to use?
Yes, there are public computers available for use at every El Dorado County Library location. Please contact your local branch for specific computer policies and time limits.
What is the cost to print from the public computers?
We charge $0.15 per single side copy for black & white prints.
Can I print from my Wi-Fi device?
We currently have two libraries, El Dorado Hills and South Lake Tahoe, that offer mobile printing. You can use your personal computer or mobile device to print from anywhere. Simply submit documents for printing and come to the library to release and pick up your document using your library card or email address. Prints will be in black & white and cost $0.15 per single side copy. For all other library locations you will need to use the public computers if you wish to print.
Do you have scanners?
Please contact your branch library to find out more about scanning capabilities.
Do you have a fax machine?
No, we do not have fax machines.
What is RFID?
RFID is a data collection technology that relies on radio waves to automatically identify items, which in the case of the library includes books, CDs, DVDs, etc. You can find our Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Policy here.