The Huntington Beach Library is now fines free. We do not charge late fees for items returned past their due date. See the Fines Free FAQ for more information.
After 30 days overdue, an item will be assumed lost. Patrons will be blocked from checking out items until all lost items are returned or paid for. The fee for the item is the price for the cost of a new replacement through our vendor plus a $5 reprocessing fee.
Other Library Fees
The library will not accept a book a patron purchases as replacement for lost books. Books purchased for the library collection are processed off-site. If a patron borrows a book from the library collection and the book is lost, the library will replace the book and charge the patron the catalog fee for the book and a processing fee.
Libraries throughout California and the country have been eliminating late fines. Late fines often present a barrier to library access for patrons who need materials and services the most. Many libraries have seen an increase in the return of lost or missing items as patrons return to the library.
The library is no longer sending accounts to collections and old collections accounts have been deleted.
As long as they are in good condition, we are happy to have the items returned to us. If your card was blocked due to lost items or overdue fines, your card will be reinstated once all items are returned. If you paid for any lost items, we cannot offer a refund.
After 30 days overdue, an item will be assumed lost. Patrons will be blocked from checking out items until all lost items are returned or paid for. The fee for the item is the price for the catalog fee of the item plus a $5 processing fee. Returning items on or before their due date makes them available for other patrons that may be waiting.
You will be notified by text, phone, or email, depending on what you requested when your account was set up. You can also check your account online.
You will not be able to checkout or renew materials. You will also lose access to online databases, ebooks, and computer use. Your account will be unblocked at no cost to you when you return items on your card. If you’ve lost the items, your account will be unblocked when you pay for the lost items and processing fee.
Studies have shown that fines have relatively little impact on whether library items are returned on time. When other libraries have gone fine free, they’ve found that more items are returned. More items on the shelf, means shorter wait times!
Why are Libraries Eliminating Late Fees?
Long Overdue: Why public libraries are finally eliminating the late-return fine by Ruth Graham