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. Throughout the past year more than 860 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, or go to lockedandunloaded.org to have a lock shipped to you.
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.
Wear Something Orange
In January, 2013, high school student Hadiya Pendleton was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago. Hadiya’s childhood friends commemorate her life by wearing orange, the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others. Now, observed nationally each year on the first Friday in June through the weekend, wearing orange symbolizes support for increasing awareness around gun violence prevention.
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.

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




