Ask a Librarian | Los Angeles Public Library

Having trouble using your library card online? Try these tips!

Make sure you are accessing our digital items either through our website (lapl.org) or using our name, Los Angeles Public Library, in the e-media app. Our name is very similar to the Los Angeles County Public Library, so many people make that mistake.
Make sure you are using your library card number (starting with "272..." or "ECARD" or "SSC" with no dashes or spaces) and PIN, the last four digits of the telephone number in your account. It might be an older telephone number than you expect.
If you still cannot log in, please call us at 213-228-7272, Monday - Friday 10 am to 5:30 pm for assistance. For security reasons, we cannot provide details about your account or circulation assistance via email.

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Our librarians are ready to help! Please fill out the form below for assistance. We'll respond to your email within 36-48 hours or less, excluding weekends.

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Support Your Library

Why support the Library?

The Los Angeles Public Library serves the largest most diverse population of any library in the United States.

Through its Central Library and 72 branches, the Los Angeles Public Library provides free and easy access to information, ideas, books and technology that enrich, educate and empower every individual in our city's diverse communities.

With more people than ever before using the library—a record 17 million last year alone—your support helps the Library provide people with the resources they need to succeed and thrive.

How to support the Library

You can support the Los Angeles Public Library in several ways:

Join a “Friends” group. There is a “Friends of the Library” group for most branch libraries and departments of the Central Library. Friends groups raise money for improvements to their library through memberships, used book sales and other activities. For more information click here or talk to your local librarian.

Join the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. The Library Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds for Library enhancement programs such as adult and early literacy, children and teen reading clubs, technology, and cultural programs. Foundation members receive a variety of benefits with their membership. For more information, see http://www.lfla.org.

Make a donation by check to the Los Angeles Public Library and send it to:
Support the Library, 630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles CA 90071 or call (213) 228-7272.