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Borrowing Materials

Loan Periods and Renewals

ItemLoan PeriodRenewals
Books, CDs21 days3 times
DVDs7 days3 times
Magazines7 days1 time
Bookmobile items21 days3 times
Laptop and Hotspot Loans42 days3 times

You can check out up to 50 items on your library card.

Materials can be renewed on or before the due date. They cannot be renewed if there is a waiting list. To renew items, log into My Account or call a LA County Library location. You can return your items to any LA County Library location or bookdrop.

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 library items on time.

Library Notices

Library notices for holds and overdue materials are sent to customers either by phone or email. To update your telephone number or email, log into My Account or call a LA County Library location. The next time you check out library materials you will be asked to show a valid ID. To sign up for email notices, complete this form.

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.” If you are going on vacation, enter the dates you will be gone and we will delay your hold until you return. 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.

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 a phone call, or a mail or email notice when your hold is available for pickup. You can place up to 50 holds.

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.

7-Day Holds Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 7 days include days the library is closed like Sundays or holidays?

Yes, the 7 days is calendar days, including days the library would regularly be closed. This includes Sundays and holidays.

Does this affect my 50-item limit? Do I have to pick up all my filled holds at the same time?

It does not affect the 50-item limit. Customers can still select which holds they want to pick up during their visit. Leaving holds behind for another pickup visit does not extend the shelf expiration date of the items still on hold that are left behind.

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