Borrow & Renew Materials

• The loan period for most materials is 3 weeks.
• The maximum loan period (including 2 automatic renewals) is 9 weeks.
• Teacher loans are for a 6 week period and are eligible for 2 automatic renewals.
• At the end of the maximum loan period, the library material cannot be checked out again by the same cardholder until 24 hours have elapsed, so that others have the opportunity to borrow the material.
• The Library is Fine Free and does not charge late fees for items, but borrowers remain responsible for material checked out on their account.
• Patrons are responsible for the replacement cost of any library item that is not returned or is returned damaged.
• Inter-library loan requests may be submitted to the Librarian at the Adult Reference Desk. There is a nonrefundable ILL fee of $5.00 per request to be paid in advance.

• Library materials are automatically renewed up to 2 times if they are not on hold for another customer. 
• Cardholders will receive an auto renewal email notification that lists which items were successfully renewed and which need to be returned for another customer's use, so long as they have a current email address on file on their library account.
• Questions about auto renewal? Contact library@southpasadenaca.gov or 626-403-7330.

• Pick up holds from the holds pickup shelf beside the Circulation Desk. Items will be in alpha-numeric order and labeled with the first 3 letters of the cardholder's last name and the last 4 digits of the library card number. Take your items to the Circulation Desk to check out, or use the self-check kiosk.
• 10 items total may be requested (for example, if you already have 5 unavailable materials on hold, you may request an additional 5 items).
• Requested items will be held for 7 library business days once notification is sent.
• We aim to fill hold requests the day after they are placed, but the availability of items and the fluctuation in volume of holds placed can affect wait times. Thank you for your patience.
• Cancel holds by accessing your account online or call (626) 403-7330.

Add or update your email address by logging in to the catalog and editing your contact information under My Account. If you need help, call us during opening hours at (626) 403-7330.

Library cardholders can check out a free California State Library Parks Pass, which provides vehicle day-use entry to over 200 California State Parks.

Patrons may check out a pass for up to three weeks with no renewals, so plan your trip accordingly.

The pass admits one passenger vehicle (or motorcycle) and is valid at most state parks, but not at federal parks, local parks, or parks operated by concessionaires. It also does not cover camping, boat use, or special event fees.

To learn more and view a list of participating parks, visit parks.ca.gov/CaliforniaStateLibraryParksPass.

The South Pasadena Public Library App is a quick and easy way to access your account. With the app you can:

• Search the library catalog
• Place and manage holds
• View checked out items and due dates
• Scan and store your library card--and family member cards--digitally
• Find quick links to library news and info
• Browse the library's online resources
• Browse new items in the scrolling book cover displays 

You can also access the catalog and login to your account using a Web browser, or call the library during open hours at 626-403-7330.

Borrowers remain responsible for material checked out on their account, and will be billed for items that are not returned by their due date. The timeline below explains each step in the new "fine free" overdue and lost items process.

Anyone with a South Pasadena Public Library card in good standing is able to check out seeds. Click here for more information on how to obtain a library card. The Library allows for two (2) seed packets per checkout per patron.