You can apply for a library card online or in person at the Circulation Services Desk. The library offers two types of library Cards, the standard Library Card (full privilege) and the Computer Access Card, details for both are as follows.
Computer
Access Card
Library Card
(Full Privilege)
Access to:
Computers
Databases
eBooks, eMagazines, eAudio
Books
Audio material
Video material
My Account Online
(place holds, renew items, view checked out items & due dates)
✅
✅
✅
✅
✅
✅
✅
✅
✅
✅
Requirements:
Valid Picture ID
Address Verification
California Resident
✅
✅
✅
✅
Good for:
90 days
2 years
Card Replacement Fee:
$1.00
$2.00
Current Picture ID must be a valid form of one of the following: Driver's License, State Issued ID Card, Resident Alien Card, Military ID.
Address verification must be with one of the following: Mail postmarked within last 30 days, rent receipt, utility bill, checkbook, car registration
Parents or guardians must be present to sign application and show their ID and proof of address for teens and children under 18 years of age.
The National City Public Library is not connected with any other libraries in the San Diego County Area. You may only use your card at the National City Public Library.
Loans, Renewals & Fees
Lending Rules, Loan Periods and Item Limits
A National City Public Library card must be presented at all times to checkout materials. Patrons are responsible for all materials loaned on their card. Please notify the library promptly of any change of address or phone number.
Item Type
Checkout Period
Renewable
Maximum amount of Items can be borrowed
Children's, Young Adult and Adult Books
Magazines
28 days
3 times -
2 weeks
No limit
Audio books
14 days
3 times -
2 weeks
No limit
Music CD's
14 days
3 times -
2 weeks
No limit
DVDs
Blu-rays
7 days
1 time - 1 week
10 items
Parks Pass
7 days
1 time - 1 week
1 pass (must be 18 or order)
Test Reviewers
7 days
1 time - 1 week
1 item
Renewals
All library materials EXCEPT Feature Films may be renewed ONE time. Documentary Films, Test Reviewers, and Music CD's may be renewed for an additional 7 days, as long as the item is not being reserved by another patron. All other items may be renewed for 14 days.
Renewals can be made as follows:
At the library
You must have your library card with you. If no library card is presented, a valid picture ID may be used to access you account.
Over the phone
A Library card number will be needed to renew items over the phone on the due date. If the item you renew is overdue, a fine will be posted to your account.
You will need your library card number and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access your account online. Renewals cannot be processed for overdue items. For assistance, please contact the Circulation Desk at (619) 470-5820.
Fees
Lost or Damaged Material Replacement Fees
Current Fees
New Fees (July 1, 2022)
Periodicals
$10.00
MSRP
Cataloged Paperbacks
$25.00
MSRP
Music CDs
$25.00
MSRP
Hard Cover Books
$30.00
MSRP
DVDs
$30.00
MSRP
Blu-ray
$45.00
MSRP
Audiobooks
$75.00
MSRP
Laptop/Chromebook
$500.00
$500.00
Hotspot
$75.00
$75.00
Tech Accessories
$45.00
$45.00
Lost or Damaged Processing Fee
$5.00
$5.00
RFID Tag
$2.00
$2.00
Barcode
$1.00
$1.00
Service Desk
The Circulation Services Desk is located at the entrance of the library.
Yes, all previous and current fines will be forgiven. We just want people to borrow items from the library and then bring them back so others can use them.
Won’t you lose lots of money or materials if you don’t charge overdue fines?
We believe materials will be returned promptly when people aren’t worried about being fined. The amount of money generated by fines isn’t great and, while its loss will be noted, we feel the benefits outweigh the financial loss.
Does this change apply to other fees that I still owe?
No, fees for replacement cards, damaged and lost books will still apply. Please come in and talk to us – we can work it out.
How does this new policy work?
We will send notices regarding overdue items. Once an item is overdue, borrowing privileges are suspended until the items are returned, or the replacement cost for the materials is paid.
If I lose a book or other materials, how long do I have before I’m charged for it?
Once your item is overdue, you will be billed for the full replacement cost and a $5 processing fee after thirty (30) days.
Can I purchase a replacement for a damaged or lost item?
No, replacement costs and processing fees must be paid for each lost or damaged item. We do not accept replacement items in lieu of payment.
What is the cost for library materials?
It varies by item. The library purchases materials for the benefit of the entire community. If an item is lost, we will charge the cost to replace that particular item so it can be made available to others again.
Will I be notified if an item is overdue?
If you have an email address or phone number on file, you will be notified.
How do I clear up an account that has been sent to collections?
All patrons whose accounts have been sent to collections will need to work directly with the collection agency.
