Borrowing Materials

Search the Online Catalog for items in MPL and San Mateo County.

Apply for a Library Card
Fill out the form and you can start using our research databases right away. Visit a PLS library within 30 days to get your actual library card. Bring a photo I.D. and proof of California residency (you might need a parent with you if you are under 18).

Notices by Text Message
To sign up, just text the message SIGNUP to pls@shoutbomb.com
Receive hold and pre-overdue notices, renew items, and even search the library catalog by ISBN -- all through text messaging. You can even receive and manage notices for others' cards. Get details here.

Notices by E-mail
Get hold and overdue notices by e-mail, rather than telephone or postcard! Also get courtesy pre-overdue notices (Borrowers are responsible for returning items on time, even if pre-overdue notice is not received).

To enroll / update:

• Go to http://catalog.plsinfo.org/patroninfo
• Log into your account
• Click the "Modify Personal Info" button
• Enter an e-mail address that you'll check daily

Access Your Library Account

• Renew / Review items out
• Check / cancel holds you've placed
• View and Pay overdues or fines
• 'Opt In' to automatically save a history of items you've had out

Limits:

MPL items check out for 3 weeks and may be renewed twice if no holds are on the item.  Exceptions are:

• videos and DVDs - 1 week, 2 renewals

Fees:

Overdue fines:

• Adult - $.25 per day / $8.00 maximum 
• Juvenile - $.15 per day / $4.00 maximum 
• MPL Videos & DVD's - $1.00 per day, $10.00 maximum 
• Learning Language Videos/CDs/cassettes - $.25 per day / $8.00 maximum