Borrowing Materials
Loan Periods and Renewals
| Item | Loan Period | Renewals |
| Books, CDs | 21 days | 3 times |
| DVDs | 7 days | 3 times |
| Magazines | 7 days | 1 time |
| Bookmobile items | 21 days | 3 times |
| Laptop and Hotspot Loans | 42 days | 3 times |
You can check out up to 50 items on your library card. Online digital cards and student cards can check out 3 items.
Materials will automatically renew on the due date, as long as they are eligible and there is not a waiting list. If items are not returned after the maximum number of automatic renewals, they will be marked overdue and eventually lost. You can also renew items by logging into My Account , using the Library App, or calling any LA County Library location.
You can return items at any LA County Library location or bookdrop, except Laptops, Connect & Go Hotspots, and tools must be returned to the library from which they were borrowed. Laptops cannot be returned to the bookdrop.
When the item is overdue 28 or more days, the item is considered LOST and your account will be charged the replacement cost of the item. Returning the item to the library will reverse the bill.
Hold an Item
To place a hold, call your local LA County Library location or log into the online catalog (top-right corner), search for the item and click “Place Hold.” To view, modify or cancel your hold, go to My Account. To change the default location where your items are delivered, you must call a LA County Library location.
You can also place holds using the LA County Library App (available on Apple and Android).
If an item is not available or is located at another library, you can place a hold on it. When available, it is delivered to your LA County Library location and is held for you for 7 days. The time it takes for your hold to arrive varies depending on where the item is being shipped from and if there is a waiting list. You will receive an email or phone call when your hold is available for pickup. Library app users can opt-in to push notifications for available holds. You can place up to 50 holds.
Library Notices
Library notices for holds and overdue materials are sent to customers either by email or phone. To sign up for email notices, complete this form or call any LA County Library location. In addition, Library app users can opt-in to push notifications for available holds and due date reminders.
We Are Fine Free
All past, present, and future late fees have been eliminated. We’re excited to remove this barrier to enjoying library services.
Loss or damage to library materials will still be assessed. Items that are not returned within 28 days of the due date will be considered lost and the customer will be billed the full replacement cost of the item. Customers can avoid this charge by returning their items to the library.
Interlibrary Loan
If an item is not in our LA County Library collection, we can request it for you from another library system through Interlibrary Loan. It is at the discretion of the owning library whether to loan the item. Be aware that many libraries do not loan audiovisual or recently published materials. A $3 fee per item is charged to your account when you receive the item, which can take several weeks to arrive. Loaning libraries may charge additional fees; you can indicate a maximum fee you are willing to pay. To use Interlibrary Loan, contact one of our open LA County Library locations.
