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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t see your question here? Call any LA County Library location or email us.

HOW DO I GET A LIBRARY CARD?

To get a library card, fill out an application and bring it to any LA County Library location along with a valid form of ID. Applications are also available at every library. If your library card is lost or stolen, report it immediately. Replacement cards cost $3.00. If you aren’t able to visit one of our libraries in person, you can also sign up for a digital library card. For more information, visit our library cards page.

HOW DO I GET A PIN?

You can request a PIN online or by calling your local LA County Library location. You may also select “Forgot my PIN” when logging in to the catalog.

WHAT DOES THE MESSAGE “PRIVILEGE HAS EXPIRED” MEAN?

Your library card expires every 3 years. To reactivate your card, call your local LA County Library location and verify your address and phone number. The next time you check out library materials you will be asked to show a valid ID.

WHY DOES MY ACCOUNT SAY “USER BLOCKED / BARRED”?

An account that is blocked or barred may have fees, have 10 or more overdue items, or the address on the account may need to be verified. Contact your local LA County Library location to discuss your account.

WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE RETURNED AN ITEM AND MY RECORD SHOWS IT IS STILL CHECKED OUT TO ME?

Contact your local LA County Library location where you returned the item to discuss your account.

I RETURNED AN ITEM FROM ANOTHER LIBRARY SYSTEM TO AN LA COUNTY LIBRARY BY MISTAKE. WHAT DO I DO?

Contact the local LA County Library location where you returned the item to see if it is still there. If the library no longer has it, it was shipped to our Headquarters and will eventually be sent back to the owning library, which takes about 4 – 6 weeks.

HOW DO I CHANGE HOW I RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS?

You can sign up for email notices online. To sign up for notices by phone, please call your local LA County Library location. You may sign up for email notices by calling, as well. We no longer send print notices by mail.

CAN I PAY MY FEES ONLINE?

Yes. You can pay your fees with a credit card in our online catalog. At this time, you can only pay your entire balance. You must know your library card number and PIN. Log in to My Account and then click the Fines tab. A button will appear to Pay Bills. If you need to make partial payment, do not have a credit card, or don’t wish to pay online, you can also visit your local LA County Library location and pay by cash or check.

CAN I RESERVE A COMPUTER ONLINE?

Computer use is currently on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not available.

DO YOU HAVE WIRELESS INTERNET / WI-FI?

Yes, there is Wi-Fi at all LA County Library locations. To use a computer, customers need a library card and PIN.

CAN I CHANGE THE DEFAULT PICKUP LOCATION FOR MY HOLDS?

Yes. Log in to your account via our catalog, then select your Preferred Pickup Library in Preferences under your Personal Information, and click the Update button. You may also call your local LA County Library location for assistance.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN MY HOLD IS AVAILABLE TO PICK UP? HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

You will receive a notice by phone or email when your hold is available. You can sign up for email notices online. To check the status of your holds, log into the online catalog and click on “My Account.” You can view and manage your holds by clicking on the “Holds” tab.

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.

HOW DO I DOWNLOAD AN EBOOK OR AUDIOBOOK?

See our eBook or audiobook pages to get started and for information on supported devices.

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