Your Library Card
- You will need to bring your library card to access your library account. This includes checking out materials (including digital materials), using the library's computers, paying fees, etc.
- You are responsible for all items borrowed on your library card. If your card is lost or stolen, it is your responsibility to report the card as lost or stolen.
Return Policy
The Library allows return of Lost/Overdue items if the item is still in the system. If the specific item with a matching barcode is no longer in the library catalog then we can no longer accept the return of the book. Items are typically removed from the catalog when the Librarian has replaced the item or it has been under Lost status for over 1 year.
| Material Type |
Item Limit |
Renewal Allowance |
| Audiobooks/Playaways |
5 items |
2 |
| Board Games/ Puzzles |
2 items |
2 |
| Books |
50 items |
2 |
| Backpacks |
5 items |
2 |
| DVD/Blu-Rays |
5 items |
2 |
| Hotspots |
1 item |
0 |
| Laptops |
1 item |
0, allowed to check out again if no holds |
| Link + Items |
10 items |
0 |
| Launchpad Tablets |
5 items |
2 |
| Magazines |
10 items |
2 |
adopted by the Alameda Free Library Board 03.12.2025
Privacy Policy(PDF, 230KB)
Adopted by the Alameda Free Library Board 02.14.07
The Alameda Free Library seeks to provide access to educational, informational and cultural resources to the community. As part of that belief, the Library encourages the artistic and cultural interests of the community by providing a showcase for art by community and area artists. Space is provided for displays and exhibits of an educational, cultural, civic, charitable or recreational nature, not for advertising for commercial enterprises nor for exhibits designed to serve specific candidate, campaigns, or parties. The Library is not, in providing space for art, establishing a public forum, and is not limited to merely imposing time, place and manner restrictions on the proposed items for display. Additionally, the Library welcomes exhibits that relate to Library collections and resources, reflects the diversity of Alameda, attracts a broad audience, or connects to other exhibitions or programs in the community presented at or about the same time.
The Alameda Free Library has adopted the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and its numerous interpretations. In accordance with this document, display and exhibit spaces at the Library are made available on an equitable basis, regardless of the belief or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use. Materials in an exhibit or display will not be excluded because of the origin, background or views of those contributing to the creation of the displays or exhibits. Materials will not be prohibited or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
The Alameda Free Library endeavors to present a broad spectrum of opinion and viewpoints. The Library does not endorse the beliefs or viewpoints of topics which may be the subject of exhibits or displays in the Library. The Library Art Exhibit committee is responsible for the selection of Library art exhibits. Special consideration will be given to works of art produced by local artists.
The Library Art Exhibit Committee shall be made up by:
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Library Director
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Library Exhibits Manager
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A member appointed by the Library Board
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A member appointed by the Library Board
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A member appointed by the Library Board
Persons appointed by the Library Board are Alameda Residents
The Alameda Free Library shall have the final decision on the arrangement of all exhibits and displays. The Library reserves the right to reject any part of an exhibit or to change the manner of display. Works that are fragile in nature or whose framing or display arrangement is of questionable durability may be rejected.
The Alameda Free Library is not responsible for any artwork that is lost, damaged, or stolen while on exhibit or display. Although reasonable precautions will be taken to protect materials, the artist assumes the risk of loss of, or damage to, the piece as it is on display. The Library will not be responsible for the reimbursement or replacement of lost, stolen or damaged material.
Artists are not to display prices next to their artwork during the duration of the exhibit. The Library is NOT a sales venue; however, a price list for exhibited items will be made available at the Information Desk on the first floor.
The Alameda Free Library will not charge for the right to display artwork.
Adopted by the Library Board May 9, 2018
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are welcomed and permitted in the Alameda Free Library. The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. If they meet this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government. Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the individual with a disability cannot perform for him or herself. “Seeing eye dogs” are one type of service animals used by some individuals who are blind. This is the type of service animal with which most people are familiar. But there are service animals that assist persons with other kinds of disabilities in their day-to-day activities, including alerting persons with hearing impairments to sounds and pulling wheelchairs or carrying and picking up things for persons with mobility impairments.
- A service animal is not a pet.
- Service animals must be allowed in all public places.
- No special license, harness or vest is required.
In order to help maintain a pleasant, productive, and safe environment for all Library users and staff, the following behavioral guidelines for service animals are to be observed:
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Service animals must be physical proximity with their handler and under handler control at all times.
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Service animals may not be left unattended by their handler at any time.
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Service animals must be on a leash or harness at all times unless the use of a leash or harness interferes with the animal's effective performance of its designated task(s). If the animal cannot be leashed or harnessed, it must be under the handler's control via voice, signals, or other effective means at all times.
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Service animals must not display disruptive behavior such as barking and growling and must conform to the Alameda Free Library Behavior Policy.
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Service animals must be housebroken and their handler is responsible for any upkeep or clean-up of the animal.
NOTE: If a service animal's behaviors or actions pose an unreasonable or direct threat to the health or safety of others, or do not conform to these guidelines, it may not remain in a Library facility. In accordance with ADA guidelines, non-compliance of guidelines can be grounds for a request to remove a service animal from a Library facility. If the service animal is excluded from a Library facility, the individual with the disability is welcome to stay and will be reasonably accommodated by Library staff.
Adopted by the Library Board on October 14, 1998
Revised & Updated by the Library Board on May 9, 2018
Intended Purpose and Managing Availability of Public Access Internet Computers
Internet access is provided as an additional research tool for library patrons. Library staff is authorized to manage Internet computer availability. Users are expected to comply when asked by Library staff to relinquish a computer.
To help maximize the availability and utility of the limited number of Internet computers, please observe the following policies, guidelines, and procedures.
Procedures and Time Limits for Internet Computer Use
To log on to an Internet computer you will need to have your current Alameda Free Library card in hand. Library guests and customers without their Alameda Free Library card will be given one temporary pass per day for 20 minutes of computer time.
Internet computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Typically, time slots will be 120 minutes per card per day with no extensions.
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No more than two people at a single computer.
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Prints cost 15 cents per page for black & white and 85 cents per page for color; please pick up and pay for your print job at the copier alcove.
Internet computers in the Children's Department are for the use of children under the age of 13, their caregivers, and teachers. Children will take precedence over other users in the Children’s Department. In branches, staff may reserve their Internet computers for exclusive use by children during periods of the day throughout the week. These times will be posted. Procedures may be slightly different at the two branch libraries. Please call if you have specific questions and for current information about time limits and reservations.
Responsible and Courteous Use
Internet computers must be used in compliance with the Alameda Free Library's Policy on Public Use of the Internet and Behavior in the Library Policy. All users of the Internet computers in the library are expected to use this resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with these policies. Internet users are asked not to gather around Internet computers creating a physical impediment or an abnormal noise level affecting other library users. People of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities frequent the library. Be aware that others may inadvertently observe the computer screen. Consider this when accessing potentially offensive information or images. Filtering software on the computers in the children’s areas provides some courtesy safeguards for Internet users and other library occupants. As with other resources of the library, respect the privacy of Internet users.
Assistance with Using the Internet Computers and with Research
Library staff is available to assist Internet users in accessing the Internet and software on library computers, to offer searching suggestions, to demonstrate printer functions, and to answer questions as time permits. Staff cannot provide in-depth individual assistance. The Library offers classes, which teach basic computer and Internet-searching skills. Please ask staff for information about local opportunities for more in-depth instruction on Internet or personal computer use.
Librarians can be of particular assistance for reference searching on the Internet. Internet access expands the resources available to the researcher through the Library. However, the Internet is not always the best or most expedient source for needed information. Please ask a Librarian to help when in doubt about the best route to find the information you are looking for.
Downloading Information from the Internet; Virus Security
To prevent computer viruses, you may not use your own computer software programs or disks on the Library Internet computers. Downloading information from the Internet is permitted, provided this is done on your personal USB memory device at the time of download. Although the Library uses a virus checker on the computers, this will not guarantee protection. Software downloaded from the Internet to your USB device may contain a virus.
Misuse of Computers
Misuse of an Internet computer may result in loss of computer privileges, loss of library privileges, and possible prosecution. Using the computers for expressly prohibited applications, for commercial purposes, or for criminal or illegal purposes constitutes misuse. Misuse includes:
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tampering with settings, attempting to make unauthorized entry into other networks or systems,
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invading the privacy of others or sending harassing or threatening messages,
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failure to pay for printing,
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mishandling, damaging, or jeopardizing the use of the search station,
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failure to comply when asked by library staff to relinquish the computer,
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any violation of the Alameda Free Library's Internet Use Policy and Behavior in the Library Policy.