Library patrons like myself are familiar with long wait times on popular titles: For example, don't even think about putting in a hold for Liu Cixin's The Three-Body Problem at the Los Angeles Public Library now that it's been adapted into a hit Netflix show, unless you're willing to wait about 15 weeks for it.
But if you really want to read a book and don't mind taking on a side quest, there's a way to hack the system: Find a local library that does have a copy on hand and apply for a card there. If you plan it right, you can walk out with the book on the same day.
That's because most California public libraries allow you to get a card with them as long as you reside somewhere in the state. That includes many of the state's biggest library systems like the LAPL, as well as smaller library systems like the City of Commerce or Irwindale Public Libraries.
I can tell you this from experience: Earlier this week, I was tired of waiting for a hold I'd placed with the L.A. Public Library — which is run by the city of Los Angeles — to come through. (No hard feelings, LAPL!) Normally I'd be fine waiting for the hold to arrive, but it was a new book by my favorite author — Helen Oyeyemi's Parasol Against the Axe, if you're wondering.
So I did the next best thing: I placed a hold at the L.A. County Library, waited a few days, headed over to Culver City, and checked out the book with my L.A. County Library card. I even made a lovely afternoon of the trip, walking around the Culver City Julian Dixon Library's beautiful meditation garden.
That's possible even though I live in the city of L.A., which normally falls under the L.A. Public Library's jurisdiction. But it would've been fine if I lived anywhere from Crescent City to Calexico.
"We're happy to accept all residents of California to apply for a library card," said Jesse Walker-Lanz, assistant director of public services for L.A. County Public Library. "It doesn't matter if you don't happen to live in one of the cities or areas of the county that we serve. And the same is true for most other public libraries in California."
Walker-Lanz said that's especially useful in L.A. County, which is home to dozens of library systems, often right next to each other. For instance, Altadena, Pasadena, and South Pasadena each have their own library system.
"Often, depending on where you live, you may have two or three different library systems within a very short radius," Walker-Lanz said. "We know that our customers use multiple libraries, and we're happy that they have those choices."
For most library systems, all you need to do is show up to any library branch, give them your state ID, and fill out a form or two. You can find a list of libraries in the Southern California Library Cooperative here. Each system's website will have information about applying for a card (though again, you can do this for nearly any library in the state).
If you don't have a California state ID, you can often still apply for a card with alternate identification. For instance, the Los Angeles Public Library will accept passports, student or work IDs, or other photo IDs alongside a proof of current address, like a credit card statement or government mail.
Some libraries do have more restrictions: The Beverly Hills Public Library, for instance, only gives out free cards to residents of Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties.
One more catch: You'll usually have to register for the cards in person, though some libraries do allow you to register for an e-card for online materials. Plus, you'll usually have to visit the library again to renew the card.
Speaking from experience: Having fun is even less hard when you have more than one library card.
Many libraries offer a lot of the same perks, like access to ebook systems like Libby and streaming services like Kanopy. But it never hurts to have more than one library card loaded into Libby to cut down on wait times. It's a practice I like to call "cardmaxxing," and it's saved me a lot of waiting on popular titles.
Another perk: If you're planning a longer trip to, say, San Francisco, you can get a library card while you're there. Not only can you check out reading material for the trip, you can also take advantage of San Francisco Public Library's other offerings, like free admission to more than a dozen area museums and state parks passes (for now, at least).
And if you feel like you're cheating the system, please know that the librarians are cool with you doing this — they encourage it, even.
"San Francisco Public Library is proud of the fact that any California resident can sign up for our library card," SFPL Director of Communications Kate Patterson said in an email to LAist. "We are fortunate to live in a progressive state like California, where residents across county lines can take advantage of the rich diversity of collections and access programs and services in multiple municipalities."
And if you're not planning to leave Southern California, or if you're planning to visit here, both LAPL and LA County Library offer museum passes, not to mention Chromebooks, mobile hotspots, and a host of other services.
So if you pass a library on the regular but didn't realize you could get a card there, consider this your reminder to stop in and register. You never know when they'll have a copy of the book you need.
