Riverside Public Library

Get a Library Card

How do I get a library card?

A library card allows you to do more than simply borrow books. You can also use your card to check out iPads, hotspots, eBooks/eAudiobooks, toys, DVDs and access Online-resources such as the Press-Enterprise and other digital magazine and journal articles from home.

You can apply for a library card online or at any library location. Once the online application is complete, you can start accessing eBooks and other online resources. For a full-use card, you can visit any library location with your valid picture ID and pick up your library card. If you don’t have an ID you can still apply for a library card and have access to computers and printing at any library location.

Fill Out a Library Card Application Online

Visit this page to complete the online application.

After completing the online application you will be presented with a confirmation page. Print the page, or write down your newly made barcode. Bring the printed page or your new barcode into any library branch along with a valid picture ID.

Lost or Stolen Library Card

Be sure to protect your library card! Under no circumstances should you lend it to others. If you lose your card and someone else uses it, you will be liable for the charges on your card. If your card is lost or stolen, please contact the circulation desk immediately at (951) 826-5201.

How do I manage my account online?

Through your online account, you can view your checked-out items, request books and other materials, and renew items at your convenience. You can also search the catalog and save your favorite searches.

When you access your account online, you will be asked to enter the number on the back of your library card (beginning with 10001) and your PIN. The first time you access your account, leave the PIN field blank and click the SUBMIT button. You will then be prompted to set up your new PIN.

Once you're logged in to your account, you can request books without having to retype your account information each time.

If you have forgotten your PIN or need other help accessing your account, please call us at (951) 826-5201.

Loan terms

You may check out up to 25 items on your library card.

However, there are the following limits on the number of audiovisual materials that can be checked out at one time:

  • Up to 6 movies on VHS or DVD
  • Up to 8 music CDs
  • Up to 6 audio books

Most materials check out for two weeks and may be renewed an additional three times, provided no one else has requested them. If you decide to renew your materials, they will be due two weeks from the day you renew them. (For example, if you renew your materials on Jan. 7th, they will be due Jan. 21st.)

How do I renew my items?

A decision has been made to discontinue the Telephone Renew System. This interface is not user friendly; which can lead to problems with customer accounts. The vendor has no plans to improve or replace the current product.

Here are the options to renew materials:

 

Online. You can renew online, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, just go to online account .

By phone. You may call any library branch within the hours of operation and a staff member would be happy to assist you.

In person. Bring the items you wish to renew to your local branch or simply ask the staff at the check-out desk to renew your items.

How do I request items?

You can request items by looking them up in the library catalog and clicking the REQUEST button or by calling the reference desk at 826-5201. If you want to request multiple items, log in to your account first by choosing "MY ACCOUNT" at the top of the page to avoid having to enter your account information each time.

If the book you're looking for isn't available from any of our branches, you can request it through interlibrary loan.

What are my fees for extended use, lost or stolen items?

Extended Use Fees for items held beyond the loan period

You will not be charged for overdue library materials. If an item is lost or completely damaged, the cost of the item will be charged to your account, along with a $10 processing fee. Please note: Parents are responsible for the borrowing privileges of children under the age of 18.

If your library account has charges of $50 or more and is not resolved within 50 days, your account will be turned over to a collection agency.

Replacement of Lost Items

If you lose library materials, you will be charged the replacement cost plus a $10 nonrefundable processing fee per item.

Does the library sell office supplies if I forget to bring mine?

The Library does not have envelopes, pens, pencils, markers, or other office supplies available for sale or lending.