Borrowing Materials

Some material in the library is available for check-out. Those who qualify for a library card, may sign up at the front desk no later than 30 minutes before closing. No new library cards will be issued after that time. There are three membership options:

Attorney Account

Attorneys who are an active member of the California State Bar, and either reside in or maintain an office in Santa Clara County, may sign up for a library card for a $2.00 fee. Proof of residency or an office in this county is required.

Support Staff Account

Support staff must be employed by an attorney who is a member of the State Bar of California and who practices or resides in Santa Clara County. The attorney must have already established borrowing privileges at the Library, and be in good standing concerning such privileges. There is a $2.00 fee for each support staff member signed up for a library card. The support staff must present an authorization letter on the attorney's letterhead. To download a template of this letter, or to find out about more about support staff accounts, click here.

Deposit Borrower Account

Adult residents of Santa Clara County may sign up for a library card with a $50 cash deposit, plus a $2.00 non-refundable fee for the card. This allows you to check out 2 books at a time. After three months deposit borrowers can close their account, turn in their library card, and receive refund of their deposit, less any fines or charges. Deposit refunds will be mailed back to the patron and are not issued at the front desk.

Deposit Borrowers must provide the library with picture identification and verification of Santa Clara County residence. Post office box addresses on any documents presented for verification are not acceptable.