How Do I

How do I get a free library card?
What is the loan period?
Can I place an online hold on materials?
What are the limits on materials that can be checked out?
What do I do if I lost my card?
Can I return library materials to other branches?
Can I return materials to a bookdrop?
What are the overdue fees?
Do you have free Internet Access & Wi-Fi?
How do I place an Inter-Library Loan?
I'm looking for an obituary...
Do you have tax forms available?
Do you have copy machines?
How do I become a volunteer?
How do I join the Friends of the Library?
Does the library accept donations?
I am interested in working in the library? How do I get a job?

How do I get a free library card?
You can apply for a library card at the circulation desk of any of the San Bernardino Public Libraries. A valid I.D. and a permanent address, are required. Your new card will be mailed to you. No items may be checked out until the card is received in the mail. Children are welcome to get their own library cards when they are able to print their full names. Children under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their library card applications.

What is the loan period?
Most items have a loan period of two weeks. DVDs/Videocassettes have a loan period of three (3) days. Books may be renewed twice by phone at 909.381.8201 or online through our Public Access Catalog as long as there is not a hold on the item.

Can I place an online hold on materials?
Yes, online holds are encouraged when the item is already checked out or when our libraries are closed. DVDs/video can't be placed on hold. You will be notified by e-mail or mail when your item is available. Holds are free and can be picked up at the circulation desk. When libraries are open, you are encouraged to call the library and staff will check the shelf for the item.

What are the limits on materials that can be checked out?
Because of the demand for certain materials, libraries may set limits on the number of items permitted for borrowing. Please check with staff for details. Patrons must be at least 18 years of age to borrow DVDs/Videocassettes.

What do I do if I lost my card?
Please report a lost or stolen card to the library immediately. You will be held responsible for items checked out with your card until you report it missing. Replacement cards are $1.00.

Can I return library materials to other branches?
Yes, you can return library materials to any of the four San Bernardino Public Library locations.

Can I return materials to a bookdrop?
Yes, outside bookdrops are conveniently located at most San Bernardino Public Library facilities and are available for returning materials after regular library hours. Patrons are responsible for materials returned to the bookdrops until the items have been checked in by library staff.

What are the overdue fees?
Overdue fees are charged for late return of materials. Books and audiobooks: Adult: 25 cents per day with a maximum fine of $10.00.  There are not overdue fees on Children's materials. DVDs/Videocassettes: 50 cents per day with a maximum fine of $10.00. Patrons are responsible for the replacement cost of lost materials.

Do you have free Internet access & Wi-Fi?
Yes, there is Internet access at the Norman F. Feldheym Central Library's Cosand Computer Learning Center and our branches. Anyone wishing to use the Internet must sign our Internet Usage Policy and have a SBPL library card. The policy is available at the circulation desk. A parent, custodial parent or guardian signature, witnessed by a Library staff member, is required for anyone under the age of 17.

How do I place an Inter-Library Loan?
An Inter-Library loan request can be placed at the Reference Desk. There is a $3.00 fee for this service. You will be notified by mail when your book is available. Inter-Library loan books can be picked up at the Circulation Desk. You must have had a City of San Bernardino library card for 90 days and be in good standing in order to be eligible for Inter-Library loan services.

I'm looking for an obituary...
SBPL has microfilm of the San Bernardino Sun (SUN) going back to the 1890's. Obituaries generally appear 2 to 10 days after the date of death. Copies of microforms are available for 25 cents per 8 1/2 x 11" page.

If you are unsure of the date of death you may try the Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014

Americas NewsSan Bernardino Sun Online
America's News Full-text articles from U.S. newspapers including The San Bernardino Sun (9/14/2001 - current) and Riverside Press Enterprise (9/28/1992 - current.) Updated daily, it includes obituaries.
Subscription generously provided by Edison International grant

The California Digital Newspaper Collection is a project of the Center for Bibliographical Studies and Research (CBSR) at the University of California, Riverside. Includes scanned versions of the San Bernardino News (1912-1918), San Bernardino Daily Courier (1886-1894) and San Bernardino Daily Sun (1894-1997).

There is a prepaid mail-in research fee of $20.00 per hour for 1 (one) obituary. This fee is in addition to copy costs of 25¢ per page. Librarians will be glad to provide the information you need if you can provide us with the date: month, day and year of items requested and/or other pertinent information regarding your question.

A self-addressed stamped envelope with your request is appreciated.
Please mail your request to:
San Bernardino Public Library
555 W. 6th St.
San Bernardino, CA 92410
Attn.: Reference

If you prefer, you may ask your hometown library to borrow microfilm of the San Bernardino SUN from the California State Library in Sacramento. In this way, you will be able to search for yourself and avoid our research fee.

Do you have tax forms available?
San Bernardino Public Library does not distribute California and Federal tax forms.

Tax Form Distribution Sites
Franchise Tax Board Recorded Tax and Refund Information
Forms and Publication Orders
Tax Information and Notice Inquiries 1-800-338-0505
California Franchise Tax Board Website

Internal Revenue Service (Federal Forms) 290 N. D St., San Bdno, CA (Vanir Towers) 8am to 4:30pm 1-800-829-1040 (help) 1-800-829-3676 (forms only)
IRS Forms Online

San Bernardino County Law Library 402 N. "D" St., San Bdno, CA (909) 885-3020 (Reproducible State and Federal Forms, no pamphlets)

Do you have copy machines?
There are black and white copiers at each library. Copies are 15 cents each

How do I become a volunteer?
Volunteers are always welcome. Please check out the volunteer web page.

How do I join the Friends of the Library?
Become a Friend of the Library! Friends receive an annual newsletter, early admission to book sales, and other benefits. Friends of the Library membership is $5.00 for individuals or $10.00 for families. Call Administration at 381-8215.

Does the library accept donations?
A donation to the San Bernardino Public Library will help to support library programs and enhance library collections. Donors can specify how their gifts are to be used within the guidelines of the library's donation policy. The library also accepts donations of used books, cassettes, CDs, videos and DVDs that are in good condition. They will either be added to the library's public collection or sold in the Friends of the Library's used book sale. Contributions to the library are tax deductible.

I am interested in working in the library? How do I get a job?
Please check the City of San Bernardino's web site for a list of currently open positions