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1. What is Link+?

LINK+ is a consortium of more than 50 public and academic libraries in California and Nevada that enables you to search its catalog and borrow member libraries' books and media.

2. How do I use Link+?

If a book is unavailable at any of the Peninsula Library System libraries, you can request it from another LINK+ member library for delivery to the San Mateo Public Library with your San Mateo Public Library card.

3. What does it cost to request a book?

The service is free.

4. How many LINK+ items can I borrow?

You may have a total of 25 items requested from the regular catalog or LINK+ at one time. You may check out a maximum of 50 items which includes items from Link+ and from the San Mateo Public Library.

5. How long does it take for a LINK+ request to arrive?

Most items are received 4 to 7 days after the request is placed. You then have 10 days to pick up the item.

6. How long can I borrow LINK+ items?

LINK+ items can be checked out for 21 days with the possibility of one renewal. 

7. How do I know when my LINK+ requests arrive at the library?

The library will call or email you when your item arrives. Once a LINK+ requested item has shipped, you can track the request through your regular San Mateo Public Library card account.

8. Can I renew the items?

Most Link+ books will be renewed once through the automatic renewal program one day prior to the due date if they are not in demand.  Renewals can also be made online, through the online catalog. 

9. Where do I pick up, check out, and return my LINK+ items?

All LINK+ items will be held at the Accounts Desk of the Library for which you requested pick-up. Library staff will pull your item and check it out for you. LINK+ items cannot be checked out on the self-checkout machines. All LINK+ items must be returned to staff at the Accounts Desk where the Link+ item was checked out to ensure that the item gets checked in properly. Please do not put Link+ items in the book drop or book return.

10. What are the fees for overdue, lost, or damaged items?

We no longer charge overdue fees for Link+ materials, however if a Link+ item is overdue for an extended time, you may be billed $115 to replace the item. The charge is $115 per item if you lose or damage a LINK+ item. Customers who lose a LINK+ item should contact Accounts at the Main Library by calling (650) 522-7833.

11. How do I request an item from LINK+?

• Once you determine that an item is not available from the San Mateo Public Library catalog, click on “LINK+” from our web catalog. You can also access the LINK+ catalog directly. 

• Enter your search. When you locate the item in the LINK+ catalog, click the “Request” button. 

• You will be asked, “With which institution are you affiliated?” Click the down arrow, select “San Mateo City Public Library”, and click the “Submit above information” button. 

• Enter your name (first and last), your library card number (all 14 digits). 

• Select your pick-up location (San Mateo Main Library, Hillsdale Branch, or Marina Branch) and click the “Submit” button. You will see a confirmation message that your request was placed.

Link+ Catalog

12. How can I check the status of my LINK+ request?

• Log in to your library account. 

• Click on “HOLDS” to see if your items are ready to be picked up.

Library Account Login

13. How do I renew a LINK+ item?

Most Link+ books will be renewed once through the automatic renewal program one day prior to the due date if they are not in demand.  Renewals can be made online, through the online catalog using the following steps:

• Log in to your library account.

• Click on “Checked Out”. Your checked out items will be listed.

• Select the item(s) you wish to renew by checking the box beside the title. You cannot renew items any sooner than 3 days before and no later than 2 days after the original due date.

• Click the “Renew Selected” button. This does not automatically renew your item(s) but rather forwards a renewal request to the loaning library on your behalf. You must check your LINK+ account at a later date to see if the renewal request has been approved.

• The item you’ve requested to be renewed will have one of these statuses:
- A New Due Date – Your renewal has been approved.
- Renewal Pending - Your request is still in process. Please check again at a later date.
- Renewal Denied - Your renewal request was not approved. Please return the item(s) by the original due date.

Note: It may take several minutes for the LINK+ software to confirm your renewal. LINK+ items may not be renewed more than once, nor may they be renewed if someone else has requested them.

Library Account Login

14. How do I cancel a LINK+ request?

• Log in to your library account. 

• Click on “HOLDS”. 

• Check the “Cancel” box next to the title of the request you want to cancel. 

• Click on the “Cancel” button to activate the cancellation. 

Note: You cannot cancel a request that has been received or is in transit.

Library Account Login