Access to the Library Just Got Easier!
Beginning July 14, 2021, San Diego County Library will no longer charge overdue fines for SDCL-owned and consortia (Circuit, LINK+) materials.
For years, SDCL has worked with customers to reduce barriers to accessing the collection by promoting initiatives such as the Fine Free Friday and Fresh Start programs. Unfortunately, many of our users remain unable to check out library materials due to overdue fines. Therefore, we are pleased to announce that we have eliminated overdue fines.
Fines & Fees
As of July 14, 2021:
Overdue fines shall not be charged for SDCL-owned and consortia (Circuit, LINK+) materials that have been checked out and kept beyond their due date. Library materials borrowed from other institutions on behalf of San Diego County Library customers may accrue fines and fees based on applicable agreements with owning libraries.
While daily late fines are going away, library materials are on loan and customers should not keep items indefinitely. In lieu of fines, 28 days after the due date, customers will be charged the item cost and processing fee for each item not returned, as it is considered lost. This processing fee covers adding a barcode, RFID tag, case or cover, etc. to the replacement item to ready it for library use.
If overdue items are returned in good condition, the replacement cost and the processing fee are removed from the customer account.
Accounts with a balance of $100 or more may be referred to collections and assessed a $10 Collection Agency fee.
Customers owing more than $20 will not be able to renew materials or check out any additional items. You will still be able to use the Library and online services.
Overdue Items
Materials are considered late one day after they are due to the Library.
At 7 days overdue, the Library will send a notification alerting you that Library materials are overdue and must be returned or renewed.
At 14 days overdue, the Library will send a second notification reminder to return or renew your items.
At 28 days overdue, the Library will consider the items lost. You’ll be sent a bill for the item cost and processing fee, and your library card will be suspended, preventing you from renewing or checking out items. However, bills will be cleared if the item is returned in good condition.
At 49 days overdue, a second billed notice will be sent.
At 80 days overdue, accounts with a balance of $100 or more may be referred to a Collection Agency and assessed an additional $10 referral fee.
Lost or Damaged Items
If a County Library item is lost, stolen or damaged while checked out on a customer’s account, customers must pay a non-refundable $5 processing fee and either:
1) Pay full cost of the item; or
2) Replace the item with an exact duplicate in excellent condition
- Exact duplication is determined by ISBN or UPC designations. Former library copies are not accepted.
If a lost item is found and returned in good condition within 90 calendar days of the date the item was paid for, customer may apply for a refund of the item cost. Processing fee is non-refundable.
If a lost and paid item is found by the customer after the refund period, they may keep the item.
When a damaged item has been paid in full, customers have the option to keep the item.
For stolen or damaged items, it is the customer's responsibility to pursue personal insurance reimbursement for the item.
Consortia (Circuit, LINK+) & Interlibrary Loan Materials Fines & Fees
Materials are the property of other institutions. All costs and fees for lost or damaged materials will be the responsibility of the customer and costs will vary based on institution and item.
Consortia materials will not be assessed overdue fines.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) materials may continue to accrue overdue fines based on our agreements with the lending institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Eliminating overdue fines leads to an increase in library usage, saves staff time, and promotes equitable access.
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Eliminating fines means that we will no longer charge the late fines that accrue daily for keeping County Library owned and consortia (Circuit, LINK+) materials beyond their due date. Materials must still be returned to the library or the customer will be charged for the item and a processing fee.
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While daily late fines are going away, library materials are on loan and customers will still need to return items or they will be charged the item cost and processing fee. Accounts with a balance of $100 or more may be referred to collections and assessed a $10 Collection Agency fee. Customers owing more than $20 will continue to be blocked from checking out. If a lost item is found and returned in good condition within 90 calendar days of the date the item was paid for, the customer may apply for a refund of the item cost. The processing fee is non-refundable.
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No, all overdue fines were eliminated during the computer upgrade. Please contact your local branch if an overdue fine remains on your account.
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Consortia (Circuit, LINK+) materials will not be assessed overdue fines.
- Circuit materials – For lost or damaged items, the charge is $100
- LINK+ materials – For lost or damaged items, the charge is $115
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) materials overdue fine is $.50 per day with $25.00 maximum.
Materials are the property of other institutions. All costs and fees for lost or damaged materials will be the responsibility of the customer and costs will vary based on institution and item.
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Two days before items are due, items will be automatically renewed from their original due date if they are eligible for renewal. If an item cannot be renewed, the customer will receive a notice 2 days prior to the due date advising them of such. If the item is not returned on time, the customer will be sent an overdue notice via email, phone, text or USPS mail at 7 days and another notice at 14 days. If the item is overdue for 28 days and goes into billed status, a billed letter will be mailed to the customer’s address on file.
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Library fees may be paid online through your MySDCL library account at sdcl.org or using the SDCL app.
Fees may also be paid at your local branch with cash and/or check, or by mailing a check made out to San Diego County Library to the following address:
San Diego County Library
Attn: Account Services
5560 Overland Avenue, Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92123
