How Do I? | Los Angeles Public Library

How Do I? | Los Angeles Public Library
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Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions we receive:
How do I get a library card?
How do I get a Student Success Card?
How do I print from my laptop? (wireless printing)
How do I reserve a computer?
How do I renew my books?
How do I update my address/phone/e-mail online?
What identification is required to get a library card?
How do I get an e-card?
What is my Personal Identification Number (PIN)?
How do I log into my account?
How do I pay my fines online?
How do I find out information on loan periods, fines, etc?
How do I place a hold online?
How do I renew my library card?
How do I find library hours/locations?
How do I find the library closest to me?
How do I download e-materials?
How do I become an Octavia Lab member?
How do I get a library card?
To receive a library card you can fill out an application in person at any
Los Angeles Public Library location
, or download the
application form
, fill it out and bring it in to any location, or
pre-register over the Internet
by visiting the Library's Web Pre-Registration Page. If you only want access to online resources, and are a resident of the City of Los Angeles, you can get an
eCard online
. Library cards are free for California residents.
More information...
Top
How do I get a Student Success Card?
Please see our information page at
ccess-card/getting-started
Top
How do I print from my laptop? (wireless printing)
When you accept the terms of service for the wireless network, you should be taken to a page that has a link for (temporarily) installing a wireless printing client. This page can be accessed at
. You can also go to the
branch page
of the branch you are at
, and click on the "Wireless Printing" link under Resources & Services on the right-side of the page. Illustrated instructions (in PDF format)
can be found here
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How do I reserve a computer?
Click Here
to reserve a computer. You will need to have a LAPL library card, and can reserve up to five days in advance for a maximum of two sessions daily (depending on availability).
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How do I renew my books?
You may renew items over the Web by accessing
Your Library Record
or in person at any of the Library’s 72 branches or at the Central Library. You can also renew your items by telephone, 24 hours a day, by calling the toll-free number: (888) 577-5275. If you are outside the toll-free area, dial (213) 623-9930.
Top
How do I update my address/phone/e-mail online?
Use the
Change of Address form
to update your address. To change just your phone number or e-mail,
log into your account in the Enhanced Catalog
. You can also opt in for text messages for holds in your account.
Top
What identification is required to get a library card?
You must have current photo identification with your name and current address. Identification can be a California driver's license or an ID card issued by the DMV. If you don't have a driver's license or ID card, then present two of the following, one of which must be a current photo ID and one of which must have your current address: Passport, school ID card, other government issued photo ID, employee ID card, printed personal check, credit card statement, rental or property tax receipt, or business mail with current postmark.
Top
How do I get an e-card?
Complete the
e-card application
and you will immediately receive your e-card number by email. At this time, the e-card is only available to Los Angeles City residents.
Top
What is my Personal Identification Number (PIN)?
Your Personal Identification Number (or "PIN") is, by default, the last four digits of the phone number associated with your library card (usually the number you entered on your library card application). If you need help accessing your account, please
Top
How do I log into my account?
You can access Your Library Account in either the
traditional catalog
or the
enhanced catalog
. You will be required to enter your library card number and PIN (last four digits of phone number).  In the
enhanced catalog
, you can also log on using a personalized username and password (EZ Log on).
Top
How do I pay my fines online?
You can pay your fines online by credit card after logging on to
Your Library Account
and selecting “View Fines”.
Top
How do I find out information on loan periods, fines, etc?
All information related to materials, fines, cards, loans, etc. can be found on the "
Borrower Services
" page under the "About LAPL" menu.
Top
How do I place a hold online?
You can place a hold on an item free of charge over the Web by clicking “
Catalog
” on the Library’s Web Page. After searching for the title you want to reserve, select the library location to which you want the item sent and we will notify you when it is available for pick up.
Top
How do I renew my library card?
Renewing your library card requires visiting the library and providing photo identification with your name and current address.
Top
How do I find library hours/locations?
This page
shows all library locations and hours.
Top
How do I find the library closest to me?
You can use our
interactive map
to search for libraries in your area.
Top
How do I download e-materials?
Depending on your device and the e-material format, there are several e-Media collections available. More Information, and help links for each service,
can be found here
Top
How do I become an Octavia Lab member?
See our
Octavia Lab FAQ
for more information about how to join the lab.
Top
Kids & Parents
Teens
How Do I?
How do I get a library card?
How do I get a Student Success Card?
How do I print from my laptop? (wireless printing)
How do I reserve a computer?
How do I renew my books?
How do I update my address/phone/e-mail online?
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