For students

NYTimes.com access from your Library

It’s easy to sign up or restart your free subscription.

Don’t lose access!

Many SFSU employees who signed up when we launched this subscription in Fall 2022 are due to renew their accounts this fall. If you have any questions, please ask.

Renew your faculty/staff account

Your Library provides free access to NYTimes.com articles, infographics, podcasts, and videos through our subscription to The New York Times Digital Edition. 

SFSU students, staff members, and faculty members are all eligible. 

Get started by creating a New York Times account with your SFSU email address using the instructions in our Newspapers guide or this how-to video. 

  • Students: You will have access until Dec. 31 of the graduation year you enter. 
  • Faculty and staff: You will have four years of full account access. After that, you’ll need to renew to keep your account active for four more years. 

Our university-wide subscription allows you to view digital content on NYTimes.com and with The New York Times app. It does not include NYT Cooking, Games, Wirecutter, or The Athletic. 

If you have any questions, ask a librarian! 

 

Check out on your schedule

Our self-checkout station is always open!

We recently added a new self-checkout station at Book Checkout & Pickup on the first floor. The best feature: It’s always open, including nights and weekends when the desk isn’t. 

Enter your SFSU ID number using the touchscreen to begin. Need help? Just ask.

Learn more

Find out how to borrow library materials, how long you can keep the things you check out, and more.

Borrow & Renew

Research for Real Life: Election Edition

Learn how you can use online resources and library tools to dig into ballot initiatives and be an informed voter.

Workshop schedule

This one-hour drop-in workshop will repeat on six dates in October at different times:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 14, 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 19, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 20, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. 
  • Thursday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m. – noon
  • Monday, Oct 26, 11 a.m. – noon
  • Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2 – 3 p.m. 

The Library welcomes people with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. If you need an accommodation for any scheduled date, please contact libraryoutreach@sfsu.edu as soon as possible so we can review your request.

Voting in the next election

The General Election is Nov. 3, 2026. You can register to vote online and receive a ballot by mail until Oct. 16 (California Secretary of State); or register and vote at a polling place on Election Day (S.F. Department of Elections). If you aren't sure whether you're registered, check at My Voter Status.

 

September Updates

We’re making changes to make the Library work better for you.

Check out on your schedule

We recently added a new self-checkout station at Book Checkout & Pickup on the first floor. The best feature: It’s always open, including nights and weekends when the desk isn’t. 

Enter your SFSU ID number using the touchscreen to begin. Need help? Just ask.

Read more

Learn about how to borrow library materials, checkout periods, and more.

Borrow & Renew

Your Library is in your SFSU mobile app

If you use the SFSU mobile app, look for our Library Hub link on the homescreen! Click through to access common tasks and tools — including OneSearch, course reserves, study rooms, and your account. 

  • Students, find Library Hub listed under Campus Resources. 
  • Staff and faculty, scroll down to find the Library Hub icon.
Disembodied hands accessing library resources on a phone

Events this month

Upcoming Events

Fall Crafternoons

Drop in for a variety of crafts on selected afternoons (and mornings and evenings!) this fall semester. 

Schedule

  • Wednesday, Sept. 9: Make a custom button/pin, 8 – 9 p.m.
  • Friday, Sept. 11: Make a custom button/pin, 2 – 3 p.m.
  • Monday, Sept. 14: Design a bookmark, 4 – 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Sept. 20: Air-dry clay, 9 – 10 a.m.
  • Monday, Sept. 28: TBA
  • Thursday, Oct. 15: Design a bookmark, 1 – 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 22: Design a bookmark, 1 – 2 p.m.

Check back for more dates and projects!

Discover Three Local Libraries

Drop by Tuesday, Sept. 22, or Thursday, Oct. 1, between noon and 2 p.m. to meet librarians from three libraries that serve the SFSU campus community! Ask about free services and resources you can get from each one:

J. Paul Leonard Library (SFSU)

We can help you spend less on your required reading, find great study spots for your style, explore unique archives and primary sources, improve your search skills, or borrow games and useful gear from our Library of Things. Say hello and take home a sticker, pen, or bookmark!

Merced Branch Library (SFPL)

Get your San Francisco Public Library card on the spot for easy access to audiobooks, streaming movies and shows, music, bestsellers, local museums, and more. (Busy day?Save time by filling out your library card application in advance!)

Sutro Library (California State Library)

Discover rare books, historical collections, and extensive genealogy resources available to everyone at this state library branch on the top floors above the SFSU Library. 

Discover Three Local Libraries

Drop by Tuesday, Sept. 22, or Thursday, Oct. 1, between noon and 2 p.m. to meet librarians from three libraries that serve the SFSU campus community! Ask about free services and resources you can get from each one:

J. Paul Leonard Library (SFSU)

We can help you spend less on your required reading, find great study spots for your style, explore unique archives and primary sources, improve your search skills, or borrow games and useful gear from our Library of Things. Say hello and take home a sticker, pen, or bookmark!

Merced Branch Library (SFPL)

Get your San Francisco Public Library card on the spot for easy access to audiobooks, streaming movies and shows, music, bestsellers, local museums, and more. (Busy day?Save time by filling out your library card application in advance!)

Sutro Library (California State Library)

Discover rare books, historical collections, and extensive genealogy resources available to everyone at this state library branch on the top floors above the SFSU Library. 

August Updates for Students

Find budget-friendly options for your required reading this fall!

Before you buy or rent, see what you can check out for free

You can get free access to required materials for many classes through our Course Reserves program, including ebooks, digital media, and print books with one-, two-, and three-day checkout periods. 

Associated Students’ Project Connect Book Loan Service is another great campus resource that lets you borrow up to three textbooks for the full semester — completely free. Applications open Aug. 24. 

 

Books seen from above

Find a space that’s right for you

Zoom class, group work, and hangouts 🐝 

Our first, second, and third floors are collaborative spaces where there’s often a hum of conversation. 

*Just one exception — the Quiet Corner at the northwest corner of the third floor is set up for quiet/solo study.

Quiet focus 🤫

For a more peaceful environment, try our quiet study areas on the fourth floor and the ground floor (basement), including an enclosed Silent Study Room. 

Time to unwind 🛋️ 

The Library’s Living Room is designed with wellness in mind! Enjoy couches and armchairs, puzzles, craft supplies, a book-swap shelf, and more.

Something else? 🤔 

Take a look at our floor maps. And ask a Library peer mentor at the desk for more suggestions!

 

Fall hours start Aug. 17

Check the Library’s hours page to see when we’re open each day.

 

Tour the library with an insider

We’re offering drop-in tours during move-in week and the first week of classes. 

  • Find dates and times here or on Gateway
  • Meet your guide at the checkout desk
  • Explore the building and learn tips for getting what you need from your Library
  • Couldn’t attend? Ask a peer mentor at the desk to share their highlights and insights!

 

Strike exhibit open 

Explore the SF State strikes of 1968–69 through historical video footage, photos, artwork, and documents showcased in this ongoing student-curated and student-designed exhibition. 

 

Self-checkout now available

You can check out books and other materials at our new self-checkout machine anytime, even on weekends and at night when the desk is closed. Enter your SFSU ID number to begin!

 

May Updates

Survive the final stretch with study breaks, free snacks, and more time to lock in at your Library.

Wellness Weeks at your Library: May 11 – 21

Refresh and refuel with study breaks, snacks and resources

This spring, we’re expanding Wellness Weeks throughout the Library. All the end-of-semester support we usually pack into the Events Room (LIB 121) will instead be spread around the building starting the week before finals.

Here's what we have planned:

  • Study break stations on multiple floors — look for the signs!

  • Free snacks for all SFSU students near the Book Checkout & Pickup Desk

  • Crafternoon-style crafting pop-ups

  • Info hubs with research tips and campus support resources on the first and second floors

  • Visiting therapy dogs on May 12 — details below!

 

Gallery Opening: On Strike! Shut it Down!

Join us for the opening reception of a new student-curated and student-designed exhibition on the historic student-led strike of the 1960s!

  • 2 – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 9

  • Special Collections Gallery, LIB 460, fourth floor

Curated by Jesse Martinez. 

Designed by Demille Taylor.

 

Historical photo collage of protesters, administrators, and politicians with text: J Paul Leonard Library Special Collections & Archives Exhibit Opening: On Strike! Shut It Down!

This month’s events

May 6: Crafternoon: DIY Air Fresheners

May 7: Environmental Research, Action and Sustainability Workshop 

May 9: Gallery opening for new strike exhibition

May 11 – 21: Wellness Weeks at the Library (scroll up for more info)

May 12: Wags for Wellness therapy dog visit

May 12 – 14: Finals Film Fest 

May 14: Research for Real Life, Post-Graduation Edition

May 23 – 25: Library closed for Memorial Day weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday)

 

Extended hours for finals, May 10 – 22 

Library open:

  • 7 a.m. – midnight Monday through Thursday
  • 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday
  • Noon – 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 

Book Checkout & Pickup Desk hours: 

  • 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday
  • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday  

Walk-in research assistance available: 

  • 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday – Thursday at the research help desk by our welcome wall
  • By appointment other days and times, online or on campus

Tutoring support for finals

During finals week, TASC will be open for drop-in academic support Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Students can stop by LIB 220 on the second floor of the Library for help with studying, writing, and general academic questions — no appointment needed. 

Learn more about the Tutoring and Academic Support Center

Summer hours begin in June

During the week of Memorial Day, May 26 – 29, we will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

As of June 1, we will switch to our summer schedule:

  • Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
  • Saturday and Sunday: closed 

Services at the Book Checkout & Pickup Desk will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

For summer-session research assistance, talk to a peer mentor anytime the desk is open. You can also make an appointment to consult with a librarian of your choice online or on campus, or use our chat system to ask a librarian your questions anytime — no bots here!

Check hours for specific days or services: SFSU Library Hours

 

Correction

An earlier version of this page listed the Library’s summer hours incorrectly. We fixed the mistake Tuesday, May 19. 

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