Library accounts are sent for collection when unpaid bills total $10 or more and are more than 60 days old.

Accounts with over $1 in unpaid bills or currently overdue items will be prevented from checking out new items. Items on account may still be renewed, if eligible.

To break down barriers to access, San Diego Public Library has introduced Fresh Start, a youth fine forgiveness program. Learn more

Overdue Items

Materials are considered late one day after they are due to the Library. If you have an overdue item, your library card will be blocked, and you will not be able to check out any additional items. However, you are still able to use the Library and renew other materials you have checked out.

At seven days overdue, the Library will send you an email alerting you that your Library materials are overdue and must be returned or renewed. At 14 days overdue, we will email you a second reminder to return or renew your items.

At 30 days overdue, we will email you a third and final reminder.

At 60 days overdue, the Library will consider the items lost and mail you a bill for the cost of the overdue item, and your library card will be barred, preventing you from renewing or checking out items. However, bills will be waived if the item is returned within two months of the notice. 

At 90 days overdue, the Library will mail you a final invoice. This invoice must be paid within 30 days.

At 120 days overdue, if you haven't paid the invoice, the debt will be transferred to the City Treasurer Delinquent Accounts division and assessed a collection fee and other associated fees. Your library card will be barred until we are notified by the City Treasurer that the fine has been paid.

Damaged Items

If you return an item that can no longer be used or is returned with missing pieces, the Library will mail you an invoice for the cost of the items. Your library card will be barred, preventing you from renewing or checking out items. Replacements for lost or damaged items will not be accepted.

After 30 days, the Library will mail you a final invoice, which must be paid within 30 days.

If the final invoice for a damaged item is unpaid for more than 30 days, the account will be transferred to the Office of the City Treasurer Delinquent Accounts division and assessed a collection fee and other associated fees.

Lost Items

When materials are 60 days overdue the Library considers the items lost and will mail you a bill for the cost of the items. Your library card will be barred, preventing you from renewing or checking out items. You must pay the cost of the replacement. Replacements for lost items will not be accepted. However, bills will be waived if the item is returned within two months of the notice.

At 90 days overdue, the Library will mail you a final invoice. This invoice must be paid within 30 days.

When a lost item is 120 days overdue, the library account will be transferred to the City’s Treasurer’s Department Delinquent Accounts division and assessed a collection fee and other associated fees. 

Interlibrary Loan Fines & Fees

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) materials may be charged overdue fees by the lending library. For ILL items that are lost, the lending library may charge fees in addition to those billed by the San Diego Public Library in accordance with its lost materials policy.

LINK+ Fines & Fees

LINK+ items do not belong to the San Diego Public Library and fees and fines for these materials are set by LINK+. Once payment is given for fines, there are no refunds.

San Diego Circuit Fines & Fees

San Diego Circuit items do not belong to the San Diego Public Library and fees and fines for these materials are set by San Diego Circuit. Once payment is given for fines, there are no refunds.