FAQ
About the Library
Where is the Library located? How do I get there?
When is the Library open?
What is PLS?
Borrowing Materials
How many music CDs can I check out?
I lost my library card. What should I do?
I cannot find what I am looking for in the Libray Catalog. Can the Library help me find it at another library?
If an item is at another library, can it be delivered to my local Daly City Library?
If an item is out, can I be put on a waiting list?
Does the Library have a list of audio books?
Where can I return materials?
How many audio books can I check out?
How can I renew items?
How many DVDs can I check out?
How many books can I check out?
Is there a charge to get a library card?
How do I get a library card?
Does the Library have a list of DVDs?
What happens if I lose a Library item?
I forgot my PIN. Can the Library e-mail it to me?
How long can I keep materials?
How much are overdue fines?
Equipment & Facilities
Does the Library have a typewriter?
Can I use a Library computer to run a CD-ROM?
Can I use my laptop at the Library? Do you have internet access for laptops?
Does the Library have computers I can use? How much does it cost?
Does the Library have a scanner?
Does the Library have a fax machine?
Does the Library have photocopier?
Other
Can I get something notarized at the Library?
Does the Library have meeting room for rent?
Can I donate something to the Library?
I'm unable to come to the Library. Can you deliver materials to my house?
I'm unable to come to the Library. Can you answer questions by phone or e-mail?
Where can I find help learning to read?
How can I request a search for an obituary or death notice?
Does the Library have video tapes of Daly City Council meetings?
Does the Library sell stamps and envelopes?
About the Library
Question: Where is the Library located? How do I get there?
Answer: The Daly City Public Library has four locations. Our main branch is the Serramonte Main Library. Click here for addresses and directions to all our locations.
Question: When is the Library open?
Answer: Each of the Library's four locations has different hours. Click here for hours. The Library closes for City-recognized holidays.
Question: What is PLS?
Answer: PLS stands for Peninsula Library System, a consortium of all the public and community college libraries in San Mateo County. All PLS libraries, including the Daly City Public Library, share a catalog. Your Daly City Public Library card is valid at all PLS libraries.
Borrowing Materials
Question: How many music CDs can I check out?
Answer: You can check out up to 10 music CDs at a time.
Question: I lost my library card. What should I do?
Answer: Notify the Library immediately. You are responsible for all materials checked out with your card. When you report your card lost, a block is put on it and no one will be able to use it to check out materials. If you later find your card, you can have it reinstated by presenting the card along with your photo ID at the Check Out Desk. If you need a replacement card, you can get one with photo ID and payment of the $2 card replacement fee.
Question: I cannot find what I am looking for in the Libray Catalog. Can the Library help me find it at another library?
Answer: You can request an Inter-Library Loan of an item not owned by any PLS library for a $5.00 per item processing fee. Visit the Library and ask a staff member for a request form.
Question: If an item is at another library, can it be delivered to my local Daly City Library?
Answer: Yes, you can place a hold on an item through the Online Catalog. When it becomes available, it will be sent to the library of your choice. There is a fee of 75¢ payable when you check the item out (children's and teens' materials are free).
Question: If an item is out, can I be put on a waiting list?
Answer: Yes, you can reserve an item through the Online Catalog, referred to as placing a hold. There is
a fee of 75¢ payable when you check the item out (no charge for children's and teens' materials). If there is a copy available at another PLS library, it will be sent to the library of your choice for you.
Question: Does the Library have a list of audio books?
Answer: Because we are always adding new items, we do not publish a printed or online master list, however all our audio books are searchable on the Online Catalog. Search by author, title, or subject and limit to books-on-tape and/or books-on-CD (to select both on the menu, hold down the CRTL key when you click).
Question: Where can I return materials?
Answer: You can return borrowed materials to any of the PLS libraries. Book drops are available outside all libraries so that you can return items after-hours. Do not return our items to a San Francisco Public Library branch.
Question: How many audio books can I check out?
Answer: You can check out up to 10 audio books (books-on-tape and/or books-on-CD)
Question: How can I renew items?
Answer: You can renew online by accessing your Library Account through the Online Catalog. For instructions, click here. You can also renew by phone by calling the automated 24-hour renewal line (650-638-0399), or by calling any of our locations during open hours.
Question: How many DVDs can I check out?
Answer: You can check out up to 10 DVDs at a time.
Question: How many books can I check out?
Answer: You can have up to 50 items checked out at any one time. However, certain high demand items, such as test preparation books, have lower limits. Other PLS libraries may have different loan policies which affect their materials even if they are checked out from the Daly City Public Library.
Question: Is there a charge to get a library card?
Answer: No, Library membership is free. However, if you lose your card and need a replacement, there is a $2 fee for the new card.
Question: How do I get a library card?
Answer: Simply visit one of the Library locations, fill out the short application form, and present photo identification and proof of current address. Children under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their application and present identification and proof of current address. To view and print the Library Card Application form, click here for English, click here for Spanish, or click here for Chinese. To apply for a card online, submit your information online. You will still need to visit the Library to present identification and proof of current address before you receive your card.
Question: Does the Library have a list of DVDs?
Answer: Because we are always adding new items, we do not publish a printed or online master list, however all our DVDs and videos are searchable on the Online Catalog. Searching by Subject Keyword in the Advanced Search for feature films and limiting to DVDs will result in a good list for browsing; or be more specific by searching by title, author (actors and directors), or keyword (any words found in the title, author, or description part of the record).
Question: What happens if I lose a Library item?
Answer: If you lose an item, you will be charged the full retail cost plus a $5.00 processing fee.
Question: I forgot my PIN. Can the Library e-mail it to me?
Answer: Your PIN is set by default to the last four digits of the telephone number you put on your library card application. If you change your phone number, please notify the library so that we can update your record and change your PIN. You can change your PIN yourself by logging into your Library Account and clicking on Modify your PIN. Please be aware that library staff cannot see your PIN. If you forget what it is, you will need to visit the Library in person, present photo ID and staff will reset it.
Question: How long can I keep materials?
Answer: Most materials are loaned for 21 days, and may be renewed up to two times for an additional 21 days each if no one else has requested the item. Certain high demand items are checked out for 7 days only and may not be renewed. When you check items out, you will receive a receipt with the due date for each item. You can also check your account with the Online Catalog and see a list of all the items you have checked out and when they are due.
Question: How much are overdue fines?
Answer: Items returned after their due date will be subject to overdue fines. Overdue fines are 25¢ per day per item for adult materials and 15¢ per day per item for children's/teen materials. There is a maximum fine for adult materials of $8.00 per item. For children's/teen materials, the maximum fine is $4.00 per item. Other PLS libraries may have different overdue fines which affect their materials even if they are checked out from and/or returned to the Daly City Public Library.
Equipment & Facilities
Question: Does the Library have a typewriter?
Answer: The Serramonte Main Library and the Westlake Library both have electric typewriters available to the public. There is no charge for use of the typewriters. Users must supply their own paper, or it can be purchased for 15¢ per sheet at the Check Out Desk.
Question: Can I use a Library computer to run a CD-ROM?
Answer: No, for security reasons, the Library's public computers do not have CD drives.
Question: Can I use my laptop at the Library? Do you have internet access for laptops?
Answer: You are welcome to use your laptop in the Library. All the libraries have wireless internet access for laptop users. For more information, read our Wireless FAQ.
Question: Does the Library have computers I can use? How much does it cost?
Answer: All Library locations have public computers with internet access and Microsoft Office applications. There is no fee, but use is limited to one hour per day and printing is 15¢ per page (black and white only).
Question: Does the Library have a scanner?
Answer: The John Daly Library has a standard-sized flat bed scanner available on one Creativity Center computer which has Adobe Photoshop Elements as well.
Question: Does the Library have a fax machine?
Answer: The Library does not have public fax machines. Many copy shops, including Kinkos and the UPS Store, provide fax services for a fee.
Question: Does the Library have photocopier?
Answer: All four Library locations have black and white photocopiers. Copies cost 15¢ per page.
Other
Question: Can I get something notarized at the Library?
Answer: The Library does not have a Notary Public. Many copy shops, including Kinkos and The UPS Store, provide notary services for a fee.
Question: Does the Library have meeting room for rent?
Answer: The Serramonte Main Library has a Community Room that is available for meetings. For more information, click <a href="meetingroom.htm">here</a>. The Westlake Library and John Daly Library have one study room each for small group work. This room may be reserved, but is also available on a drop-in basis if not reserved. There is no charge to use this room. For more information, call the Westlake Library at 650-991-8071 or the John Daly Library at 650-991-8073.
Question: Can I donate something to the Library?
Answer: The Library gratefully accepts monetary donations, which are used for the purchase of new materials. We also accept new or gently used books, National Geographic magazines, DVDs, and CDs. For donation guidelines, click here.
Question: I'm unable to come to the Library. Can you deliver materials to my house?
Answer: Unfortunately the Library cannot deliver materials. Trusted neighbors, friends, or family can check out items for you if you provide them with your card.
Question: I'm unable to come to the Library. Can you answer questions by phone or e-mail?
Answer: You can call the Serramonte Main Library at 650-991-8023 and a Reference Librarian will assist you. For more complex questions or if the Librarian is busy, he or she may need to call you back with an answer. You can also e-mail the library at dcplref@plsinfo.org. Please be as specific as possible to ensure that the Librarian understands your question. Questions about your Library account should be asked in person for security reasons.
Question: Where can I find help learning to read?
Answer: Project Read of North San Mateo County provides free tutoring to assist adults in learning to read and write. The Daly City Public Library, along with other area libraries, hosts Project Read tutoring and Families for Literacy story nights.
Question: How can I request a search for an obituary or death notice?
Answer: Volunteer genealogy searchers are available to perform obituary/death notice searches for individuals who lived and/or died in the city of Daly City or the town of Colma since April 1910. A self-addressed, stamped envelope is required. For instructions, click here.
Question: Does the Library have video recordings of Daly City Council meetings?
Answer: Recordings of recent City Council meetings are available on DVD at the Serramonte Main Library. They can be checked out for 7 days. Meeting videos are also available online.
Question: Does the Library sell stamps and envelopes?
Answer: The Library does not sell stamps or envelopes. Visit a local Post Office for these items.