Need Help? Text a Librarian.

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Starting today, area residents with burning reference questions can get answers via a text message from San Jose librarians.

The San Jose Public Library is participating in a pilot program that allows residents to text their queries and receive a quick response from San Jose Public Library and San Jose State University librarians.

Users can send a message to 66746, and begin their message with "AskSJ." Questions must be fairly straightforward, according to the library, and librarians will be able to respond succinctly.

The service will be available Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., according to the library.

Anyone with a cell phone can use the service. While the library does not charge a fee for the answers, phone providers' standard messaging rates will apply.