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Library Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday
10am - 6pm

Tuesday, Thursday
12noon - 8pm

Library Policies and Services

How to obtain a library card


  1. A free library card may be issued by presenting some form of identification that has your name & current address.
  2. Children who are under 18 years of age need their parent or guardian to be present for a library card.
  3. Lost or stolen library cards should be reported immediately; otherwise you will be held responsible for items checked out on your library card.

A replacement card is available for $5.00

Circulation and Fines - Fines approved by the County Board of Supervisors increased September 3rd, 2009.


The new fines are as follows:

  1. 21-Day Materials 25¢ per item per day; maximum fine $6.00.
  2. 14-Day Materials 25¢ per item per day; maximum fine $6.00.
  3. 7-Day Materials 25¢ per item per day; maximum fine $6.00.
  4. Media (DVD, Video, CDROM) $1.00 per day with a maximum fine of $6.00 per video.
  5. Overdue Notices: there is a $1.00 charge for the overdue notice mailed to a library patron who is delinquent.
  6. Hold Request for items currently checked out: If a customer places a hold with the online library catalog it is free, if Staff Places a hold, there will be a .50 cent charge per item.
  7. Older Adult Cardholders: exempt from overdue fines. However, if library materials are overdue, an older adult patron cannot check out materials until overdue items are returned.

Lost/Damaged Item Fees


Library print & Non-Print materials: replacement costs plus $5.00 processing fee.

Starting November 1st, 2010 (Refunds on lost items up to 1 month from date of payment with orginal receipt).

  1. Audio/VHS/DVD/CD Cases $3.00 each
  2. Audio Cassette/CD Holder $1.00/$5.00 (cases/bags) each
  3. Checkpoint (security) cards $1.00 per card
  4. Bar Codes/Book pocket $5.00 per item.

Inter-Library Loan Policy


  1. Our library will attempt to locate books or other material that you request. When your requested title is found, it will be mailed to the Library, for your use.
  2. The ILL Clerk will contact you by phone to pick up the item(s).
  3. Interlibrary Loans—A fee of $2.00 per item will be charged for non pickup of ILL (Interlibrary Loan) after 3 days.

Materials Provided


San Benito County Free Library provides more than 90,856 books, magazines, newspapers, DVD/VHS videos (in English, Japanese, and Spanish), compact discs, newsletters, college catalogs, CD-ROM computer programs, encyclopedias, and information brochures available for the public.

PROCTORING SERVICES

Proctored tests for a nominal fee, please call or email the library for more information Contact
ADULT AND CHILDREN SERVICES

Information, Reference, and Reader's Advisory services are provided by our public services staff. You may reserve materials or ask for interlibrary loans if we do not have the materials that you need. Our library provides special adult and juvenile programs, including summer reading programs and weekly story hours. We provide personal assistance to help children to find the right books. An informational brochure giving instructions and proper procedures to follow for class visits are available.
CALIFORNIA / LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION

Books of all aspects of California and local history—some rare and out-of-print are housed in the California / Local History Collection.
SPANISH AND JAPANESE / MULTILINGUAL LANGUAGE MATERIALS

The library has adult and juvenile books, magazines, informational pamphlets, audio cassettes, compact discs, and video cassettes in Spanish. The Multilingual Collection also includes a Japanese collection and books in other languages.
MEDIA CENTER

The Media Centers offers both adult and juvenile, recreational and educational audio video cassettes, DVD's and compact discs are available.

Audiobook CD's and cassettes are available to the general public. Cassette recorders are available for loan to those who are visually impaired or physically handicapped. The California State Library provides Braille and Talking Books to individuals who qualify for this service. Check with your Librarian for an application.
THE INTERNET

The Internet is the world's largest depository of electronic information—a global network of networks that connects government, academic and business institutions. Millions of people "surf" the Internet daily to access information and resources or to connect with other people. Library card holders may sign up to use the Computer Labs to access the Internet or use Microsoft Office or any of the other computer programs.
ADULT LARGE PRINT COLLECTION

"Easy on the Eyes" books, printed in large type are available in English and Spanish languages. Please ask our staff for assistance.
ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM

Volunteer tutors teach adult learners who have some English-speaking skills to improve their ability to read and write English. Learners meet with tutors on a one-on-one basis in the library and other public buildings.
FRIEND'S LIBRARY

To become a Member of the Friends of the Library, please call the library or The Friends. Applications are available online or at the library

How to renew

  • Most items may be renewed once.
  • Items with holds cannot be renewed.
  • Limitations may be placed on specific types of materials.
  • Items renewed after 12 midnight of the due date are subject to overdue fines.
  • An overdue item cannot be renewed.

Where can you renew items?

  • Select My Account tab
  • Enter your library card number and PIN and click on the login button.
  • Check the items you wish to renew and click on the renew button.
  • If you have any questions, please call library staff at (831) 636-4107.

Download the Class Visit Guidelines

Download the Class Visit Reservation Form

Download the Classroom Visit Request Form

Download the Assignment Alert Form