Loan Policies and Fees
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
- Black and White printing, 15¢/page, Color printing, 50¢/page
- Black and White photocopies 15¢/page, Color photocopies, 50¢/page
- Fax, $1.00/page
- Replacement card for adult's lost card $5.00
- Replacement card for children's lost card $5.00
- Damaged or lost barcode $5.00
- Damaged or lost audio book/DVD single disc $15.00
- Damaged or lost audio book case $10.00
- Damaged or lost music CD case $1.00
- Damaged or lost video case $2.00
- Damaged/Lost Media Artwork $2.00
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.
Borrowing Limits
- Borrowing Privileges are non-transferable.
- The cardholder is responsible for all transactions on his or her card. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for all transactions on all cards where they are the parent or guardian of record.
- Cardholders must be over 18 to check out Media items (DVDs/CDs/Audiobooks) (10 maximum media items per library card)
- A maximum of 35 items checked out on a single card at any time. Some cards have lower checkout limits, such as teen cards and visitor cards.
- Some items are limited to one per patron. These include hotspots, busy bags, and parks passes.
Fines Free FAQ
Why did you eliminate fines?
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.
What if I was in collections?
The library is no longer sending accounts to collections and old collections accounts have been deleted.
Can I return very overdue items I have at home?
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.
Can I keep library items as long as I want?
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.
How do I know if my items are overdue?
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.
What happens when my account is blocked?
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.
Won’t you have longer hold lists? How will you get people to return their items?
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!
Learn More
Why are Libraries Eliminating Late Fees?
Long Overdue: Why public libraries are finally eliminating the late-return fine by Ruth Graham
Did you know?
The Huntington Beach Fire Department charges for emergency medical services and ambulance transportation. However, residents can join the FireMed Program and protect their out-of-pocket costs! Read more about the FireMed Program.
