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Public Library

Fines and Fees

Farewell to Overdue Fees

Beginning July 1, 2018 San Diego Public Library will no longer charge overdue fees.

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. You are still able to use the Library and renew other materials you have checked out.

Fines and Fees

This has been revised as of July 1, 2018. For any materials checked out before this date, the following PDF icon fee structure applied.

Library accounts are sent for collection when unpaid bills total $10.00 or more and are more than 90 days old.

Accounts with over $10 in unpaid bills or with currently overdue items will be prevented from checking out new items. Items on account may still be renewed, if eligible.

Fee Description Amount
Library Card Fee CA Resident FREE
Non-resident $32
Library Card Replacement Lost Card Replacement Fee $1.00
Material Replacement Adult Materials Cost of item  +
$5 Processing Fee
Young Adult & Juvenile Materials Cost of item  +
$5 Processing Fee
Magazines & Paperbacks Cost of item
Uncataloged Materials Cost of item
Photocopies & Print Self-Service Card $1.00
(Self-Service) In Black and White $0.15 per page
In Color, Central Library only $1.00 per page
(Staff Printed) Mailed Copies $0.20 per page  +
$5 Research Fee +
$3 per item mailed
Microfiche Prints Coin-operated machine, Central Library only $0.15 per page

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 checkout any additional items. 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, applicable service fees, 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 and any applicable service fees. 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. This invoice must be paid within 30 days.

If the final invoice for a damaged item is unpaid 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 and applicable service fees. Your library card will be barred, preventing you from renewing or checking out items. You must pay the bill for the replacement cost and the processing fee. 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 will continue to accrue overdue fees but lost materials will be handled in the same manner as San Diego Public Library lost materials. Patrons are also responsible for any additional fees the lending library may impose for the lost item.

 
Fine Type Amount
ILL Request $5 per request, additional fees may be required by lending library (indicate a maximum charge on ILL request form).
Late Charges After 30 day, item will be marked lost. Patron will be billed for the cost of the item, processing fee and any additional fines from the lending library. For more information, please refer to Lost Items.
Unpaid Fines Referred for collection and subject to additional fees.

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.

Fine Type Amount
Lost Item $140.00 assessed on the 60th day an item is late. No refunds will be given once payment has been received for a lost item.
Damaged Item $140.00 per item if it cannot be returned to circulation by the lending library.
Unpaid Fines Referred for collection and subject to additional fees.