Gun Violence Awareness
Gun Lock Distribution Program
LA County Library has partnered with the Office of Violence Prevention to offer free gun locks at our 6 Tool Lending Library locations: Compton, Lancaster, Malibu, Norwalk, Rosemead, and San Fernando. More than 1100 gun locks have been distributed as part of this initiative, empowering residents to take important steps towards preventing accidental firearm-related incidents and help keep our loved ones safe.
Each household may receive up to 2 free gun locks along with essential gun safety education materials. No personal information, including name, identification, telephone number, or library cards, will be required to obtain a gun lock. Together, we can take proactive steps towards ensuring the safety of our families and neighborhoods. Visit us to pick up your free gun locks and learn more about responsible gun safety practices.
Please note, LA County Library prohibits firearms and weapons of any kind at any library location. Do not bring a firearm to the library to receive a gun lock.
Gun Safety Teach-In and Resource Fair
Wednesday, June 10 – 3 to 6 pm at Lancaster Library
Join the LA County Department of Public Health and local community partners for a screening of the PBS Frontline documentary Breakdown in Maine (2024).
The screening will be followed by a panel conversation and resource fair where you can learn more about what you can do to prevent gun violence and connect with local services and resources.
More Resources

Kanopy: Stream movies, documentaries and television programs covering a variety of violence prevention topics.
The Office of Violence Prevention
has gun safety information and resources. They regularly raise awareness of gun violence prevention through presentations that can cover a variety of topics, such as the impact of gun violence, Gun Violence Restraining Orders, and normalizing conversations around gun safety.

The Storytelling Project features survivor stories collected by the Office of Violence Prevention, Department of Arts and Culture, and Creative Strategist Artist-in-Residence Olga Koumoundouros.
Gun Lock Program FAQs
Do I need to give you my personal information?
No, the County is not asking anyone for any personal information to receive a gun lock.
How old do I have to be?
18 years of age or older.
How much do the gun locks cost? Is there a fee?
The gun locks are FREE. There are NO FEES or NO COSTS to receive gun locks.
How many free gun locks can I have?
Currently, there is a limit of 2-gun locks per family because there is a limited supply of gun locks for all of Los Angeles County.
Can I have a gun lock even if I don’t own a gun?
Yes. Absolutely, no questions asked. You can also give the lock to anyone that you know who owns a gun.
Why is the County giving free gun locks?
Los Angeles County is giving free gun locks to help prevent accidental shootings and suicides.
The Department of Public Health and the LA County Office of Violence Prevention are giving free gun locks to ensure that communities in LA County are safe and free from death, injury, and trauma caused by gun violence.
Do I need to have or show my library card?
No, you do not need a library card. If you have a library card, you do not need to show your library card.
Where else can I get free gun locks?
- Lockedandunloaded.org
- Office of Violence Prevention website
- Order online at Project ChildSafe
- Check with local Los Angeles County Sheriff Department
- Check with local Los Angeles Police Department offices




