We’re Fine Free!
As of August 10, 2021, LA County Library has eliminated fines for overdue books and materials. As of this date, past, present, and future overdue fines for materials will no longer be charged.
The burden of administrative fines and fees can create financial strain for low-income families and can contribute to a cycle of economic hardship. Recent actions statewide have brought to light the concept that administrative fees can have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable individuals, particularly youth, non-citizens, and people of color.
For these reasons, more and many libraries around the country—and the world—are eliminating fines. LA County Library is happy to be a new member of fine free libraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Board Motion applies to all previously incurred overdue fines for books and materials, including Laptop & Hotspot Loans, and other high-demand items.
Overdue fines are the daily charges applied to items not returned by their specified due date. These are the fines that will no longer be charged to customers. Fees represent the charges applied for lost or damaged materials and are still in effect.
Yes, fees will still apply to lost or damaged materials. In addition, fees will be incurred for services and products, including:
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- Library card replacements
- Copying/printing
- Interlibrary Loans (ILL)
- Meeting Room Reservations
- Passport Services
- Treasurer Tax Collector/Collection Referral
- Non-sufficient funds (NSF)
Customers are encouraged to return materials in a timely fashion to the Library so others may enjoy these shared resources. Items not returned within 28 days of their due date will go to a “lost” status and customers will be billed for their replacement. Customers will continue to be responsible for reconciling any lost items or fees on their library account by either returning the item(s) or paying the replacement fee. Customers who owe more than $10 in bills OR have 10 or more overdue items on their library account fall out of good standing.
The Great Read Away allows Library cardholders 21 and under to get rid of fees associated with lost or damaged books and materials by reading them away. For every hour spent reading, $5 in fees will be removed from your account. With The Great Read Away, the Library will waive lost and damaged material replacement fees, Treasurer Tax Collector fees, and library card replacement fees.
Fines paid are non-refundable. Please contact your local library if you require further assistance.
We are working with our County partners to remove fines from accounts as quickly as possible. In the meantime please contact your local library, if you need assistance with an account related question.
